Many people who are seeking financial freedom - and freedom generally - find that their jobs present a barrier to that goal. Aside from the fact that it can be difficult to find a job that pays enough to fund a super-rich, super-free lifestyle (assuming that's what is wanted), there is also the issue of time-freedom. Many people dislike having to be in a certain place at a fixed time, for a particular number of hours. Most jobs also offer the employee little control over their working environment, and in many cases, over how they organise their work. Not to mention the other infringments traditional employment may put on personal freedom, such as dress codes, etc.
For those who dislike their working lives being limited in such ways, working from home can be an ideal solution, and this article looks at some of the advantages (and possible disadvantages) of doing so. Many people who work from home are self-employed, but with the rise of telecommuting, it has also become an option for many employees too, and this article is aimed at both types of home-worker, although much of it is only relevant to employees. Working from home certainly won't suit everyone, but if you're considering it (or maybe you're already doing it, and enjoy being reminded of how great this lifestyle is!), read on!
Flexbility
Start and finish when you want, and take breaks when you want. You can fit your work around other activities; for example, you could go shopping or visit the post office/bank during quiet times, and avoid the lunchtime rush.
No commute
Less time and money spent commuting means more time and money for you! Plus you avoid all the stress associated with rush hour traffic.
Improved family life
Working from home can be perfect for those who have children, and who wish to spend more time with them (or other family members) during the day.
No dress code
No need to wear a restrictive suit or uniform. In fact no need to wear anything if you don't want to!
No office politics
The lack of office politics and annoying colleagues is a great blessing of working from home.
'Presenteeism' is not an issue
Many employees are unfairly judged by the amount of time they put in at their workplace, rather than the results they achieve. When you work at home there's no need to sacrifice your personal life to do unpaid overtime just because the boss believes that her/his staff should be workaholics!
Less stressful
One of the greatest causes of stress is the feeling of being out of control of your life. Traditional work environments minimise personal autonomy, and have many other stressful aspects too. When working from home you're not subjected to these stressors, and you have much more control over your experience.
Work where you like
Many people have a home office, but it's by no means necessary to recreate 'normal' work conditions. If you use a laptop to do your work, (and have a wireless internet connection if you need to be online), you could work from the sofa with your laptop, or enjoy the garden on sunny days, or even stay in bed all day - your imagination's the limit!
Be you own boss
This applies most obviously to the self-employed, but employees working forom home also experience a large degree of autonomy over how they work, relative to those in the usual workplace. This independence is priceless to many.
Tax benefits
You may be able to claim back some of your home office expenses.
Freedom
Basically, so long as you get your work done, you're free to spend your days as you please, with
no-one looking over your shoulder.
Quality of life
This a hard to define aspect, but working from home improves it, because you miss out on so many of the common stressors associated with normal working environments, and spend more time feeling good, not just about work, but life in general.
Personally, I don't find any disadvantages to working from home, but there are certain aspects of the experience that may not appeal to everyone. Here are a few - plus some possible solutions.
You must be self motivated
The lack of a boss looking over your shoulder is an advantage, but it also means you need to be a self starter. This should not be a problem if you're doing work that you love however! (and if you're not - maybe it's time to follow your dreams!)
Lack of social contact
If you're home alone, you may find that you miss face to face contact with co-workers. Try meeting friends for lunch, or taking a breaks to get out of the house into a public place.
Feeling 'out of the loop'
This feeling of isolation might have career ramifications, if it means that you don't hear about new projects or opportunities as quickly as you would if you were office based. Make sure you stay in regular email contact, and remind those who matter of your desires regarding career advancement.You might also miss out on office-based training and other opportunities to develop your skills.
Lack of work-life balance
When you home is your office it can be difficult to get away from work! Some people find it helpful to have a separate room for work, or if you don't have space, try using a corner of one room and screening it off. Similarly, don't let work hours intrude into personal time, and avoid the temptation to overwork. Again, if you love your work, this is less of a problem.
Lack of space
Depending on the work you do, you might find that you need a lot of space. If you live in a small house or apartment, this can be a problem, but try to do what you can to avoid it becoming too intrusive, such a using screens.
Some employers are inflexible
In some occupations, your employer might require you to work/be available during normal hours (or other set hours). This can apply to some self-employed occupations too (where clients need you to be available at certain times), and in both cases, the usual flexibility that comes from working at home is limited.
Lack of security
In the case of self-employment, and in some types of employment, work hours - and consequently income - may not be guaranteed.
Family and other social issues
It may be difficult for family and friends to appreciate that you really are working, and they may insist on disturbing you, and making demands on your time and attention. If this is the case, you need to be firm about remaining undisturbed when you're working.
In the end, you know if working from home is right for you and your situation or not - follow your inner voice. And if you'd love to work from home, but don't see how you can do it in your current situation, don't worry. Just hold a clear vision of what you want, and let the universe take care of the 'how's. I know this works because it worked for me!
