What Makes Me Productive Working from Home: My Journey Since 2018
When I first started working from home back in 2018, it wasn’t because of a global pandemic or company policy. It was simply because I was a freelancer, and freelancing often means remote work by default. I embraced that lifestyle early on, and over the years, I’ve learnt what makes remote work not only sustainable but also incredibly productive for me.
From Freelancer to Full-Time: My Remote Work Evolution
Between 2018 and 2021, I worked as a freelancer. The beauty of freelancing lies in its flexibility. You work when you want, where you want, and how you want. My clients were all remote, so naturally, my home became my office. But even more than that, it became a space where I could shape my day around how I work best.
In 2020, I took on a contract role with a company, managing all their digital marketing, from paid media and organic social to content marketing and their website. Initially, I was working in their office. Then COVID-19 hit, and like many others, I transitioned to working from home. It was seamless for me, and I continued my freelance gigs on the side.
By 2021, I had joined a marketing agency full-time. This time, my contract didn’t allow freelance work due to a conflict of interest in services offered. Still, I was able to maintain my work-from-home setup, which I had already fine-tuned to support deep focus and high productivity.
Founder of Conkai: Empowering Ecommerce Brands
Today, I am the founder of Conkai, a paid media marketing partner dedicated to helping ecommerce brands grow through paid media advertising. We specialise in platforms like Google Ads and Meta Ads, providing tailored strategies that drive real results.
In addition to our core services, I also offer mentorship and consultancy:
- For founders who want to understand and manage their own ads more effectively
- For individuals looking to build a remote career in paid media advertising
Whether you’re looking to scale your ecommerce brand or pivot into a thriving remote role in digital marketing, I’m here to help guide that journey.
What Makes Me Productive Working from Home
There are a few habits and choices that have consistently helped me stay focused and energised throughout the day:
1. Early Mornings Set the Tone
I wake up early and start my day with activities that fuel my body and mind: a workout, a gym session, and sometimes even a sauna. This ritual gives me clarity and sets the tone for the rest of the day. I come back, shower, have a proper breakfast, and spend time researching and staying up to date with the marketing industry, before my official workday even starts.
2. Dedicated Workspace
One of the best decisions I made was to create a dedicated workspace at home. This space is strictly for work, no distractions, no multitasking. The psychological shift of “this is my work zone” really helps me stay in the zone.
3. Structured Yet Flexible Schedule
I usually work from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM. Within that window, I allow room for breaks. Lunchtime is sacred, I always go for a walk and aim to hit at least 10,000 steps daily. It keeps me physically active and mentally refreshed.
4. Hydration and Preparation
Before I sit down at my desk, I prepare everything I need: tea, water, and sometimes snacks. This minimises disruptions and helps me maintain focus, especially when I’m managing paid media campaigns, analysing data, and strategising for clients.
Why Remote Work Works for Me
Working from home has allowed me to be more productive than ever. I’ve done it all, office work, co-working spaces, coffee shops, but home is where I get the most done. Here’s why:
- Fewer distractions: Offices can be noisy and filled with interruptions. At home, I control my environment.
- No commute: I gain back hours every week that would have been lost to traffic. That time goes into self-care and productivity.
- Freedom of location: I have family abroad, and remote work allows me to travel, spend time with them, and still get my job done.
- Cost savings: No fuel, no overpriced coffee, no daily restaurant lunches. It adds up.
- Energy alignment: I work best in solitude. I don’t miss office interactions because I meet people at the gym, on walks, and during daily routines in Portsmouth, a city filled with friendly faces.
It’s Not for Everyone, But It Works for Me
Some people thrive in office environments, and that’s completely valid. But for those of us who crave autonomy, focus, and flexibility, remote work can be a game-changer. Sure, during COVID, I was excited to go back to the office and see my colleagues, only to find them drained and disengaged. That moment cemented it for me: I’m my most vibrant, energetic, and productive self when I work from home.
Sometimes, when I hit a campaign milestone or see great results? I dance. I celebrate. And that’s something I couldn’t freely do in a cubicle.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering working from home, my advice is this: test it. Build a routine, create a space that supports your focus, and find what energises you. Remote work isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but for many of us, it’s a powerful way to thrive both personally and professionally.
Remote work gives me time, time to care for my body, connect with my community, and pour focus into my work. It allows me to travel, save money, and most importantly, stay aligned with how I work best.
Thanks for reading. I hope this inspired you to design your own version of a productive work-from-home life.
