Like anything in life, working from home presents both advantages and disadvantages. It suits me perfectly, allowing me to manage my time according to my personal requirements. I can take on work when necessary or lessen my workload when life gets too demanding. However, my days are not always as glamorous as one might imagine. Here, I seek to clarify some common misconceptions about working from home.
UNRESTRICTED WORKING HOURS
The flexibility of hours is not a universal feature of all work-from-home jobs; it largely depends on one’s chosen career. Even for jobs that offer flexibility, there are deadlines that must be met, even if that means working through the weekend.
In my case, I’m compensated for my output, whereas my husband is paid for the hours he spends at work. Each approach has its merits. For instance, when I struggle to produce a piece of work or fall ill, it directly affects my paycheck. Conversely, if my husband underperforms due to health issues, he still receives his standard wage regardless.
CHILD CARE IS UNNECESSARY
Many believe that working from home eliminates the need for child care, but that’s misleading. Again, it depends on the nature of your home-based career.
Certain roles, like freelancing or crafting handmade goods, allow you to set your own hours. A freelance writer can choose to work early morning, during children’s nap times, and after they’ve gone to bed. However, those whose work involves scheduled business calls or a fixed timetable might struggle to balance child care and their professional responsibilities. In such cases, additional assistance, whether a paid babysitter, preschool, or family member, might be necessary.
WORKING FROM HOME ENTAILS DIRECT SELLING
While many home-based workers are associated with direct selling through companies like Avon, Mary Kay, etc., not all jobs from home involve this model. There’s a wide variety of home-based jobs available, such as freelancing, blogging, photography, graphic design, consulting, selling crafts, editing, translating, tutoring, personal training, customer service, and medical transcription, among others. In the digital age, diversified home-based opportunities are flourishing.
WORKING FROM HOME SUITS EVERYONE
Many people believe that working from home while caring for a toddler is an idea scenario. While I concur, it’s important to note this setup isn’t for everyone. Many personality types and interests may not jive well with this arrangement. It’s possibly not for you if you struggle with solitude or lack self-motivation and organization.
If you’re contemplating work from home, that’s wonderful. Provided you possess a realistic understanding of what each day will demand of you and you’re flexible with your schedule, you’ll find success. It might take some time to discover your comfort zone, but it will definitely come to fruition in due time.
