I have been working from home for 3 years now. It sounds absolutely dreamy...but it is not all that it is cracked up to be. I must say that owning my own business...and watching it grow from a concept to reality to internationally known is a 'thrill.' I have been living my dream of being my own boss, and self scheduling.I get up and lie down as I please..and squeeze in everything that has to get done in between. Because we have an online business, we work in a virtual office...everything is done by phone, Internet, web conference...rarely in person. As wonderful as this sounds...there is an incredible danger to this lifestyle...NO PANTS Required.I have participated in many business meetings via teleconference in my pyjamas. I have done webinars (online educational sessions) in my nighties. I have even gone so far as to dress from the waist up...lips and pearls and everything...for video conferences..with no pants...just PJ bottoms! I have been caught in my PJ's by the couriers (FedEx, Purolator, DHL).Oops!
Starting your own business is both scary and exciting! The downside is it takes a LOT of work in a short amount of time! Over the first couple of years, my business partner and I kept psychotic and unreasonable hours. As we struggled to meet deadlines....more projects with closer deadlines would appear. We would get it done...and this was all good from a business perspective but very detrimental to my health. You would think that because I can chose to fill my days as I please...and not having to answer to anyone...that I would be able to get to the gym, go for walks and so on. BUT, that quickly turned into "as soon as I get this done"...and then suddenly it would be 1am! I tried setting exercise time into my agenda...but an important phone call would come in or a huge project diversion...and I would promise myself...tomorrow.
Since I was not accountable to anyone, and lived day by day as per my agenda, I totally lost track of all days. I would have to ask my husband often "what day is this?" He would try to recite the date and I would say "not the date...what day of the week is it?". Another danger of not having structure is diet. I am not talking about a weight loss diet...I am simply referring to healthy eating. Hours could go by and I would not eat. Then, starving...I would make bad choices. I would catch myself feeling wonky or having a headache...and then discover that 8 hours have gone by...and 12 cups of coffee later that I haven't eaten! Everyone knows if you do not eat regularly that can lead to many health and weight issues....which it has. I have gained 60 pounds and I now have diabetes (diet controlled, weight related). I have easily smoked a full package of cigarettes a day...sometimes on very stressful days I have even smoked two!!! Ironically, I was writing educational courses for nurses....about cardiac risk factors at the worst of it.
The MOST dangerous side effect of working home alone, losing track of time and days... by far is living pant-less. When I started this business I was 60 pounds lighter! I went form running my ass off as a nurse to working from home on my butt. Add stress to social isolation and you've got yourself an emotional eating wreck. Once every couple of months I would travel for conferences and/or speaking engagements...and I would be so distressed about nothing fitting. I would make a life altering pledge...but again I got so busy I never got around to it. Then, one day..I had to put on pants and nothing fit..not even close. My PJ pants were skin tight and painful....my stretchy pants fought back...what a reality slap!
As Dr. Phil would say...."how's that working for ya?" It wasn't. So along came the goal of my mini triathlon, the 100 pound journey and my blog. I am pleased to have a goal with a deadline.I cannot say tight pants "hurt so good!". I also have decided to go back to work at the hospital in nursing part time...to have some structure, much needed socialization and a daily wardrobe requirements. I will know what day it is...I will have scheduled meal breaks. I will get to see my friends again. I am eager to simply 'move' on a regular basis. I will still be busy with the company in between... but once you get moving it is easier to keep moving. My best advice to anyone planning to work from home and to everyone out there during the Christmas holidays...where you can easily lose track of time and calories... is to put on your pants everyday!
One way to get thin is to re-establish a purpose in life.
Cyril Connolly
Lynn
;)
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