Working from home has become the newest mantra of the new century. More and more people are looking to ending the rush hour commute, the boss looking over your shoulder, the office politics and dressing for success. Who wouldn’t want to walk into your home office in your PJs with a cup of coffee in hand to settle in front of the computer and begin the day’s labours?
Most people think of at-home work as doing some type of online business, or perhaps beginning their own business in their home. However, there are many businesses these days who are allowing their employees to do work from home. What with available computers, broadband internet, faxes and advances in communication software, corporations are coming up with more work-from-home policies. Oftentimes this type of set-up is more economical for all concerned.
Whether you remain with your same place of employment and work from home, or whether you are starting your own in-home business, will it work for you in your particular situation? If we take a realistic look, what are the valid benefits of working from home? And are there any disadvantages? If so how can they be understood and alleviated?
Saving Money
Working from home is definitely a money saver. The very first thought is the cost of getting back and forth to and from work. Whether you use public transportation or gas up your own vehicle, those expenses will be a thing of the past. Wear and tear on your vehicle will also be greatly lessened. What about parking? If you pay for parking five days a week, you can cross that expense off your list. Your day-to-day wardrobe will be much different. You can wear sweats or a T-shirt and short, or pajamas – whatever you please. No more dressing to impress those around you.
The tax advantages also will create a savings as there are definite tax breaks for having an office in the home. Be sure to consult an accountant regarding what can and cannot be used as deductions.
Time
For those who work at home, that time of sitting in stalled rush-hour traffic will be over and forgotten. Think of the hours that can now be put to productive use. Likewise, many of the distractions that are found in an office/work setting are eliminated. Those who work at home are in a better position to spend more time with their family and to have family times together. Likewise, you choose your hours. Are you a night owl? Then work at night. Are your freshest in the morning hours? Then you have the option of getting up early and getting the work completed.
For most people who office at home, they find their work time is more productive. They are free from the continual office noises, distractions, and interruptions. No more stress of feeling that someone is looking over your shoulder. You will feel freer and better able to concentrate on the task at hand.
The flip side of this picture is that family members can become a distraction especially when small children are involved. If you are home, the kids won’t understand that you can’t come out and play catch in the back yard. When you are at home all day, acquaintances will call and want to endlessly chat about nothing. It’s difficult for them to comprehend that you are actually at work. It will take tact, discipline and wisdom to avoid these problems.
Also regarding time is that fact that you are always at work when you work from home. It is always with you. If you are a real “workaholic,” you may have a problem stopping work. At that rate, you could easily burn out. It will be important to learn to pace yourself and factor in some healthy down time.
Location
If you can work from home, chances are you can work from a vacation spot as well – a cabin in the mountains, a cottage at the lake, in your hotel room overlooking the beachfront. This will be especially true if you have your own online business and are not still answering to a corporation. If your business involves products – those of your own creation such as woodworking or culinary items or quilting – this aspect will not apply as readily. However, no matter what business you have set up, you will still be in control of your time, so when you want to take a few days off and head to the lake, you have the flexibility to do so.
Work-At- Home Personality
While working at home may sound wonderful, not everyone can do it. There are those who thrive on personal interaction and brainstorming. They thrive on structure and need someone to tell them to come in at eight and leave at five. If left to their own devices they would begin their work after their favourite TV show is over, after they walked the dog, and after they took the kids to the zoo. If this describes you, you may not do well working from home.
The key is the motivation. How badly do you want to be in control of your life? How badly do you want to exit the rat race of the corporate world? How badly do you want to be your own boss? If your “want to” is strong enough, then any disadvantages of working from home can be overcome. The good news is that self-discipline, goal setting, and time management are all attainable skills. Anyone can be trained in these areas.
Summary
Look closely at all the pros and cons before quitting your day job. If you’re still not sure, you can work at home and get a part-time job in order to make the transition a little easier.
For those who love working from home, they would not even classify what is listed here as disadvantages. To them, it’s just part of the package. And they’re too happy being their own boss to care what they are called.
