Do You Think Working From HomeWill Make You Happier?
More and more people are saying no to full-time traditional jobs and yes to the gig economy.
Gig jobs usually entail driving around town taking orders, driving people to appointments or running errands.
But, there’s also freelancing within the gig economy. Freelancing usually means working from home.
There are many freelance services you can offer like graphic design, web development, writing or being a virtual assistant.
Why such the surge in freelancing and working from home?
This type of work is considered to be good for an individual’s health as well as productivity. Research conducted by Stanford University on employees of a Chinese travel agency revealed those employees who were working remotely from home were more productive than those working on site.
This implies that individuals who work at home are happier than those who have a traditional job.
But, is that really true?
I’ve been a freelance writer for five years and many things have happened during that time.
Being a work at home worker has its own perks, though. Here are the seven best things about working from your home office.
1. Work-Life Balance
Many companies are evaluating a work from home strategy not only to save costs and lower carbon emissions, but also to retain the best talents.
If you work as a freelancer, this can also apply, but it may go the other way. As a mom and freelancer and blogger, I have a lot to juggle so someting always has to give — and that’s usually home life.
I have to schedule my work day and stop working at 4:30 so I can prepare dinner, do homework with the twins and finish up my chores for the day.
2. You are Your Own Boss
You’re the boss now.
This means you make the decisions and you decide if you want to work with someone or not.
This makes a lot of people happy. But, sometimes wearing too many hats is difficult.
There was a time early in my freelance writing career where I struggled being the negotiator, customer service, the marketer and copywriter.
It took a lot of trial and error (and stress) to find that balance.
3. More Savings
Setting your workstation at home will help you save money in terms of your commuting costs, lunch or even an early morning cappuccino at the office.
Essentially, you would save what you would have usually spent if you were working in an office.
This is definitely a perk to working from home. I save money on travel, gas, and wear and tear on our car.
4. Ability to Make More Money
What I love about being a freelance writer is the ability to make more money.
I can scale my business and I can try new tactics to increase my income.
This flexibility is what makes me happy because I get to explore my creative side.
5. More Tailored to Your Needs
An office cubicle job doesn’t allow for rest and requires you to stay focused on something for an hour or so.
Standard office working environments are structured meaning there is a start time to work and maybe a break or two before finally ending your workday. Sometimes a structured environment doesn’t do well for creative minds.
Being able to focus, move away from your desk, and return back to your desk when ready implies you are working with your brain, not going against it.
While I do end my day the same each day, what I do in those hours is different each day.
Sometimes I start my morning with email, other times writing a post and still other times doing a video lesson for a course.
Thus, working from home while you are managing your family and household can be a rewarding and challenging adventure if you can:
· Find your niche and expertise
· Set some realistic goals and expectations
· Work smartly
But, don’t let that fool you.
There is a downside to working from home.
For starters, I need to incorporate exercise into my days, or else I will just sit at my desk from 9–2pm.
Sitting is worse than smoking nowadays.
Another thing is that it’s lonely working form home. Fortunately, I have my husband who also works from home, but he is in another room.
I essentially work in my office by myself for most of the day.
This can take a toll and lead to being reclusive.
Finally, working from home is stressful. At least it is for me.
Having twins is doubly stressful too!
So that “me” time is crucial for me to have a good head space and be the best mom I can be.
But, you know what?
I wouldn’t change it for the world!
Freelancing has really been THE BEST thing that has happened to me.
It fits my personality and I absolutely LOVE helping others achieve their success.
So, now it’s your turn — do find working from home to be what you expected it to be, or do you find it more challenging?
