Late last year I left my office job to launch my own business from home. And I Must Confess: I’m loving it!
It’s not all sunshine and roses though, so thought I’d share the good, the bad and the ugly of working from home – in case you are also thinking of making the leap …
The Good
- I’m enjoying the more leisurely mornings – waking naturally, without an alarm clock, and not having to rush out the door by a set time. This also means I get to tune into the morning shows and stay up to date with
what’s going on in the worldwhat the female presenters are wearing (apparently, sheer blouses, peplums and colour spliced dresses are the styles du jour). - No office politics!
- Not having to worry about the boss being in a mood (coz I *am* the boss!)
- I’ve been enjoying listening to the radio while I work, and rediscovering some old favourites, thanks to a station that plays the best of the 80s, 90s and now 😉 (brownie points if you can guess the station)
- No commuting.
- Maybe I’m weird, but I’m glad I get to use my OWN toilet when nature calls!
- Definitely more flexible – I can go shopping, visit friends, throw on a load of washing, and there is no need to panic about scheduling in visits to doctors, hairdressers and orthodontists during working hours.
- Being able to keep better tabs on my teenagers – I used to HATE working on school holidays.
- When Miss 16 was really sick, I could be at home with her yet still work.
- If I have a sniffle or similar, I can go into work without feeling guilty that I’m infecting all my colleagues. Although, this brings me to one of the first cons …
The Bad
- No paid sick leave! And I have a new saying: You know you’re REALLY sick, when you work from home and you’re too sick to work (as I was a couple of weeks back)
- Can be a bit lonely – I make sure I plan to get out and about at least once a week, by scheduling in lunches with friends and clients, networking meetings, and other bits and pieces.
- Although I have a leisurely start each day, I’ve noticed that I pretty much work through until the hubster gets home about 6.30 or thereabouts. And I’ve been known to jump on the computer and do work during the evenings and weekends … so I’m working longer hours than when I was in an office.
The Ugly
- That would be ME! Okay that’s a bit harsh – maybe not UGLY – but certainly not always dressing up like I did for the office. There just doesn’t much point when my kitty is the only one likely to see me all day. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss dressing up and wearing makeup sometimes. But then again, how awesome is it that I can wear ugg boots and have a granny rug on my lap on the coldest days?!
Can you think of any other pros or cons of working from home?
It’s Monday, so I’m joining up with My Home Truths for I Must Confess; and One Mother Hen for Open Slather.
Me says
I would love to work from home – I would probably stay in my pj’s all day in winter and my togs in summer !!!
I think I would also miss the company of others – I’m luck because I work with a really lovely lady and we get on so well together – can’t imagine if there were only the two of us and we didn’t get on !!!
Have a great week !
Me
Janet says
I thought I would die of loneliness if I worked from home, but I’ve adjusted to it quite well 😉
Cathy says
When it’s time for me to re-enter the workforce, I don’t know if I’ll actually be able to do it – for all the reasons you mentioned! I don’t think I own any clothes suitable for a workplace anymore lol. Another good (and in my case, bad) point is that you can eat whenever you feel like it!
Janet says
Good (or bad!) point about the fridge being way too handy! Not to mention all those coffees and lunch meetings – hell for the waistline!
Lisa says
It all sounds heavenly! The only downside I can imagine is who do you complain to when the photocopier doesn’t work, and you have to be your own I.T. person!!?
Janet says
Yeah that can be fun – last week my internet connection kept dropping out so I had to spend about an hour on the phone to my ISP to get it fixed – unfortunately NOT something I can bill my clients for!
Lynne Wambeek says
Yes love the working at home routine – just got to get better at it though… also love the fact that I use my very own (and very clean – now) loo….. Although I do go out to work for someone else generally 1-2 days each week…
Janet says
I’m glad I’m not the only one that appreciates the comforts of home (the loo!)
Alicia says
Working from home sounds like a dream, but I would miss the camaraderie of workmates and talking to other people. I’d soon get over it to stay in bed that bit longer!
Janet says
I never thought I could do it either, but it’s amazing how you can adjust if you have to – sure beats commuting to the City every day!
Tegan says
If I worked from home I think I would have issues with motivation. Although I could choose my hours so I would probably be more likely to work from lunchtime through to when I went to bed rather than starting early.
Janet says
I always thought that too Tegan, that I’d struggle with motivation, but it really hasn’t been a problem – if the work is there I just do it!
Mystery Case says
I’m in the same boat have been since my girls arrived just over 15 years ago. A few health issues have seen me cut back and put some of what I do on hold and I’m looking to make changes again next year, where I do more out & about meetings and ‘gigs’.
Janet says
Wow that’s a long time to be working from home!
Lisa@RandomActsOfZen says
I think we’re lucky to be able to work from home, if only the coffee machine wasn’t so close!!
Motivation can be a bit tricky sometimes too. xx
Janet says
I’m surprised at how well I’m coping, motivation really isn’t much of an issue for me. Mind you I am VERY thankful I had my hysterectomy last year, I was severely anemic before that, pretty sure I would have had a nanna nap every day if I’d been working from home then – the timing has worked out perfectly
Jacana says
I think my down fall would be that I would be doing everything else that bothered me around the house instead of working. Oh … I ‘ll just get the ironing done, or I’ll just mow the lawn and then start work …. or I’ll just call so and so and then start work. I think I would also prefer to work at night when everyone was asleep.
Janet says
I’m actually REALLY good at ignoring the housework. Only problem is if people drop by unexpectedly I feel like a real slob! But unfortunately earning a living has to come first 🙁
Ness says
My husband works from home now. It’s fantastic for him, but I have to confess sometimes it drives me crazy that he’s here ALL THE TIME.
If I had to do work at home, I think I’d struggle with the motivation factor and being easily distracted. Case in point: I’ve been a SAHM and house wife for years now and my house is always a mess! Oops.
Janet says
Well Ness, I’m about to find out what that’s like because my hubster is on holidays for all of July!!! Wish me luck!
Kirsty @ My Home Truths says
Janet, my dream is to one day work from home – I totally get all the pros that you’ve listed there! I have occasionally snuck in a day working from home in my current position but it’s not easy when you don’t have the set-up to do it regularly. I’m so pleased that it’s working out so well for you yet insanely jealous that I can’t yet do the same!!!
Janet says
When the time is right Kirsty … I still can’t believe I’m doing it and loving it!
victoria says
i second what Kirsty said!
Janet says
🙂
Rhianna says
I would love to work form home as well. The solitude part doesn’t worry me so much, as I am at home already, being paid to do so would be rather nice though!
Janet says
Yes! Being paid is good – although I only bill at the start of each month so it all tends to come in at once!
Francesca says
I think I would miss others if I did it all the time, but I love my work from home day one day each week – it’s so quiet!
Janet says
I thought I would too, but so far so good!
Michelle says
I think for me the challenge is switching off and working out where work ends and home begins.
Janet Camilleri says
I know that feeling well … often find myself “just checking my emails” in the evening LOL …