I work from home as much as I can.  I do this because my team is very geographically dispersed, I have an amazing internet connection (50Mbps up and down baby!) and I get the job done.  This last part is the single most important component.  You need to show up to work each and every day to get things done.  Not only do you have to git’er’done, but you have to show up, virtually for sure, but show the f*&k up and make your voice heard.

I enjoy the fact that I get to miss out on traffic, snow storms (8 to 12 inches today!), idiot drivers and just the general slog of a commute.  I appreciate the perk, and it is a freaking awesome perk, of working from home.  I save money and time each and every day.  I don’t have to worry about parking or making a lunch.  It’s awesome.  So, that is my side of it, but when you have such an awesome opportunity, you better be paying it back, big time.

If you enjoy the benefits of teleworking, show the f&*k up each and every day.  Get showered, dressed and ready to attack the day just as if you were going in to the office.  Be there bright and early.  You don’t have to get through that damned commute, so you have no excuse.  Be at your desk on time or before.  Be the first to arrive in the virtual office and get through those emails before everyone else makes it in to their cubes.

Next, make your voice heard.  If you are on conference calls, you better participate.  Nobody likes muffin eaters.  You know, those people who go to meetings for the muffins and nothing else?  Virtual muffin eaters are worse.  You know they are there, but they are there for no reason.  There are no muffins, man!  You need to show people you are paying attention and adding value.  You want everyone to ask if you are there before they start to make sure they are getting 100% of your time and effort every time.

Better yet, get seen.  In the era of freaking awesome internet connections with fibre to the home (yes, I am gloating), you can get your video on.  The shower and clothing (pants optional, of course) are important for this part.  We can videoconference from the privacy of our home office, kitchen or wherever else you chose to work.  That means people see your beautiful mug and all your expressions.  We know that body language accounts for a massive proportion of communication, so take advantage of it!!  We have the technology and it’s really cheap!!  All the money you are saving on coffee, muffins (for all those meetings…), gas, insurance, parking, etc.?  Spend a little on a good webcam and headset.  Be seen in glorious HD and heard like you were sitting right next to the team.

At the end of the day, you can relax knowing that you don’t have to now get home with all the other freaks on the road AND that you showed up for work with more energy and drive that most everyone else.  And, you get to do it in your slippers with your favourite mug of Joe at any time while using that mute button to get a load of laundry in the washer while you listen intently on that call.  🙂