One of the most common issues as a military spouse is one’s career. Frequent moves make it difficult, if not impossible, to gain seniority in a company, let alone build camaraderie with coworkers or bosses. Other employers may even (illegally) avoid hiring milspos because they know they are only in a town for a certain amount of time.
One way many military spouses get around this is by working remotely. Post-COVID, it’s a practice that has become more accessible and acceptable worldwide. It can also be a great way for an employee to remain with a company, even after they PCS. You may no longer see those same coworkers in person, but you get to continue your rapport, as well as any progress you have found internally.
If you’ve never worked remotely or are considering it as a way to grow your career in the future, take a look at these ongoing tips.
Get a set space
Working from your couch or at the kitchen table just won’t do. You will need a dedicated area in order to remain successful. That doesn’t mean you have to work in that same space every day, all day, but it does give you a home-work space to which you can return.
Most likely you will want a desk and chair, though you can consider various options like a standing desk or one that changes in height, or sitting on a balance chair, etc. There are other obvious things you’ll need, like your computer, keyboard, and access to a powerstrip for plenty of plug-ins. Meanwhile, you’ll want room for things like a calendar, a place to write notes, filing space, and anything else you may need throughout the day in order to stay productive.
From there you can move around and find new places to get comfortable throughout the day, especially if you have a tablet or laptop. Heading outside or even hitting up a coffee shop can give you a much-needed boost of productivity, so keep this in mind any time you feel a mental block.
Stay social
For some, working from home and never having to put makeup on or wear actual pants is a blessing. An introvert’s dream. But there is a group of people who are ready to get out of the house after a day of at-home work. Whatever category you fall into, know that seeing others is good for the soul, and you should make room for it on some level.
Plan a few events a week where you are out of the house, whether that be evening dinners with friends, workout classes, getting a morning coffee with another work-from-home friend, etc. If your schedule is flexible, you can also plan these outings around nice weather, things that interest you, and more.
Even if you have to force yourself to leave the house, this should be an important part of your routine. It can boost your mood and help you be more productive when seeing others, rather than sulking at home.
Set a routine
Finally, set up a timeline as to how you’ll run your tasks each day. From getting ready and getting started, to stopping for a lunch break, and when you’ll finish for the day, having a set rhythm can help you feel “ready” to accomplish things each day. It can also jumpstart you into productivity while getting a slow launch can leave you snailing through tasks the entire day. Start strong in order to get more done and feel far more accomplished with your day of work.
Follow these tips for a better way to work at home. As a milspo, this can be one of the best ways to keep your career thriving, even as you continue to move with your spouse’s military career. Find your own groove and you’ll be more successful on your professional path.