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Working from home: a mixed bag

I’m a big fan of working from home, from time to time. This is the first job I’ve had where it’s really possible, and at times, it’s rather nice. Sometimes it’s also practically a necessity when I’m on a print deadline and need to eke out time to write my features, without getting caught up with all my other daily to-dos, emails that come in and what not. And I find it much easier to concentrate on crafting longer-form pieces when I’m in my home environment.

(Also, does overreliance on email bug anyone else? I work in digital – and I hate phone calls; email in the first instance please – but I’m not always glued to a screen. I eat lunch. Sometimes I’m in meetings. Sometimes I even have to leave the office for legit work purposes. Hard to believe, I know. If it’s urgent and you haven’t heard back from me, CALL. My numbers are in my signature; pick up the phone and dial them.)

Pros:

  • No need to get dressed
  • No commute
  • (Hopefully) fewer interruptions – be it fire alarms, network going down, colleagues stopping by

Cons:

  • Using up electricity and internet data on your own dollar
  • Potentially MORE, different, distractions
  • Not having access to everything you would have in the office

I think I’m one of those people that would do really well as a telecommuter, working remotely. I don’t need people contact to stay sane (more like the opposite, in truth). I’m self-driven. I’m not in a position that requires lots of teamwork and coordination.

That said, I’m not a telecommuter. And face time with coworkers and higher-ups is important, too.

Do you ever work from home? Or do you wish you did?

10 thoughts on “Working from home: a mixed bag

  • Reply Liv May 14, 2012 at 20:49

    I love working from home – I don’t do it often but I enjoy it when I do. My biggest downfall though? – the temptation to take a “short” nap …!

  • Reply Michelle May 15, 2012 at 01:22

    I wish I could work form home. Not having to wear business-formal clothes everyday would be nice.

  • Reply Best Products On The Internet Marketplace May 15, 2012 at 01:34

    Reblogged this on calebcash and commented:
    I love working from home it is a very interesting business and it does create more free time…

  • Reply addvodka May 15, 2012 at 03:00

    I know there are a lot of people that can’t handle working from home for all of the distractions. I used to get a lot of people telling me I was lucky to be able to work from home (when I was able) and I agreed – I loved not having to commute to work (45 minutes each way and a lot of gas). Now I am not able to, but I’d still love it.

    I don’t mind reliance on email. If somebody calls me during my lunch break chances are it will go to voice mail anyway. But my job is, in nature, one that is better done over email since I usually have to look into every inquiry and at least I have the details written in email 🙂

  • Reply LittleFrugalista May 15, 2012 at 04:19

    You’re making me so jealous! I’ve always envied people that could work from home. As of yet, I haven’t been able to but I’m hoping at my next job I can. Especially since my commute is likely to always be around an hour each way, ick.

  • Reply femmefrugality May 15, 2012 at 05:16

    I haven’t ever had anyone pay me to work from home. I am partially a SAHM, and while I love not having to dress up every day, sometimes I wish I had to. I’ll stay in comfy clothes too long…doesn’t do much for your self-esteem! :p

  • Reply Kara E May 15, 2012 at 08:54

    While I REALLY enjoy doing my freelance work from home, it can be difficult. Like when I need to book photos, I can’t just open the photographer’s schedule and see what’s available. I have to either wait until the next day or email my editor and see if that time slot works.

    I also find that I’m more easily distracted by everything else that’s going on at home – pets, husband, TV, etc. But – I do enjoy working from the comfort of my kitchen table and in my pajamas!

  • Reply lkrant May 15, 2012 at 11:54

    I wish I could work from home. I like to start work early and certainly it is possible when left up to me. Oh well, maybe some day

  • Reply Holly May 17, 2012 at 06:15

    I’ve worked from home in the past and found it very easy to get distracted, especially when working from home involves working on the computer. I really have to work to discipline myself to not even open twitter, facebook, google reader, or my personal e-mail!

  • Reply sharon March 14, 2013 at 10:11

    I am working as an AVON rep right now and I have to say this is one of the best jobs I’ve ever had. It’s the first work-from-home opportunity I’ve ever had and I wish I had started it sooner. I know most people wouldn’t be able to handle the unsteady income it provides in the beginning. But since losing my job last year, I’ve made more money than I would have, considering I didn’t qualify for unemployment. I sure am enjoying the ability to make up my own schedule!

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