The software and hardware required to do data entry from home may vary based on the company you work for and the type of data entry you are doing.  Before you can begin working, ensure that your work space and computer are prepared for the task.  Install any necessary software you may need to complete your data entry tasks.  Many companies may use web portals instead of software on your computer, so ensure you have the necessary login information and receive training on how to properly use it. You may need to create a PayPal account or establish a different method of receiving payment from your employer like direct deposit.  Make sure you speak to your supervisor or manager about how payments are made and what you need to do in order to receive them. Make sure you have a telephone, printer or any other devices that are required to complete your data entry work. Working from home has a number of perks, one of them being that you may be able to set your own schedule.  Although this offers a significant amount of freedom, it can also make it difficult to get yourself going in the morning. As you work out a routine for yourself, try to set things up so that, at least most of the time, you're focused on one thing rather than multitasking.  Set a start time to begin working every morning to avoid procrastinating. Set a time that you finish work each day.  It may be tempting to work longer hours than necessary when working from home because you never really leave your place of work, but it’s important that you allow yourself time to rest and take care your obligations at home. Set aside particular blocks of time for deep, focused work, where you turn off any background noise and get rid of any distractions. That will allow you to get deeper, more creative work done. Although it’s important that you stick to a schedule, it’s equally important that you allow yourself breaks when you need them.  The freedom provided by working from home allows you to take breaks when necessary and may even make you more productive. In most work environments, you get two fifteen minute breaks and a thirty-minute break per eight-hour work day.  Try providing yourself breaks in a similar fashion. It may be tempting to knock out some housework or take care of your children during working hours because you’re home.  It’s a bad habit to get into, as it can dramatically reduce your productivity during your work day, as well as add to your stress by feeling as though you should be doing both professional and housework in the same amount of time.  Treat your working hours as though you are in the office; you need to devote yourself to your work while “at” work. Consider using daycare or a babysitter for your children if you have any so you can focus on getting your work done. It’s important that your management knows that you are staying on task and being productive.  In most office environments, you will see your supervisor or manager regularly throughout the day, so when working from home make sure you keep open lines of communication with them throughout your work day.  If you communicate via e-mail, make sure to keep your e-mail window or software open so you can be aware when receiving communications from your management. If you miss a call or message from your supervisor, make sure to get back to them as quickly as you can.

Summary: Set up your work space. Set a consistent schedule. Take breaks when you need to. Don’t handle personal tasks during working hours. Communicate actively with your management.


Katy is notorious for changing her hair color and style but eventually, she always returns to her comfort colour, black. If black is too dark for your skin tone, try a dark or medium brown. Keep highlights to a minimum and use gloss to maintain shine. If you feel comfortable, try cutting some bangs into your hair. Katy often has straight-across bangs. If this feels too bold for you, try side swept bangs instead, which can be easily blended into the rest of your hair. Since Katy is always changing her hair color, you may want to experiment too. However, constantly bleaching and coloring your hair is expensive and may cause some major damage. Pull a “Katy” and wear a wig instead. A wig can be a fun way to have colored hair for a day or even a week, without damaging your natural hair. Know what your wig is made of. You cannot use heat styling tools on a synthetic wig without damaging it. You may also not be able to use hair products on synthetic hair making it difficult to manipulate or blend to your natural hair. While Katy sometimes uses a single color, she often adds length, colored stripes or other textures to her hair. Again, constant coloring and bleaching can really damage your natural hair. Purchase some inexpensive clip-in extensions for a fast way to change your look.  Be creative and experiment with bold colors, feathers, or lengthening extensions.

Summary: Use a dark base color. Pick out some wigs. Try hair extensions.


Make sure you have appropriate privacy protections in place. Remember that even photos, comments, and locations shared to only friends can be screenshotted and passed along to others. You run the risk of everything you share to be shared with the world (and saved forever), so think twice before you post. Predators may have access to everything you share.  You can do privacy check ups on all social media sites and make sure you are sharing what you want to share. You can also go back and edit or delete old posts if you wish. For more information, check out the privacy settings of your social media platform, like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. Report harassing comments or images to the social media platform. Delete anything you are not comfortable with, and block any users who are making you uncomfortable. Do not let others know where you are located in posts or profiles. Showing your location lets a potential predator easily find out where you are. If you are comfortable sharing your location, you could also broaden your location to a metro area rather than a specific town. For example, “Bay Area” or “Greater NYC.” Many people are meeting others through the internet today, either through dating websites or friend groups, and most of the time, these get-togethers go off without a hitch. However, you still need to proceed cautiously the first time you meet someone you met on the internet. A person can easily misrepresent who they are online.  Meet the person in a public place, like a busy coffee shop, for the first time. Tell a friend your plans, and have them call or text you while you’re there to check in. Come up with a code word to use if things are not going well, and the friend can help you leave the situation easily. If you need to travel in order to meet this person, do not tell the person where you are staying. Stay at a hotel or a friend’s house, not with them. Utilize your own transportation during the trip. Spend some time planning for your meeting so that you can be comfortable. Develop backup plans if the meeting does not go well.  Do an online search. Look up the person you are about to meet to verify they have given you the correct information. You may wish to look them up on the National Sex Offender Public Website to see if they are a registered sex offender. Have an exit plan. Tell the person you can only meet for an hour, or have another event to attend. Use your own transportation so you don’t need to rely on the person for a ride. It’s okay to lie to get out of an engagement. It’s also okay to be impolite if you are feeling harassed; for example, if the person won’t take “no” for an answer. Trust your instincts and get out of the situation. For example, say you are on a first date. Your date keeps insisting you get the bill and head back to their place. You are not interested and want to leave. You could say, “I can’t. I promised my roommate I’d let her dog out tonight.” If your date keeps pressing you, just say, “No, I’m sorry,” and leave as soon as you can.
Summary: Be careful what you share online. Disengage location settings. Be cautious when meeting in person. Do your homework. Back out if you’re uncomfortable.