One of the biggest tips you hear for freelance writers on how to run their business is to dress like you are going to work, even if you are only going to your home office.

I don’t think they mean that you have to get dressed up in a suit to work at home — well, most of them don’t mean this, anyway — but I know what they are saying.  By getting dressed and not staying in your pajamas, you are taking yourself seriously.  And if you don’t take yourself seriously, then who of your clients will?

It’s also about something of a mindset.  If you dress for work, even if you are working from home, you are subconsciously putting yourself into a professional mindset.

This goes whether you are a man or a woman, pregnant, have a minor disability — whatever.  Don’t think of working from home as something you are only doing because you are not fit for “normal” work.  You are a business owner and a professional — be sure to dress and act the part.

Like I said, you might not feel right wearing a suit to sit at home, and that’s okay.  But at least wear business casual, or nice jeans and a nice top.  If you are pregnant, you can wear maternity trousers and a nice maternity top, or even a pretty dress.  If you are disabled, find clothes that suit your needs but also look respectable enough to satisfy an employer, if you had one.

Working from home isn’t an excuse for wearing your pajamas all day, or a last resort if you can’t get a “real” job.  It’s a business endeavor, and you need to be professional enough to pull it off – even if that means dressing the part.

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