It seems like everywhere you look someone is doing everything possible to set themselves up to work from home. Whether they want to work from home doing their current office job or they’re trying to leave the office gig altogether and work for themselves, there are tips and tools abound to help them get there. But, is working from home all it’s cracked up to be? Read more to find out!I have been working for global companies for the entirety of my post-college career and I used to think that working from home would be the ultimate achievement. Until I found myself being offered the opportunity to switch jobs within my company and work from home 2 days each week.
Working 2 Days Per Week From Home
Not surprisingly, I jumped at the chance to work from home in my slippers. Who wouldn’t? I couldn’t wait to start scheduling the 2 days each week I was going to work remotely. Then, I did it.
The first few weeks in my new position were pretty uneventful. I worked from home 2 days each week and it was okay. Yeah, it was just okay. Then, I started to realize something that no one ever talks about. I realized that working from home isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
Reasons You Might Think Working From Home Is Great
Here’s the work-from-home dream everyone is selling…
- Set your own schedule (kinda, depending on what the office needs)
- No boss at your house (the boss is still “there” you just don’t have to see him or her)
- Work in your slippers – okay, I’ll give ya this one
Running The Blog From Anywhere In The World
Now, working remotely is different than working from home. You have the option to work, literally, anywhere in the world. But let’s face it, working on your computer on a rock by the ocean probably isn’t going to happen. And if it does, it’s only happening for a photo op – not because you are actually choosing to work there. In order to get stuff done, you really need your full office set up.
When I started this blog, I thought how wonderful it would be if I could build it up so that I could use it as my primary source of income and work from anywhere in the world. I still think it would be wonderful to make it my primary source of income, and I’m still working on that piece of it.
But, the working from anywhere in the world bit isn’t really on my radar anymore. The one thing “they” (the media, other bloggers, etc.) fail to inform you about is that working from anywhere in the world is still WORK. And, if you’re working for yourself, you’re likely going to have more stress than you had when you were answering to a boss. Why? Because you’re depending solely on your work for income.
Yes, you’re doing the same thing when you work for a company and have a boss. But when you’re working for a company, you’re likely going to have more stability, better benefits, co-workers you might enjoy, and the luxury to take a sick day. Of course, you can take sick days when you’re working for yourself – but you better believe it’s going to affect your bottom line.
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Reasons Working From Home Isn’t Great
And without further ado, here’s the skinny on why working from home isn’t great…
- You’re an island
- The perception that you don’t really work
- It’s more difficult to get things accomplished
- Teleconferences aren’t as good as being there in person
- Need a photocopy of some data? Good luck!
- Distractions are hard to control
- Coffee breaks aren’t the same when you’re alone
- No socialization and interaction – even talking about work stuff is good for you
- Working from home can be isolating and kinda boring
Reasons Working For Yourself Isn’t Great
Here’s the dream everyone is selling…
- You’re an island
- Building your own business can be STRESSFUL, EXPENSIVE, and TIME-CONSUMING
- Distractions are hard to control at coffee shops and even at home
- Reduced socialization and interaction
- You won’t get paid for sick days
- You’re still answering to bosses (your clients, readers, etc.)
And there you have it, all of the reasons I believe working from home isn’t as fantastic as everyone thinks it is. After having experience on both sides of the fence, I’m opting to go into the office more and more these days. Coffee, anyone?
Well, lay it on me. What do you think about the idea of working from home?
9 Comments
I am so with you on this one. The occasional work from home day is fine, but I much prefer to be at the office. I tested these waters at the end of pregnancy/when the kiddo was a baby and I was surprised how little I enjoyed working from home.
Isn’t it amazing how much we “think” we’re going to like it and how little we like it in reality? I was floored.
Humm… It’s interesting to hear your take on working from home. The factor I would fear most would be the isolation and lack of social interaction. It’s written ubiquitously (SAT word) that we can be more productive in a home office, but there are a lot of things (many you cover) that aren’t normally discussed.
Personally, I’d like to try it out to see for myself. I have grand visions of morning workouts followed by productive mornings, work hard until 2:00, then go pick up the little one. I’ve seen that reality doesn’t always match my dreams, though. Thanks for your insight!
I love your SAT word. Two points for that. 🙂
Nice!! I’ll take the 2.
I am the opposite. I LOVE working from home and have been working 100% from home since 2002. Of course, I can see both sides. I guess an outgoing person who’s used to multi-tasking, socializing/networking and always being busy would go crazy working from home. It was made for me though as I am introverted, can’t stand dealing with the public, and have no problem doing the kind of work I do, which is mainly paperwork, filling up my days. I’m fast and good at what I do, so Monday, which is our busiest day, I tend to be done with everything by 2:00. Rest of the day off. I take breaks to work out regularly during the week. Lunch with hubby who is working more and more from home himself except when he has to go into the field. And we can, as you mentioned, take our work on the road and work anywhere. Our last trip was to St. Augustine FL. It didn’t bother us at all to log in, get some work done, and then spend the rest of the day at the beach or coupe scooting around the city. And most importantly, on days when I’m not feeling well, I can work from bed or just put it off until later depending on what it is. However, full disclosure, I agree that the fact that we are self-employed is a big consideration into being able to do all this. If we contracted under a company working from home, it would probably be a whole different lifestyle. But since we are the boss and get paid regardless, for me it’s just a win-win situation. I think if I ever had to go back to an office, I’d have a heart attack.
I must say, the more comments that roll in on the blog and on social media, I suppose it is more of a personality thing. I am definitely an extrovert and enjoy the social interaction.
Based on that, I can certainly understand why someone who is more introverted would enjoy the serenity that goes along with working from home.
Thanks for your insight!
Agree that working from home can be very boring and isolating. I was on modified bed rest for a few months and had to have people come visit so I wouldn’t feel so isolated.
As for the digital nomad lifestyle, that is much cooler but the work aspect is still there. If people don’t realize that lifestyle still involves work they are probably not very experienced in the entrepreneurial life. That will always require drive!
I definitely feel isolated when I work from home. Good point about the nomad lifestyle looking much cooler than it might be in reality. As you said, work is still work no matter where you’re doing it. Thanks for your insightful comment.