Work from Home Survival Kit

Do you have a work-from-home survival kit?  You may be wondering what this really means and why it’s important to have one.  I will explain in detail how and why anyone who works from home or has the desire to do so, should have their own survival kit so that you can stay afloat in your work-from-home journey.

The word survival is often viewed as a means to prevail when all odds are against you.  Of course, this does not happen by chance but the survivor may have incorporated a strategy, mindset, or both, along with some important items to help them continue living or surviving.  It’s no different when it comes to working from home.  And when you attach the words, “work from home” to survival, it takes on a similar meaning.

Without a work-from-home survival kit, it is less likely that you will be prepared for some of the challenges or obstacles that working from home can present.  So your goal of working from home may slowly fade away, leaving you with no choice but to start or continue the commute back to work onsite.

This can be prevented with your work-from-home survival kit.  Here are some suggestions and items you need in your survival kit to get started.

1. 1. Support – We all need someone to support us.  Especially, when it comes to pursuing a new venture like (working from home).  The support we receive will help us to have a positive attitude or outlook.  This vital mindset will help you to visualize your goals without having yet achieved them.  Not only will it be a great asset to your character but it can complement other qualities you need when applying for work-from-home jobs like patience, persistence, and determination.  We know actions come from thoughts that our mind ponders over.  So the more we fill our minds with positivity and goals, the more likely we are to achieve them.  By the way, May is mental health awareness month, so reach out to others and let them know you care about them.  I address this issue more in my latest Podcast episode that you can listen to here.
   2. Flexible (adjust) – How many times have you had to pivot and reroute your plans?  Probably, almost everyone.  If you were taking a road trip and you encountered a roadblock, closure, or hazard, you wouldn’t just go back home.  You would change your route to reach your destination.  That required flexibility or the willingness to adjust.  That may also be true when working from home.  For example, if in the beginning, a job promised that you would work x amount of hours to receive so much per week but over time, the hours kept getting shorter and shorter, you may decide to pick up another part-time job or apply to full-time work-from-home jobs.
   3. Backup Plan – What we start off doing may not always be what we end up doing.  This is why it is necessary to have a backup plan.  So if you work as a Virtual Assistant but find that you are not making enough money due to low hours, a backup plan will help you to work in a different field, pick up a side hustle, or even start your own online business.  People with backup plans are more likely to succeed when things get difficult or uncertain.
   4. Community – It’s been said that it takes a village to raise a child because everyone comes together to give that child support, guidance, and encouragement.  That child will thrive because of the interest and love shown by all in the community.  It’s no different with adults even in a virtual community.  Members of a community can provide you with resources, tips, encouragement, and support, help you stay motivated, and even give you vital information to help you increase your chances of getting the job that you desire, answer your questions, help you avoid scams, and keep you safe online.  Workersonboard Community is a great place that fosters this and so much more with like-minded individuals that have the same goal as you…working from home.  Please join Workersonboard Community and see the value for yourself.
   5. Planner – Having a plan or schedule that you can refer to, helps you to stay organized.  With a planner, you can see any projects or meetings you have coming up including interviews, job fairs, and deadlines.  A Planner is an essential item you should have in your work-from-home survival kit to help you stay on track.  Check out this work-from-home planner with tabs, a section to input your passwords, and more from Amazon.
   6. Good Keyboard – Working from home will require some typing.  This will require you to obtain a good keyboard that will stabilize and support you so that you can type more quickly and efficiently.  Of course, all keyboards are not made equal.  You will need to use a keyboard that will support your wrists to protect them from injury and strain.  I use a keyboard with a palm rest when I’m working and typing for extended periods of time.  The plug-and-play keyboards are nice because you won’t have to download any software to start using your keyboard.  Amazon has an affordable wireless keyboard with palm rests and a plug-and-play feature that you can purchase here.
   7. Hydration – Many have found it difficult to stay hydrated when working from home and sitting for extended periods of time.  This is because you have less movement so you may not feel the need to drink fluids regularly as you would if you were to take a brisk walk.  Proper hydration will help you feel refreshed and more productive at work or when looking for work.
   8. Sleep – Get enough rest when you work from home so that you can perform your job duties well.  A good night’s rest aids your listening ability so that you can follow instructions at your job or greatly assist others if you are required to help customers over the phone.  You will also have more energy and get more work accomplished.
   9. Designated Workspace – If you have a space in your home with a door (preferably), you can use this as your office space.  This will help you to set boundaries and associate that space with work and nothing else.  A designated workspace will also help you avoid the tendency of taking your work home with you and working after hours.  Your family will also be more conscious of the fact that you are working and less likely to disturb you.
   10. Exercise – A healthy, active body will help you to tolerate sitting upright for long periods of time, relieve tired legs and feet, and successfully manage stress.  Take just a few minutes to jump on a mini trampoline (I do this), walk in the park, stretch, or do some other activity to build up your endurance and stamina while working from home.  Exercise helps to keep your heart, lymphatic system, and body strong.  It’s also good for your mind too.
   11. Resume – A resume is a copy of you on paper.  An employer will know in just a few minutes of reading your resume, whether you are the right candidate for the job or not.  Make sure you have a resume in your work-from-home survival kit.  More and more employers are asking potential employees to submit their resume online.  Be sure it is up-to-date and fill in any gaps that may be missing.  If you need a resume, please click here.
   12. Foot Rest – Working from home will at times, leave your feet and legs feeling achy and tired.  Having your feet elevated will help them to relax those muscles to alleviate pain and discomfort.  Some people prop their feet on a box or small stool.  I recommend an ergonomically designed footrest with a washable cover from Amazon.  This footrest retails for less than $23 and is worth the investment.  It will even help you manage back pain while sitting upright as you are working from home.
   13. Organizer – When things in your workspace are more organized, you feel more productive.  All of your items need a home.  Which is why organizers are so practical and necessary.  You can find what you need quickly and easily eliminating stress and anxiety so that you can focus more on your work and job duties.  It can also prevent unnecessary accidents or injuries because everything will be in its proper place.  Organizers can be a game-changer in your work-from-home journey.  Amazon has a beautiful work-from-home organizer for your office supplies, accessories, and more.  Check it out here.
   14. Home Office Essentials – Your work-from-home survival kit should contain items in your home office like high-speed internet, a comfortable desk and chair, a computer, keyboard, mouse, and even a phone or tablet stand.  That’s not all.  You may also need desk protectors, stationery, and other essentials that you can find in the Work from Home Survival Kit available on Amazon.  This box comes with 9 essential items to help you stay on task that you will appreciate.  This kit has a 4.1-star rating and is an Amazon choice product.  The kit is less than $20 and is contained in a compact metal multi-functional box.  You can see a sample below.  Order your work-from-home survival kit from Amazon here.

If you don’t have all these items in your work-from-home survival kit yet, don’t fret.  Try to incorporate as many of them as you can so that you can be fully prepared to work from home whatever comes your way.