The Top Work From Home Pros and Cons
When you decide to work-from-home there are all kinds of decisions to make. part of the decision-making process should include a list of do’s and don’ts as well as the pros and cons. Personally I can’t find one at this point because in my opinion the pros definitely outweigh the cons.
The main attraction about working from home for most folks is the fact that we can be home with the family and still make an income. But there are some disadvantages to working from home and it’s important that you evaluate them before making a commitment to work from home or before investing money in a home-based business.
That being said, here are the most common work from home pros and cons.
Work From Home Pros
Set your own hours and spend more time with the fam.
Now you can attend school programs and other activities that are missed when we work in an office and you can home to make sure the family eats a good breakfast before they head out the door.
Although many companies have set hours, the fantastic news is they almost always offer flexible schedules to meet your needs.
No more business dress code!
Say goodbye to professional clothes and make every day casual Friday! You don’t have to wear a business suit but be sure to get out of your PJ’s! Even though you’re no longer working in an office, you still want to get dressed so that you feel good and motivated.
Before you put your business clothes away, save some of your favorite suits just in case you have a meeting or seminar to attend. You can donate to organizations that offer business clothes to women who reenter the work force. Sites like http://www.donationtown.org/ will help you find a local donation spot in your area and arrange a pick up at your door.
Ahhh… freedom!
You have control over what hours you want to work, and when you have your own business, you decide when you want to start your day, if you want to take the morning off, or even take an extended lunch break! You no longer have to worry what the boss will say. You are the boss! Even with a set schedule you still have control because your schedule will be at your convenience!
Working from home can save you money!
I did the math once based on my daily routine. I realized I spent about $50 a day. Now I go to the kitchen for my snacks and I’m home to cook – even if the kids don’t like what I make half the time but that’s another topic…lol
Stress? What stress?
Less stress means a healthier, happier you. I think almost everyone will agree that a work-from-home life is less stressful than when you work in an office. For one, no more sitting in traffic and wondering if you’ll make it to the office on time. How sweet is that!
Work From Home Cons
While some people are self-motivated, others have a need to be motivated.
If you start to feel like you’ve hit a slump in your work-from-home life, get creative and find something that’ll inspire you and reignite your passion and excitement for your work-from-home job or online business!
Post positive, motivational quotes from someone you admire. It could be a celebrity, author, or an athlete. Keep a picture of your family at your desk. Or of anyone or anything that will keep you inspired and encouraged throughout the day.
You might have to invest in a headset and other equipment.
Some companies will provide a headset and sometimes a laptop to their remote employees. Other times you might have to purchase equipment yourself.
You might start to feel lonely or isolated.
You’ll be working on your own most of the time, so if you find yourself feeling lonely or isolated, take a break. Step away from your desk and walk around the house. Or take a brisk walk outside to get some fresh air. Or call someone and take 5 minutes or so to chat and you’ll get back to what you were doing with a clear, refreshed mind.
Working From Home Can Cause Sudden Weight Gain
Ugh, this is so true! Not that it’s recommended but you can eat at your desk anytime you want to. Also because you have unlimited access to the kitchen so make sure you keep healthy snacks on hand when you’re feeling hungry or just want something to nibble on.
A reduction in income.
In most work-from-home jobs you can expect to earn anywhere from $8 to $15 an hour, depending on your experience. This can be a significant change for someone who may have been earning double that working in an office or was earning a salary instead of an hourly wage.
If you’re starting a home-based business please know that it takes months, if not years to establish your business and bring in a steady income.
But no worries….now there’s couponing, budget-friendly recipes, and other money-saving opportunities out there to help every family stay on budget! After all, we are superwoman, we can make it happen!
Work extended hours and holidays.
Some work-from-home jobs may require you work on weekends and holidays. This is mostly true for customer service, sales, or technical support roles.
But it’s not as bad as it seems. When I was working for Cloud 10/Transcom, I had to work on Thanksgiving Day. Yes I had to adjust the time we gathered with the family for dinner. But I was making time-and-a-half and I probably got five calls in my four-hour schedule. So I wasn’t so bad. I just had to sit at my desk and be plugged in, in case a call came in.
It’s essential to take time to examine every aspect associated with working from home. But if you’re ready to put in the effort you can easily overcome any “cons” that may come up and be a successful in your work-from-home life.
Wrapping Up The Pros and Cons
I hope this post didn’t encourage you NOT to work from home. The purpose of this post was to give you all the information you need so you can make the best decision for you and your family.
Here’s to that work from home life!