The Pros and Cons to Working from Home
Working from home seems to be a pretty common dream for a lot of people. We all have our views of how great it could be, but rarely consider the potential negatives, and there are indeed some negatives. So what are the pros and cons to working from home?
I don't know about anybody else, but when I used to imagine working from home, I always thought that it would be fun, exciting, and stress-free. I imagined being able to sleep in late, then come down to my computer in my pajamas and eat breakfast while working. I figured I would listen to all my favourite music and just revel in the freedom of not having a boss watching my every move.
Well, things didn't turn out quite the way I expected.
The Pros
There is a lot to like about working from home. For one thing, just being able to say "I work from home" is pretty darn cool. When you're talking to someone and you speak that magic phrase, you go from be just some schmoe to an interesting person almost immediately. (I will admit here that when I made my first commission, I felt like I had just joined some elite clique). This is, no doubt, due to the fact that many people would love to be able to work from home themselves. If you are able to do it, well, then you must know some crazy secret that no one else knows, right? Or maybe you are possessed of in-demand skills that allow you to choose when, where and how you work. Either way, once people hear you work at home, they generally want to know more.
It is also true that you can wake up late and putter around in your pajamas. Or underwear. Or even nothing at all. Hey, why not? Just maybe close your curtains... But the point is, you can be comfortable at home. Don't feel like shaving? No problem. Ran out of shampoo? No one will notice, except maybe some delivery guy bringing you a package that you weren't expecting or forgot about. He might notice if you don't shower. He'll also definitely notice if you're naked, so keep that in mind, too.
The other big advantage, from my point of view, was thinking that I would be able to be home for my family when needed. One of the kids is sick and can't go to school? No problem. I wouldn't have to use one of my own sick days or vacation days to stay home with him. Doctor's appointment or a trip to the dentist? No worries. Again, no need to use a sick day, or shift my schedule around. Bright sunny day and you don't feel like working? Isn't that one of the things everyone thinks of when considering working at home? Awesome. Want to blast AC/DC while working instead of "easy listening" radio stations or Muzak (which is actually now called Mood Media. Huh. We just learned something. Yay! Educational post FTW) Go for it! Want fish or something garlicky for lunch? You won't have to worry about driving your co-workers out of the lunchroom!
Yeah, overall, working at home is pretty freaking AWESOME!
Cons
However....
The bad news is that many of the pros are actually cons as well. Seriously. Now, I am making an effort these days to avoid all negativity if I can, so I will actually try not to think of these as cons, or bad points. Let's refer to these as "less-positives".
So, yeah, those pros have less positive sides as well. For all those people who think you have some awesome skills that let you work at home, you are also going to find those who think "oh, you couldn't get a real job?" We can pretty much ignore most of them, but sometimes they are family or friends and that gets annoying.
You want to sleep in late? Well, sure you can do that, but be warned: you will start developing bad habits. You'll get up later, and waste a good part of your day. Getting a late start sets the tone for the day. If you aren't excited to get up and start working, I'd suggest that something isn't quite right, because this is an awesome opportunity right here. You should be up bright and early working on something you love. Where is your sense of excitement?
You want to spend the day in your pajamas? Well, that one isn't too bad. I've done that. I like to be comfy. But for some people, not getting dressed in the morning keeps them from really getting into the "work" frame of mind. You may find yourself being somewhat lazy and lethargic.
Need to be home with the kids? You can. That's awesome right? I mean, what do we work for? Most of us with a partner and kids will say "family comes first" and we work for the sake of providing for our loved ones. Being home with them is amazing, it really is, but how productive are you with a four year-old climbing on your lap, bouncing a ball off the side of your head, asking countless "why...?" questions otherwise demanding your time? Even if your partner is at home with you, they might have the attitude of "well, you chose to work at home to be with the family, so you can take a few minutes to play!" Your partner may also have the point of view that your at-home job isn't really a job, so you can take a minute to go get something for them, reach a bowl off the top shelf, do the dishes, or paint all the bedrooms... "Hey, you're the boss. You're not going to fire yourself!"
