Having a job that lets you work from home seems like a dream come true, but it isn’t the right option for everyone. There are several pros and cons of working from home that you should consider before deciding to pursue this type of career.
Pros of Working from Home
- No Commute
One of the worst aspects of working a traditional job in an office is dealing with the commute. Rush hour typically causes severe congestion and traffic accidents that just make the drive worse. This is especially bothersome if your workplace is far away from your house. A long commute can double or even triple in time during severe rush hour traffic, causing you to possibly be late for work or miss precious time with your friends and family. Working from home allows you to avoid all of that: simply wake up and set your agenda for the day. When you're done, you can walk into the next room to enjoy time with loved ones.
- Increased Productivity
Removing a commute from your daily work equation means you have more time to work and get more rest. This also allows you to get ahead of schedule and have more time for breaks that can include fresh air, sunshine, healthy snacks, or light exercise to stretch your muscles.
- Increased Savings
You work to make money, not to lose money. When you work from home, you can save money in various ways. You avoid spending money on gas by not commuting. You avoid pricey lunches by eating meals made at home. You don't have to buy work clothes to look good at the office. Provided that you don’t have meetings with clients, you can wear any clothes you like.
Cons of Working from Home
- Isolation
When you work from home, you work alone. You may have phone or online conferences with co-workers and clients, but you will usually be on your own. Isolation makes for a lonely workplace and means you won't typically have the benefits of collaboration.
- Distractions
While procrastinating at work is not uncommon, it's usually prevented by the professional environment and bosses discouraging such behavior. When you work at home, the environment is relaxed, and you don't have any superiors looking over your shoulder. The Internet is not being restricted, the television is close by, something could need cleaning, and children may want to play; There are quite a few distractions that may get between you and your daily goals.
- No Technical Support
Even small companies typically have an IT department to help fix computer and network problems. When you're at home, the only people who can be your IT department are you and anyone else living in your house. If no one can figure out the problem, you'll likely need to pay a professional to fix the issue.
