Is Working From Home Right For You?
Going to work in your underwear. Isn’t that really the American dream? Working from home used to be my dream, but that changed after six months of actually doing it.
A few years ago, I gave up my home office so that my sons could each have their own bedrooms. They had outgrown bunk bed living and their distinct personalities were emerging. One son is organized and likes to have things put away. The other prefers to see all of his stuff at the same time. It was no longer a good fit.
I initially used that office as a recording studio for freelance audio production projects. Then, during a six-month period between radio jobs, it became the place where I did all of my work. In the first couple of months, I really enjoyed it and could envision myself working from home permanently. But when I got a call from a radio station about a new job, I leapt to take it.
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What changed over the course of those six months? I missed being around people. Sure, I had contact with plenty of people via phone and email, and I saw my family every day, but I still felt a bit isolated from the rest of the world. I tried going to the library and the coffee shop but, of course, I didn’t know anyone there. I knew that I needed a place to go every morning where I would see and interact with familiar faces. That’s how I like to work.
I know people who love working remotely and wouldn’t have it any other way. Whether it has to do with the pants-optional dress code, I’m not sure. Clearly, though, it’s not for everyone. Perhaps you’ve wondered if working from home is right for you. Let’s break it down:
PROS
1. Save time and gas money by not commuting.
2. More flexibility with hours and breaks.
3. Fewer interruptions make it easier focus and be more productive.
4. More time with family.
5. Save money on child/doggie daycare and dry cleaning.
6. It’s a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle.
CONS
1. Isolation can lead to loneliness and depression.
2. It’s all on you to structure your day and stay disciplined.
3. Communication with colleagues can be slower.
4. Remote meetings can also take longer.
5. Young kids at home may require your attention.
6. Lots of other distractions…laundry needs to be folded…dirty dishes in the sink…the couch and TV are right there!
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