10 things I wish someone had told me before I started working from home

My first months freelancing, I thought I'd never get off the ground. I was increasingly worried about my income, and though my supportive husband helped us figure out a way to get by in the meantime, it was still so challenging. I told myself I'd work traditional work hours. I would start my day at 9 a.m. and stop only when my husband came home for the evening. Sometimes that was 6 p.m., but more often it was 9 p.m.

I must have sent off hundreds of emails, which created a runway for me to really get things going. Turns out that regimented schedule really worked at the beginning, but it wasn't sustainable. These days, I typically work from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., which I find is my most productive part of the day. But, do you. Set your schedule.

The couch is not an office. I started working from our dining table, and while it served the purpose, it didn't make me feel like I was working. It was too casual, and it wasn't making me disciplined enough.

I ordered a $60 desk on Amazon and set myself up for success in the corner of our 800-square-foot apartment. I carved out a little nook that would become my office, and it totally worked.

That said, there are times when sweatpants and the couch totally suffice as a work day. Like when everyone else has a snow day, but your "office" isn't closed.

My first couple months working from home was spent writing, so I had limited interaction with other people. My husband would come home and I would chew his ear off about anything and everything. He told me I needed to talk to humans during the day.

My current role has me on sales calls several times a week, and I have a standing call with my boss where I definitely talk more than I should. Every profession is different, so even if your job requires little human contact, try and find a way to fit it in.

Whether it's connecting with a co-worker over the phone, finding a volunteer opportunity during lunch or after work, or just going to the local store and chatting up the guy in aisle 6 rearranging the canned goods, talk to someone so you don't become a hermit.

I never enjoyed the office. I hated the politics, had trouble being fake to coworkers I disliked, and frankly, there were just too many unnecessary hour-long meetings that kept me from being productive. Without those factors, my days are spent working fruitfully. It's also much less overwhelming when Sally isn't peeking her head over the cubicle asking you if you have time for a quick meeting all the time.

When I decided to work from home, I had just turned down a really good job offer that was a major salary increase from my last job. It was a tough decision, but I knew having my freedom and dedicating myself to work I love was going to yield far better results down the road. My salary has now reached the level of that job offer, but it took a few years. That said, I've still come out ahead because of the amount of money I save on transportation, food, and clothing.

Before I started working from home, I got into the habit of taking taxis, Ubers, and Vias to work, due to my profound dislike of public transportation. I also routinely overspent on the aforementioned coffee runs and lunches.

The cost of my required transportation is pretty limited now, and those expensive must-get-to-work Uber rides have fallen off. Food and beverage are a fraction of the cost, since I make good use of being at home. Plus, I wear what's already in my closet since no one at my home office is paying attention to my outfits. These things have made a significant difference in my net income.

This might sound obvious, but it's so easy to get out of bed, roll to the couch, and start the workday. All the sudden, "Ellen" is on, and I'm still in my sweatpants looking like it's a lazy Saturday. Except it's Tuesday. And while this does happen on occasion, my most productive days are the ones when I dress for success. You don't have to go crazy, but upgrading from pajamas will totally shift your mindset.