And what about those bright sunny days? Well, if you have several of them in a row, are you taking the week off? Your online work is still work and no one is going to do it for you. There is no co-worker to pick up the slack. If you don't work on your site, no work is getting done. Period. Worse, for a lot of people, getting started is harder than maintaining a daily habit. If you stop working for a day or two, you may have some real difficulty starting up again.
Are you easily distracted? Blasting your AC/DC (or music of choice) might find you singing at your desk instead of working. I'm not sure how good your voice is, but are you likely to make a living from it? No? Better to work on your site...
What about those of you who like to socialise? If you are alone at home all day, you're going to miss other people. It won't take long for you to start seeking human contact and given that you are working online, Facebook is only a window away...
And for me, the big one is... snacking. Seriously. I am not sure what it is, but working at my computer all day has resulting in a significant increase in snacking. That combined with becoming more sedentary has had some... unfortunate effects on my aging body. I am no longer the super-skinny guy with a blazing fast metabolism who struggled to put on weight. In fact, if I don't get things under control, I may one day find myself unable to reach my keyboard. I am looking into a standing desk and a treadmill.
So yeah, working at home is pretty awesome and I would definitely take it over my old retail job (especially with the Christmas rush coming up), but you need to be aware that there are definite... less positives.
Wishing you all the best in your online pursuits!
Recent Comments
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Yes, working from home does have its ups and downs. For many, it just does not work. I have a friend that tried it for a couple of years and decided to go back to an hour drive and an office over staying home.
I think it is important to have a look at what you are doing and deciding what changes need to happen to be more effective wherever you work from. As a person that does a bit of both (working from home and from offices), I know exactly what you speak of...
Also, a regular evaluation will help you identify any bad habits that may have slipped into the work routine. I have noted in my work habits these things creeping in, and you either do not notice or you may try to explain them away, but they can hurt your production...
It is a nice dilemma to have though like you mention at the start of your post...Hmmmm do I work in pajamas, or switch to my speedo swimwear (kidding, THAT would be a terrible idea, I love snacks too)...
Cheers!
Dave : )
Ha ha! Thanks for offering a well-thought-out post. I think you are totally right about the way things can creep in. Bad habits seem to be easier to form than good ones, so we have to keep our eyes open.
Yes the most annoying things about working from home or even not finding a job is family and people comments.
Everyday you will be facing people who will ask same question again and again "did you find any job yet?" and you just have this one always answer "NO I did not find a job yet" and this will cause depression in your life and you will stop going out or visit someone just to not to hear this repeated question.
I work from home half the week. I have a 2 hr commute to work so the company lets me work from home half of the time. I end up working more hours those days. I start earlier because I am use to getting up at 5 AM. I never have a sick day. If I am sick I just work from home.
I've been working from home for another company (not yet for myself) for a few years now and I too am surprised at how often I find myself weighing the pros and cons. I don't even go out shopping anymore, all online and delivery, including groceries. And I actually save a lot of money just buying pajamas. :) So far the pros still always outweigh the cons for me, but I imagine it will be even better when I'm working for myself and can allow myself a little more freedom like you. Thanks again for more to look forward to!
Well, I have a long way to go as well. I don't wan to give a false impression to anyone. I do some copy writing and will be doing some editing as well, but it doesn't really add up to a full-time salary. Still, taking into account money saved on daycare, gas etc, it's currently manageable. Hopefully it will get easier as time passes.
Great post and as someone who has worked for themselves for over a decade, though not always online, I have fell into many of the traps. Thankfully I have recognised the traps and put into action things to stop them from hindering me.
Still can't get family members to see that I am at work and no I can't take you here there or anywhere.
Oh well family does come first
With Grace and Gratitude
Karen
It seems to be a pretty common thing for family members to think that being at home is equivalent to not really working. Perhaps that will change as it becomes more common.
A good list to think about, for sure. One thing you forgot to mention is the "commuting to work". Is it a Pro, or a Con?
