The Shocking Truth About Working From Home
This week has been one of utter chaos. Working from home has many advantages that are drawing many women over 50 to the comfort of their homes to redefine success in their lives.
However, the shocking truth about working from home can sneak up behind you if you aren't prepared. One of those not so luxurious tasks is “getting it all done”. Let me explain what I mean.
Work from home freedom?
Speaking with a friend and fellow woman over 50 who works from home our conversation included talking about how we do what we do. How do we get it all done in a way that satisfies us and our optimal goal – making money?
Although I have a “day job” in my auto transport business I also have my network marketing and online affiliate marketing businesses. Working the latter two into the nooks and crannies of my day balance becomes the issue at hand.
The elephant in the office today is the impending annual convention for my network marketing business in Salt Lake City, UT. I'll be gone for a total of five days. How to keep the business calls, orders and office running smoothly while out of the office is challenging to say the least.
These events for my networking business are a blast. We learn so many leadership styles and techniques, the science behind the products and get to network with distributors from around the world. We have fun, dine with friends and enjoy the time out of the office and our daily routines.
The problem is that when you are self employed you rarely have any down time to enjoy being out of the office. The work still needs doing, customers still need serving and money still needs to exchange hands to allow the doors to remain open. So, what is a girl to do?
Use automation for more freedom
We both agreed that using the tools that allow you to automate mundane daily tasks was necessary. The options available these days are numerous. Some services exist soley for the purpose of linking together different parts of the chain to make life easier with functions like pipedrive hubspot integration, helping you keep better track of your customers as both leads and the details that they have whilst they go through your systems, all without you having to do anything beyond initial setup. There are even solutions like using hosted pbx server that can help eliminate office boundaries and allow staff to work anywhere from a virtual office phone system.
I found that using Hootesuite helps me schedule my daily tweets and Facebook posts for my readers and customers. My friend, Doreen Sargente prefers Buffer. Both systems allow you to pre-program the work that would otherwise tie you to your chair.
The key is to plan ahead when you work from home. Using a calendar or online scheduling tool like Outlook Calendar helps me track appointments and stay on track with travel and family time.
Thankfully, using a recorded voicemail message alerts our customers that we are here to serve them, with limited office hours. They appreciate the heads up and it helps them relax as they await my return phone call.
You, Inc – take care of you
In the hustle and bustle of a busy week planning for being out of the office, it's really easy to overlook taking care of yourself (myself included). It is essential to remember to take breaks, eat every few hours and drink plenty of water. Sleep is another essential because when traveling germs are abundant as travelers from around the world tend to share with you via recirculated air, door handles on the restrooms and more. Let's not forget that once at the event a hectic, on the go schedule will tax the body even more.
So, by pre-planning the work, notifying business associates and customers of our trip and caring for our physical and mental health we will be able to enjoy to the full the event of the quarter – our company's annual convention.
Are you ready to redefine success after 50? Join me; let's get you started on your journey to working from home where your dreams are waiting to sprout like the spring daffodils.
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"Very well put. I've been with a health and nutrition company for over 26 years and I understand exactly what you are going through. I shiver to think what my health might be today at age 68 had I not stuck to my guns as far as practicing what I preach. Yes, I fall off the wagon regularly but my daily routine life reflects taking care of my health. That way I can keep up (somewhat) with my 7 grandchildren. You keep it up, Carla". 
"For most people the thought of venturing out there in pursuit of your dreams, in a place outside of your comfort zones is just what stops them. But I could sense your excitement not resentment in going against the competition. In planting your stake and truly making a difference in the clients experience. That's ultimately what matters, the rest just falls so easily into place. Thanks for that reminder"! 
Carla, I’ve got to say that I LOVE your focus on the joys and challenges facing women over 50. I’m definitely in that camp! I’ve been inspired by your candor, practical ideas, and refreshing determination to joyfully tackle life. The hours we’ve spent on the phone, in person, and through social media have enriched my life immeasurably. YOU are one Fiery Grandma, and I love your style! 
I have known Carla Gardiner for 6+ years. We met at a business training for bring business online. She is a business women at heart and willing to do the hard things to make the results show up. I have watched her run a business, work a job and take care of her family. She is a go getter when it comes to putting in the work to build her business to the level of being able to enjoy her grand kids.
