Just a quick note to say I’m still here and working hard from home in 2020. I hope your year isn’t a complete bin-blaze.
It’s been a busy time, and I’ve neglected the blog - so am making amends.
I’ve been working from home for around 14 years now. Seems like a good time to talk about that. Welcome to the glory that is ‘no commute’.
Here are some of the things I’ve learned:
It’s very easy to over-work when at home. Especially if you’re being paid by the hour or for clear deliverables. More work = more money right?
I start at 8:30 am and finish work at 5:30 pm - Monday to Friday. Outside that time I don’t go near my work computer or take any work calls (I tell clients to SMS with emergencies).
The work will always be there tomorrow.
If you do happen to do some overtime - don’t send communications outside your working hours. I write then save emails to be sent the next morning.
It’s about protecting your non-work life.
Having a place that is for work only is ideal - you can close the door and walk away. In my 14 years, I’ve worked next to sleeping babies, on kitchen chairs, dining tables and bedrooms. Now I have a dedicated office.
When I didn’t have an office - I would still attempt to pack up so that I could actually see work as ‘over’.
Be sure to get the most comfortable chair you can afford (obviously!)
Get yourself an Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS). Or two. If the power goes out - your computers/equipment will still work.
Depending on what you buy - you can give yourself enough time to just save and shut everything down - or actually keep working for a few hours.
I have a large UPS for my main computer and hard drive and a second (smaller) UPS for the modem and home network. If the power goes out I still have my machine, all my files and the internet.
Spend around $300+ and you’ll be good.
Standard and boring stuff - but it is a necessity. If you have a Mac - use TimeMachine to an external hard drive (or two). If your files are smaller - backup to a cloud service every day as well.
That’s it for now - I hope the rest of 2020 works out for you.
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I've been a freelance interface designer, UX / UI guy and front-end developer for over 19 years, and a full-time freelancer since 2006. Contact me if you're looking for a help with your project, or your freelance setup.
I have a few PHP, Javascript and CMS experts that I work with when required – which is handy.
Great effort! I really like working with you as you can work off my short scribblings and make sense from the resulting in a cracking web page!Rickard, Corality
This is perfect thank you, great job as always.Eric, NRL
Thanks so much for your help with those changes, I really appreciate you turning that around for me on such a short deadline. You've been extremely accommodating and helpful in piecing the product together, and I know everyone over here will be thrilled with the final result.Gina, Manly Sea Eagles
Thanks Dave, all looks perfect... The site is looking absolutely brilliant and is exactly as hoped for it to look and function.Tony M, NRL Wellbeing & Education
Perfect... the sticky nav scroll etc looks great!Victor, Fox Symes & Associates
Thanks Dave, You’re a legend! Much appreciated.Al, Specialised Force
I like the sizing and fonts, I think it's a clean design and the key points are emphasised well!Paul P, Dasck
I just wanted to thank you for the work you've put in – you're a true professional and I will not hesitate to recommend you to anyone (except our competition!)Al, Specialised Force