Benefits and Pitfalls of Working From Home

By Jill Mowser

If you are considering working from home, here is a summary of some of the major benefits you can enjoy, and pitfalls to avoid, when working in the comfort of your home.

1) Flexible Hours

Working from home is probably the most flexible work schedule you will find. You don't have to worry about being to work on time, doctor's appointments, or making it to school field trips. When you work from home, you get to determine when you work, and it can vary from day to day, according to your schedule and family plans. You can plan family vacations or long weekends without asking for time off, and you can work late at night if you are a night person, or early in the morning if you prefer to get up early. Working from home truly gives you the most flexible schedule of all.

2) Family Life

When you work from home, you can enjoy more time with your family! Because you set your own hours, and because you are at home, you might not need to find outside child care, depending on how many hours of work you must put in every day. Your family will be blessed by having you at home most of the time. You can be there to see your kids off to school, and to welcome them home again. You can attend school assemblies, concerts, and volunteer at school sometimes. Your kids will see much more of you if you work at home.

3) Commute Time

Of course, when you work from home, there is no commute time! Just the time it takes to get to your computer or office, which can be a huge time savings! Not to mention the savings on gas, car repairs, etc. It can be a big relief to get rid of the morning and evening commute for a lot of people!

4) Other Money Savings

You can save money besides travel-related expenses as well. If you don't need to keep up a professional wardrobe, your clothing budget can shrink considerably. You can also save money by eating out less at lunch-time and using snack machines less. Every little bit adds up.

5) The Dress Code

Of course, if you work from home (provided you don't have clients coming to the house), you can work in your jammies if you like! You can have a much more laid-back, relaxing atmosphere when you set your own dress code!

6) Tax Benefits

Huge tax savings are available to you if you work from home. A knowledgeable accountant can save you thousands of dollars a year just by writing off a portion of your house and household expenses, plus other savings you have probably never heard of. Be sure to shop around for an accountant who specializes in home-based business taxes!

Pitfalls to be Aware of and Avoid

You will notice that #1 and #2 in this list are the same as on the Benefits list! That is because working from home certainly has great benefits, but also, depending on your personality type and family situation, can have a number of drawbacks!

1) Flexible Hours

Although flexible hours can be wonderful for some people, for others, they can contribute to significantly lower productivity! If you are a procrastinator, or if you are easily distracted from your work, then flexible hours at home may not be the best idea for you!

2) Family Life

Of course, the major downside to working at home is that your wonderful family can also provide many distractions throughout the day. If your kids are not in school yet, you may not be able to devote enough hours throughout the day to working at home. When you work from home, it is essential to have at least a few hours per day of undisturbed working time. If you are going to be the only adult at home, trying to work, with children around for any length of time, you will quickly find yourself frustrated! Not only that, but your children may begin to resent the time you are spending on your work, when they probably feel you should be playing with them.

3) Feeling Housebound

When you work from home, you are constantly at home. Some days you might begin to feel like you never leave your house. Feeling housebound can lead you to find unnecessary errands to run, reducing your productivity. Also, when you feel like you never "get out", your attitude might sour, and it's hard to work with a less-than-enthusiastic attitude.

4) Too Many Snacks

When you work at home, unless you are a very wise grocery shopper, your work (your home) also can be an endless supply of snacks and treats. If you decide to work at home, make sure that you spend a little extra time planning your grocery list!

5) That Bathtub is too Warm and Cozy

Besides delicious snacks, there is also a warm bathtub, entertaining TV set and other things to distract you from your work! If you are easily distracted, or if you have a lot of TV shows that you "just can't miss" then you should think carefully before you bring your work home!

6) Lack of Direction

Working from home and being your own boss can sometimes leave you with a lack of direction. Sometimes we need someone else's ideas and insights to help us discover the best course of action is, or to give us advice us in our work. Working from home can sometimes leave you with a lack of inspiration, and outside sources of ideas.

I hope that this list helps you to think carefully about the benefits, and possible pitfalls of working from home. After weighing both sides carefully, my best advice to you is to do what feels right for you and your family! Good luck!