She is the example that age is not a limit it is a tool for sharing knowledge to those she empowers to use their own skills and talents. Excuses are fuel to push her to learn and apply. I have seen her scared to death about implementing new technology and rock it out despite the learning curve.
I love watching you grow into your greatness Carla! Don’t slow down. 
"Carla, you are a model for me to follow. I love your site. And, I like what you have to say - very kind, very gracious. I have to say though that nothing in my life has ever been crystal clear". 
"I've known Carla for 5+ years and can tell you that she has lived every bit of this and more. We shared tears and laughs and hard work....you will enjoy getting to know Carla."
Funny how people think that working from home means you have time on your hands….so not the truth. i am the busiest memeber of the household. I don’t clock in and clock out then come home to chill. I’m going from the minute my feet hit the flor to the minute my head hits the pillow, 7 days a week….for business, home, family care…and mathat time for me is not easy but I insist on it everyday….and for me that is my gym time and quality nutrition uncompromise!! It is how I “do” the rest,the best!
Wow, Carl did you ever hit the nail on the head. I, too am the busiest in our household. Seems I’m labeled a “workaholic” but that’s the furthest thing from the truth. Success will not escape my reach…success in sharing how to redefine success after 50 is my burning desire for all women over 50!
Very important to put yourself first, otherwise nothing gets done or even matters! Great tips on automation tool also, thanks for sharing, Carla!
You are welcome, Delia. So thankful those tools for automating some of the work were shared with me. Love passing on a good tip for saving time.
Great post! You definitely have to come first or nothing will get done.:) I don’t think I could work at home..I would get off task:)
You definitely could do it Daniele. After all you have the tenacity to round up great deals to share with us…you can do what you set your mind to.
I love reading your articles week after week about working from home. It is important that people learn about it.
Thank you Carele. Appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule to stop by, read and share.
It’s so important to take care of yourself when you’re a solopreneur, and to automate as many tasks as you can. Great insight here Carla – Thanks for all you do to keep us on our toes!
You are welcome, Dawn. So grateful for your support and friendship. Thanks for all you do to help The Fiery Grandma get the message out to women over 50 who are ready to redefine success and reach their dreams.
Great advice! If you can’t take of yourself, you can’t take care of business.
Thanks Tom, it’s good to hear a man’s perspective. You need to take care of yourselves, too.
Great tips Carla, especially about taking care of ourselves and getting plenty of rest because if that foundation crumbles so does everything else!!
You are so right, Norma. I remember a time when I didn’t take care of me. I almost died as a result. As women over 50 we must care for ourselves otherwise we won’t be able to care for our hubby, children or grandchildren. Then what?
you are spot on here with these truths about working from home! And cheers to taking care of #1!!
Thanks Anita. Must admit it wasn’t always that way. Learning as I go I find sharing what works for me helps other women, too.
I like the point that you make about drinking a lot of water. One of my focuses for health is on staying hydrated.
Yvonne Brown
Thanks Yvonne. Working from home and being over 50 I have to remind myself to drink lots of water…sometimes I get so wrapped up in projects hours can go by and I not realize it.
Working from home can be challenging. Thanks for the great tips to help avoid some of the pitfalls!
Meryl I have no doubt you are aware of these pitfalls personally. However, it’s nice to have a community of women over 50 to share with. It’s therapeutic, right?
It is a journey for sure…with bumps in the road requiring a daily reminder of our’why’! Great article!
Thanks Denny. It’s been a true journey with twists and turns just like the wide open highway. But, it has been worth every turn, look…I met you!
Great tips – I sure loooooove me some automation, haha 🙂
Thank you Robin. I’m still learning the intricacies of using automation; but, it does save time in the long run. Love your laugh…
Great Tips! I will pass this on!
Thank you Rob for stopping by and for sharing with your community. When we each help others the whole community benefits. You are awesome.
Lovely post, Carla. Wonderful tips…especially “You, Inc. take care of you.” It is easy to overlook some times. 🙂
Thanks Alexandra. You know it’s only by living the experience that I can give the tips…I didn’t take care of me for years and my health suffered. Now, sharing my story and business experiences maybe others can avoid the pitfalls I fell into.
Thanks Carla! It’s an ever-changing process! Upward and onward! 🙂 Christiane
Indeed it is Christiane. I so appreciate you for all you do to spread the good news about what I do. Thank you, my friend.