This is a major pain in the neck when it seems that you are the only one on the road that knows how to drive. Fuel costs, inconsiderate drivers, unexpected delays, all combine to make working from home a very receptive alternative in creating an income. The longer the commute the better the thought of staying at home. I am sure if more people knew how to earn an income from home they would gladly swap there commute with staying at home.
Most of us, however, still have to work for someone else for the majority of our income. It is a choice of self-preservation. But the people who have found a balance in existence by one partner commutes to work, the other stays home to work, is ideal and is gaining popularity. The sheer expense of daycare sometimes outweighs the choice of both partners commuting to work.
I understand the temptations you have listed when given the choice to be your own boss. It is true that not everyone has the self-discipline to manage their own affairs. Finding a balance that works for everyone's benefit is obviously the best choice.
You are one of the fortunate people that are finding a way to make working at home a reality. I wish you much good fortune and satisfaction in finding the right formula to succeed.
To Your Success.
Ken
Well, it is semi-working... I do need to find a regular job, as my online income isn't enough, even with reduced costs from cutting down on daycare and not commuting. I am slowly picking up more work that I can do at home, though, so I may be able to get by with just a part-time job.
I tried to work from home for a period of time.
I got very much from my hand. published an article every day made a lot of video and made a lot.
But yes there is one, I did not finish having co-workers, did not finish getting away from home.
Yes, when I worked from home, I was able to sit behind the computer for many hours in a row.
I am an entrepreneur and will always be.
But it just will not be during this period when I have to go full time online.
True and on point. Thanks a lot Craig. Guess working at home when you are earning so much will be more rewarding. Otherwise, discipline is necessary. Treating it like you're working professionally somewhere else will make a difference. The less positives should be turned into lesser positives until it is no more but only positives. Have a nice weekend.
Regards,
Arline
Most of us have spent years working under a boss or manager, so when we have an opportunity to work for ourselves, it can be challenging simply because we no longer have an external force pushing us forward. It becomes very easy to do something "later", which may actually mean not at all. I really do think that this is one of the hardest parts of working at home.
If you can manage it though, it's pretty awesome.
I am not in a position yet to work exclusively from home, but I am at least earning some money doing something I love to do. That's pretty rewarding already, and I know that it's only a matter of time before it becomes my main (and only) job.
I absolutely agree with you. Procrastination is kinda strong while working at home but as you have said if a person can manage it then it's awesome. I still have yet to see a "check". Still a lot to learn and hopefully see some progress asap. I will remain persistent, motivated and dedicated to be a success in this. Hoping for the best.
Have a great week ahead,
Arline
Thanks for taking the time to reply!
Yes, hang in there. It is slower than we often hope for, but success will come with patience and effort.
Hi Craig, I really hope so. But it's getting complicated yay! I will be very happy if I ever accomplished Lesson 4 of AB. Fingers crossed. Thank you for your encouragement.
All valid points, both the pros and also the cons. I guess that we're not quite happy with what we have, and strive to have something different, always in the hope to make our life that bit better.
I'm sure that for some, or many, the opportunity to work from home and make enough income to actually remain at home, remains a distant dream, but it doesn't hurt to dream.
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Good morning, Craig--
Thanks for this post. And every word is true. Of course I don't work from home, although I hope to someday. In fact, having gone from working part-time outside the home and the rest of the time here on WA--to working more than full-time outside the home, I am hardly ever able to get here. Most of the time I am physically exhausted when I get home and then I am playing catch-up around the house until I drop into bed and am asleep before my head hits the pillow.
All that being said, I am still not going to give up on what I started here. I just don't think I will take this gig to a full-time level any time soon. I know my limits. It is also gratifying to see that I am not the only one struggling in this way. :)
Thanks again for this article!
Linda
My pleasure!
I know how tough it can be with multiple jobs. I worked two full-time jobs for about a year, one of them with a commute of 2.5 hours each way. It is exhausting.
Still, I believe that there is always a way. When you're in a situation working your butt off, it can be incredibly hard, and the desire to escape to a better life can make you really impatient. Hang in there, though, because eventually the pendulum starts to swing the other way and you find yourself with a bit of breathing room. Step by step, you get there.