What is it really like working from home? I mean REALLY???

[Former_Member]

Hi all!

I am taking a couple months leave from working my day job (beginning Jan 1, 2012) for alot of reasons - but the main reason is to take time to develop/grow my Etsy shop. I feel that if I really devote time and focus to it, I can grow it into something successful.

Here is the thing...I have been having thoughts/fears that I will become lonely/bored working from home. I know I cannot continue in this current job that I am at now, but at the same time, I am afraid that I will go crazy working from home for the next couple of months because I will not have the social contact that I am used to on a daily basis...I am single and do not have any kids or husband.

My question is: To all of the Etsy sellers out there that work full time from home...what is it REALLY like? I mean really? What are the pros and cons? How do you deal with the setbacks (if any)?

Appreciate any feedback...

Shelly

[greengrass2]

It can be lonely at times. You will need to be disciplined with your time management otherwise it's easy to work all the time and never stop for a rest. It helps to separate your work & living space if you can. But it's also liberating in that you are free to do other things at a time when you'd normally be in the office if you choose to.

Good luck!

[greengrass2]

If you don't have a husband or kids, you will need to ensure social contact on a regular basis through some sort of sport/cookery group/book club etc. Something social. Doesn't matter what it is. You'll need to speak to people!!

[StarJewels]

I have worked from home for 20 years, and was single and living alone for more than half that time. My work did bring me into regualr contact with people for meetings etc, but I can say it was important for me to have good friendships and make time for socializing at night, on weekends, etc. Frankly I've loved it, but it's not for everyone.

[Former_Member]

I've worked from home for my "day" job for about 14 years, and wouldn't trade it for anything, and it gives me some flexibility to work on my etsy business as well, if I'm not too busy with my job. There are pros and cons though:
It's easy to get distracted with the house - laundry, tv, etc, etc. It takes discipline to work from home (really work). It's easy to work more than you would at an office because the job (or the business) is there all the time. Since you'll be working on your business, not a job, my suggestion is to set regular working hours that are reasonable for you. Although you're only doing this for a couple of months, and not permanently yet, you might need to devote more time to get your business off the ground. But, at some point, having "work hours" will help you to create a separation from home and work. Definitely socialize with friends, groups, church, to keep your spirits up. Make lunch dates from time to time. It's important to get out of the house sometimes or else you might cabin fever.

Good luck!!

[Former_Member]

Most people either love it or hate it. I have been working for myself for many years in various endeavors. If most of your social life is at work, then you will need to replace that with organized activities with friends or groups. Joining a networking group can be a good idea. I find it helps to have very distinct work and home spaces, and to make lists and schedules for the week and try to follow them. I have never gotten bored, because there is always way more that I want to do than I can possibly have time for!

[Former_Member]

Thanks for the feedback guys...you all are AWESOME! I guess the only way I will know for sure is when I try it myself huh?!? :)

[PiggleAndPop]

I just left my restaurant job working 6 days 12 hours a day in October.
Now I am working part time from home doing medical research and devote the rest of my time making Jewelry and tending to my shop.

I absolutely love it! It was strange at first going from never being home to always being home, but this side of the spectrum is so flexible and much more relaxed. It is hard for me to not tinker with my shop all day long, and find time to fit regular house chores and making dinner and the gym and general life stuff in there... I am always doing 5 things simultaneously, but that's just me.

As for the lonely aspect, I've always enjoyed my alone time, but I never feel truly alone now due to the AMAZING Etsy community and chatting and exploring stores. Facebook, twitter, promoting, exploring etc. Trips to the post office, running errands, and you will find you will be very busy with your shop! But as everyone said above, it's about having discipline and setting rules for yourself, and trying to stick to a schedule...that's the best part-making it yourself!

Goodluck with your transition and your shop!!
-Bethan.

[RetroChalet]

I do Etsy part time except for the winter. It's very hard for me to go from the part time la la la mode to the full time let's do it mode. Being home drives me insane as the lifetime channel distracts me or the neighbor dropping over. I know I should get into the zone Ie : strap myself into a room with no tv or music and get to it but I struggle !!!!!

[Former_Member]

@Bethann: I am thinking that I might want to go this route as well...re-enter the IT world but more on a part time basis, and have my Etsy shop supplement my income...thanks for sharing your story!

@Cindy: LOL!!!

[Former_Member]

I've been running my own business in some fashion or another for the past 20 years.

With Etsy, since there isn't any contact with the outside world, its really important to make sure you don't become a hermit.

Having a set schedule is the only way that I can function, otherwise I'd go absolutely crazy!

And remember, Etsy is just your job. You do have a life as well. Don't forget your friends!

[Former_Member]

Hi, I'm agree with crochetgal make your schedule and remember your friends :)
All The Best

[Former_Member]

Hello hello!
Well I absolutely love it, no one controls you or your time. I have to admit though you have to be disciplined, and there is the whole consuming the risk when you become an entrepreneur, but I feel like it is completely worth it. Try working from monday-friday, but take the weekends off to be social. Also definitely try to mix in a few dinner/coffee dates with friends during the week. Good for you taking the next step!

[KriyaDesign]

I am comfortable being by myself. In college I traveled alone all over the States. Working from home with just myself is quite natural to me. Some of my friends swear they will never eat out alone. Not in my case. So I guess if you crave some social contacts during days, you need to take a mini break and go out to be among the crowds. Having small chats at the grocery store, deli or something like that. That way you don't experience any blues without this little human contact. I am married but my husband is so not into talking lol.

Congratulations! And all the very best. You'll make some adjustment as you go along.

[Former_Member]

I love working from home, no, I never get lonely, I love sewing and such, you get so involved in it, the day is gone before you know it

[Former_Member]

Thank you so much you guys for your words of encouragement I really appreciate it.

[Former_Member]

While I was employed for others (sewing machine companies) I worked from home and travelled to visit my clients so I had the best of both, if you will. The most important advice I can give you is that you need to be extremely disciplined to start work at a specific time every day (same time) and to be dressed as you would if you were working in another environment. That prepares you mentally to work. The other that is very important is that you establish a quitting time. Don't work all the time! It is very easy to lose balance and work too much. Make sure that you create activities outside of your established work hours that include other humans! Good luck!

[Unblushing]

Good for you! I wish I could take a couple months leave from my job to devote strictly to my own business.

Although I have never really "worked from home" I do know that time management is key. It can become all to easy to either a) get distracted from work or b) do nothing but work. That is a balancing act I have problems with now and my business is not even my full-time job (yet).

[Former_Member]

Thanks ladies :)