Telecommuting Full Time

[oldtoyota]

I will probably start telecommuting full time. I've wanted to do this for a long time, and I feel a bit nervous now the chance is here!

What I love most is not commuting (duh, right?) and also being able to use that time to cook healthy cheap food.

As far as I can tell, I will save money on:

1. commuting;
2. clothing;
3. dinners out.

The downside:

1. I won't have a long walk built into my day. I walk 12-18 miles per week getting to work/train.
2. I'll probably use a bit more electricity at home.

Do you telecommute FT? Do you have any advice for me? I manage a team, and I've not managed remotely FT. I am also asking my team if they want to telecommute FT. I was thinking we'd all come in once per week to meet in person--at least at the start.

All of us already telecommute at least some, so we have some practice.

Any ideas? Thoughts? Suggestions?

[thelamb]

Awesome.  I've been doing it for years and can only speak for myself.  It, in most cases, is a time saver with all the benefits you mentioned.  Lists are important to set clear goals each day, otherwise I find myself cleaning, painting, etc.  Ending the day can be a challenge.  My work day ended an hour ago but I'm still dinking around on the laptop.  Set aside a specific room or area for work, only go to it during work, perhaps turn off the computer promptly at the end of the "work day".  Conversely, it can be helpful to switch rooms or even go work somewhere else at different times during the day.  I don't personally like spending $3, or whatever the heck a cup of coffee costs, but it can be nice to walk over to a coffee shop and spend a couple hours there. 

In short, clear start and end to the day, clear goals, otherwise you're kind of always at work. 

[oldtoyota]

Awesome.  I've been doing it for years and can only speak for myself.  It, in most cases, is a time saver with all the benefits you mentioned.  Lists are important to set clear goals each day, otherwise I find myself cleaning, painting, etc.  Ending the day can be a challenge.  My work day ended an hour ago but I'm still dinking around on the laptop.  Set aside a specific room or area for work, only go to it during work, perhaps turn off the computer promptly at the end of the "work day".  Conversely, it can be helpful to switch rooms or even go work somewhere else at different times during the day.  I don't personally like spending $3, or whatever the heck a cup of coffee costs, but it can be nice to walk over to a coffee shop and spend a couple hours there. 

In short, clear start and end to the day, clear goals, otherwise you're kind of always at work.

Thank you!