Working from home is not as easy as some think
March 20th 2008 05:18
Upon my previous post about telecommuting jobs and work from home opportunities, I've had more discussions on work from home options with friends and colleagues after I announced that I am moving up to Coffs and am looking for a work from home opportunity.
Even in my own job I work from home from time to time. It's simply a flexibility option provided by my employer which is excellent when you are having an off day once a while and can't come into the office.
Often, when I do work from home, people automatically think I have all the time I have in the world, and start to ask me out to go to lunch/shopping/assist with errands. Often I'd have to explain that "No. I have to stay by my computer and work."
The problem with working from home is, that those who are in the office also think you are doing something else, and in fact you are being 'checked on' more often than those who go to the office. We have emails and chat programs and some people (thankfully, not my manager herself) would try to see how long it takes you to email and stuff.
And really, working from home is still work. It's not like I am able to take my time and do no work. Yes, it is comfortable and great to be able to get up and just 'be at work' but there is a lot about working from home people don't understand.
Just as this article on No workplace as busy as home, people who do work from home or run a home based business can sometimes be even more busier than those who have to travel. Simply because people expect them to be available all the time.
So think about your options if you are looking to work from home. Be prepared to be taking phone calls from 7am onwards and expect to be available until after 6pm.
It does happen.
Even in my own job I work from home from time to time. It's simply a flexibility option provided by my employer which is excellent when you are having an off day once a while and can't come into the office.
Often, when I do work from home, people automatically think I have all the time I have in the world, and start to ask me out to go to lunch/shopping/assist with errands. Often I'd have to explain that "No. I have to stay by my computer and work."
The problem with working from home is, that those who are in the office also think you are doing something else, and in fact you are being 'checked on' more often than those who go to the office. We have emails and chat programs and some people (thankfully, not my manager herself) would try to see how long it takes you to email and stuff.
And really, working from home is still work. It's not like I am able to take my time and do no work. Yes, it is comfortable and great to be able to get up and just 'be at work' but there is a lot about working from home people don't understand.
Just as this article on No workplace as busy as home, people who do work from home or run a home based business can sometimes be even more busier than those who have to travel. Simply because people expect them to be available all the time.
So think about your options if you are looking to work from home. Be prepared to be taking phone calls from 7am onwards and expect to be available until after 6pm.
It does happen.
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Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I've been working from home on and off for a couple of years now and it took some adjusting by myself and from others around me.
At first I found myself working all hours, my workspace seemed to be in my whole home...then I lapsed into procrastination. Both not great ways to do it. I think I have it much more balanced now and enjoy the flexibility.
I’ve had similar comments as you said, about people assuming you do nothing all day and it’s a ball. In fact, it can be harder to keep yourself motivate and on track when working alone. Thank-goodness for the Internet (and Orble). You have to learn your own ways of doing things and what works best.
I also had to train my in-laws not to jeep ringing and yabbering for hours, that I was at work!
Tracy
Comment by Sara Dobson
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Comment by AmyHuang
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Hi Sara - Good luck with your working from home quest! I am sure you will find a way to manage the time and people around you well
Hi Louie - Wouldn't it be great if you didn't have to do chores?