Working in a virtual office environment generally requires far more self-discipline than working in a physical office.
Since no manager is actually present to monitor your work activities closely, it is vital that you be able to work independently and accurately on your own, and that you learn to recognize potential problems as they arise.
Although your manager is usually as close as a phone call if you do need help with something, you are the person in charge of scheduling routine work activities, and of making sure that you accomplish your objectives each day.
DEALING WITH DISTRACTIONS:
One of the greatest tests of your self-discipline is dealing with distractions and interruptions. It is very important to minimize distractions during your work time. And this can be difficult at first, until you develop a routine.
Some days can be a real challenge. Maybe you'll wake up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, all ready to start your workday, and as you walk past the coffee table on the way to your desk, a magazine catches your eye ...
Picking up that magazine "just for a second" can lead to a three-hour digression as you read every *fascinating* article in the whole magazine ... and miss half a day of work.
Resist the temptation! The magazine will still be there when you finish working.
And that TV show you really wanted to see, but somehow it only seems to be on when you should be working? Try taping it or saving the show in your TiVo, so you can watch it later, during your leisure time.
DEALING WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY:
As you develop your own work routine, you may also find that friends and family members don't always realize when you're working (since you are at home), and may interrupt your work schedule from time to time.
Getting your work done and making sure that your family and friends don't feel "ignored" can be a challenge that is best handled with extreme tact and diplomacy.
Those who can maintain the self-discipline to work efficiently in a virtual office environment will soon learn to love the freedom it brings to their lives. Most who try it will never want to return to working the "old" way again.
Are you ready?
