The concept of working from home can prove to be especially alluring for people who are in the midst of deciding what they want to pursue as a career. Working from home eliminates multiple traditional aspects of working at a job site, such as the need to commute or the need to socially interact with other people. However, depending on your living environment, your work style, and your priorities, being an independent contractor can either be the best or worst thing you’ve ever done. In this article, we take a look at some advantages and disadvantages that are associated with working from home.
Advantages
1) Less Hectic Mornings
Most people simply set their alarm to give them enough time to take a shower, have breakfast, and change when it comes to going into the office. Therefore, most people feel as if they rush in the mornings. When you work from home, you gain the added benefit of being able to start the day in a more relaxed frame of mind. As opposed to rushing to shower, eat and change, you don’t have to worry about being late or take a shower for that matter.
2) More Job Opportunities
Working in a remote position can open up possibilities for you to work with other companies that offer remote positions. For example, people who prefer to work remotely or people who have disabilities that prevent them from traveling can continuously build their resumes to consist of remote jobs. Having a resume that consists of various remote positions can open up the opportunity for you to work in industries such as education, healthcare, and technology where remote positions are plentiful.
3) Better Work-Life Balance
One of the greatest advantages of working from home is that it enables you to have a better work-life balance. By working from home, you have the option of being able to schedule your work responsibilities around your life. Additionally, working from home gives you the added benefit of having more time to take care of essential tasks around the home as well.
4) Increases Job Satisfaction
Job satisfaction has been linked to a higher level of productivity, motivation, and overall happiness. Simply said, it’s hard to live a happy life when you aren’t satisfied with your job. Experts believe that remote employees tend to experience an increase in job satisfaction because they have a higher degree of flexibility when it comes to how they perform their duties. On top of being able to make decisions independently, when you work from home you don’t have to stress about common office challenges such as constant interruptions, rude customers, and noisy backgrounds.
5) Your Own Office
The opportunity to create your own work environment is one of the more profound benefits of remote work. Individuals who have health issues can acquire specialized office equipment such as an ergonomic chair or ergonomic mouse to feel a greater degree of comfort as they work. Additionally, when you work remotely, you get to choose where you’ll establish your office, such as the patio, the living room, or your own bedroom. This enables a level of comfort that simply isn’t possible at the workplace.
Disadvantages
1) Less Movement
When you think about it, working in a traditional setting can have a positive impact on your physical health. When you use public transportation, this entails walking to and from the bus/train station. During breaks and lunch sessions, there’s a certain degree of movement whether it’s to microwave your lunch or to go for a fresh air break. When you work from home, there really is no incentive to get up and move.
2) Less Human Interaction
While a certain degree of people prefer the introvert’s way of life, as a species we’re hardwired to socialize with other people. Once the ability to socialize declines, we begin to feel loneliness and it can lead to the development of various mental health conditions. Remote working does not give you the opportunity to socialize with other people as the workplace does.
3) Unique Distractions
Some people aren’t able to pay for childcare expenses. Therefore, working from home can present a unique set of challenges such as continuously telling the children to be quiet or to settle down. Additionally, pets can also become a source of distraction because they’re always doing something to get their owner’s attention such as to blatantly walk on their laptops as it’s being used.
There is a lot to consider about working at home. The majority of people who work from their home office seem to love it. Decide for yourself if it will benefit you and your family.