Working
from home certainly has its privileges, but most home-based
workers will admit to a few disadvantages.
One of those disadvantages
is working alone. You may not miss the office politics, but
what about the daily interactions with other adults. It takes
time to adjust to not having co-workers to chat with or bounce
ideas off of. Our co-workers served as a form of support for
us and without them, we have to learn to turn to others for
support.
Associations
serve as a vital part of a being connected to the outside
world.
Many times fellow members can become the outlet
you need to bounce ideas off of or to get new and fresh
ideas. The national association of Home-Based Working
Moms (www.HBWM.com) does just that through various channels
offered through their membership. One of the options to
connect to other members is through the member's listserv.
Members can post messages and instantly have five or ten
helpful responses. HBWM also offers a weekly e-newsletter,
monthly print newsletter, message boards, informational
website and many other opportunities to connect members
for support and networking.
In
addition to Small Business associations, there are many other ways to connect
with other home business owners to help keep your life balanced and enjoyable.
Here are a few tips & ideas:
Get involved in social activities outside your home office:
· Take a course in a business subject or a subject
you've always been interested in.
· Schedule an occasional lunch with friends or ex-coworkers.
· Find other home-based workers in your area to
meet with.
· Get involved in a neighborhood group or play group.
· Find a new hobby.
· Use the internet to connect with others using
e-mail, bulletin boards or chats.
· Join your local chamber of commerce or other organizations
and attend monthly meetings.
· Volunteer for community activities...(that's
networking too).
Get away from your home office:
· Plan time for yourself and your family. Don't
let work interfere with your happiness and health.
· Plan a weekend get away once a month if possible.
It doesn't have to be an expensive trip. You could go see
family or friends, go camping or rent a cabin.
· Make a date with your spouse at least once a month
so that you can stay connected as a couple.
· Set aside a few minutes every morning or evening
to "revitalize" yourself.
· Read a book, say a prayer, meditate or listen
to soothing music.
· Talk a walk. Walking is not only good for
your body; it is also good for your mind.
Find help with your freelance small business' work:
· Hire part-time help to do some of the work
that is bogging you down.
· If you have children, look into part-time childcare
options. Consider a Mother's Day Out program, part-time
preschool or hire a babysitter to come in when needed. Contact
your local high schools or colleges to see if they have an
early childhood development program where you can get names
of potential babysitters.
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Lesley
Spencer is founder and director of the national association
of Home-Based Working Moms (www.HBWM.com) and the creator
of Mom's Work-at-Home Kit (www.MomsWorkatHomeKit.com). HBWM.com,
Inc. is committed to bringing working moms closer to their
children. Sign up for their free eNewsletter at: www.hbwm.com/enews.htm
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Lesley
Spencer is founder and director of the national association
of Home-Based Working Moms (www.HBWM.com)
and the creator of Mom's Work-at-Home Kit (www.MomsWorkatHomeKit.com).
HBWM.com, Inc. is committed to bringing working moms closer
to their children. Sign up for their free eNewsletter at:
www.hbwm.com/enews.htm
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