Working from home...
everyone's' dream, right? Work at home employment is quickly becoming more of a reality for some, having been a target of downsizing and cutbacks.
The life once dreamed about as happening someday, is now a distinct possibility.
Leaving for the office, stopping for coffee, and then buckling down for a busy day is no longer part of the game plan.
To make it worse, situations thrust upon us with what appears to be no way out, can turn a dream into a nightmare.
Finding something one can do from home that pays the bills is only part of the issue.
For some, leaving the safety of a structured environment can be scary.
Though we have all grumbled about having to check in and having big brother breathing down our necks while we struggle to meet time lines and monetary goals, it can provide a sense of security.
Like rats in a maze, we are told to go this way and that.
Staying within parameters set by someone else, can feel safe.
Waking up in the morning without a sense of direction or left to our own devices, we can go off track quickly.
In addition, the lack of human contact outside the home can be unsettling and depressing.
It is important to set some goals for providing a safe and comfortable home base, so if working from home does become a reality, the connection to the outside world is not lost.
Meeting for coffee with old friends or a game of tennis can be an uplifting experience.
Though it can seem insurmountable to leave the house because we are feeling down, it can also be amazing to feel the difference in our energy after the first few minutes of meeting with a buddy.
Be wary though, that the meeting does not turn into a commiseration of times gone by, and how tough things are on the street.
Have an agenda before the meeting, of things to discuss and to keep the conversation upbeat.
If the situation does turn negative, gently steer it back on track.
Nothing good will come of meeting with someone who will only talk about how miserable life has become.
Try to make it a point to meet only with the more positive people in your life.
Set these meetings on a regular basis and work them into your schedule.
If money is an issue, take a walk, jog, or hike with your friend.
Take turns driving to each others' location to save on gas.
Brainstorm on ideas for work and income.
The old saying that two heads are better than one, really is true.
So, set a schedule for yourself.
This will help keep you on track and assist you in feeling less out of your element.
Break the day down into pieces with detailed tasks.
Once you feel more comfortable with your at home situation, you can become more flexible with your timetable.
Whether you end up back in the public workforce or do find your work at home dream job, staying focused on a schedule and maintaining your contact with the outside world, will help you make the transition more easily and create a sense of balance.
We have all heard it takes 21-30 days to develop a new habit, so be patient with yourself.
Before you know it, you will be back in the swing of feeling centered and grounded.