An Extra Benefit for Escaping Cubicle Nation
I'm a big fan of Pamela Slim's Escape from Cubicle Nation. Her blog about the power of small business and entreprenueurship is a regular boost to serotonin levels, and golly there's a lot of good information packed into her work about how not to become bogged down in your workplace (whether that is at home or in a cubicle).
We do work from home for Durbin Media, and that's one of the reasons Pamela's posts seem so relevant. Franki has been working on her own for several years, and has prior experience running a home business (she was a dotcom entreprenuer before it was cool). For me - I've worked in small businesses, but always for someone, and my last small business was seven years ago.
It's a new experience, but the more I do it, the harder it will be to go back inside. Oh, and there's one more benefit.
A quick list of things that are different about working from home.
1) You cook your own meals when you're hungry.
2) There is no commute
3) Taking an hour off in the middle of the day for a walk or a workout is boss-approved.
4) If you are stiff from sitting in a chair for 6 hours, you can lie on the ground and stretch.
5) The coffee and tea are better (we've switched to brewing just tea for the health effects)
6) There's less stress about getting to work, which means planning meals is a lot easier (no more fast-food runs).
7) No expense account means no Krispy Kremes, no happy hours, and no Applebee's or PF Chang's lunches.
8) The extra hour a day in commuting time is now used for working out.
The result? I've lost 25 pounds since leaving my corporate position. 25 pounds. Granted - I could have done this while at work, but having my own schedule to follow and the 8 points above have helped make this happen (without going on a diet or following a regimen of eating and working out). In fact, now that I see how much weight came off - I'm actually trying to knock off another 15 pounds, just because I can!
Please don't take this as bragging - for me it's still a sense of wonder. In taking more responsibility for my work life by starting my own business with Franki, I find myself taking more responsibility for my health. That's quite a side benefit.
We do work from home for Durbin Media, and that's one of the reasons Pamela's posts seem so relevant. Franki has been working on her own for several years, and has prior experience running a home business (she was a dotcom entreprenuer before it was cool). For me - I've worked in small businesses, but always for someone, and my last small business was seven years ago.
It's a new experience, but the more I do it, the harder it will be to go back inside. Oh, and there's one more benefit.
A quick list of things that are different about working from home.
1) You cook your own meals when you're hungry.
2) There is no commute
3) Taking an hour off in the middle of the day for a walk or a workout is boss-approved.
4) If you are stiff from sitting in a chair for 6 hours, you can lie on the ground and stretch.
5) The coffee and tea are better (we've switched to brewing just tea for the health effects)
6) There's less stress about getting to work, which means planning meals is a lot easier (no more fast-food runs).
7) No expense account means no Krispy Kremes, no happy hours, and no Applebee's or PF Chang's lunches.
8) The extra hour a day in commuting time is now used for working out.
The result? I've lost 25 pounds since leaving my corporate position. 25 pounds. Granted - I could have done this while at work, but having my own schedule to follow and the 8 points above have helped make this happen (without going on a diet or following a regimen of eating and working out). In fact, now that I see how much weight came off - I'm actually trying to knock off another 15 pounds, just because I can!
Please don't take this as bragging - for me it's still a sense of wonder. In taking more responsibility for my work life by starting my own business with Franki, I find myself taking more responsibility for my health. That's quite a side benefit.
posted by James Durbin @ 6:44 AM PERMALINK
4 Comments:
This was an interesting list. I wish I could say I've lost 25 pounds since starting to work from home ;)
I find that because I work from home alone (at least for now) that when it comes time for dinner, I really value going out. I know it seems strange, but I get a bit claustrophobic/secluded here, and getting out of the house means a lot. In a town where the winter temps get to -25, it's hard to get one's butt outside, etc. So going out for dinner becomes a relatively big treat for me because it's a break from my usual routine.
Hopefully, when my partner is home with me, we'll find ways to incorporate some of the ideas you've listed. It's definitely a balance...and it can take a while to get into a 'groove' that works for you when you work at home.
Reese! We've missed you! You must be as busy as we are. ;)
I can relate to your scenario, though. On weeks that are light on meetings I find myself running one errand each day or spending a few hours out at a coffeehouse to break it up. It offers variety and saves you those costly nights out.
Our advice: Grab that laptop and head out to your nearest wi-fi hotspot! Welcome back, Reese.
As a stay-at-home mom for the last 13 years, I must say your post about working from home has really got me excited about my new at home business venture. Due to the fact that I have been home I would like to add a few things to the list that I believe is going to make the work-from-home idea even better for me.
1. Ability to leave for one hour and grocery shop.
2. Convenience of taking breaks whenever I want to do laundry throughout the day.
3. Being able to prepare meals and talk on the phone or work on the computer at the same time.
4. I especially love the idea of being able to stop and go clean a toilet, do the dishes, mop the floor or dust without having to clear this with a boss.
Please don't take this as bragging either...but I am quite thrilled with the new freedoms I am facing. And as far as health goes well I will be using that extra hour gained by not having to commute to work, to make lunches, fold the clean laundry, and brush my teeth if I have time. "That is quite a side benefit."
oh grief, I'm up to my ears! It's good to have to back from your vacation, too :)
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