1. How can I get people to take my work seriously?
Can you do your work somewhere else? I go to an internet cafe or bring my laptop to the library when there are distractions at home.
It could be hard to convince the people you live with (parents?) that you are doing productive work. When I start a new project I am very careful to only discuss it with people I think will be positive about it.
I had the same problem when I just finished college and worked on various projects from home. My parents were constantly asking me to do chores and distracting me from my work. I couldn't say no to my mother because she's my mother. I love my parents but I eventually moved out.
You need to find another place to do your work. Maybe a friend's house, school, library, a cafe or rent cheap office space.
Avoid negative, demotivating people at all costs. If your friends (or parents) were like mine, they will not understand what you are trying to do and tell you it's not worth your time. They probably think you should be working in retail like them. Eventually you'll believe them so you need to protect yourself from it.
2. Could anyone suggest a better work schedule?
You need to find a schedule that works for you. When are you the most productive? I'm definitely a morning person. I used to get up early and get my work done before everyone else in the house got out of bed.
Also, I found that it's really helpful to work with a partner. I don't try to work alone anymore. It's too easy to slack off.
Keep in mind that everyone who decides to be self-employed goes through the same learning process that you are struggling with now. That process is figuring out how to be productive with very little structure. Everyone's situation is different, so everyone will reach a different conclusion. It took me a year to figure out how to get things done without a boss's direction. Just don't give up and realize that once you figure out how to be productive without a boss you'll never need a boss for the rest of your life!  |