Before I start with the working from home pros and cons, let me make a note – this post is about working from home as a freelancer. They may or may not be true for telecommuting employees who have flexible working hours or work from home. Read on.
Recently I find many people question the whole idea of being a freelancer for odd reasons – like social isolation, or crazy working hours, or fast and famine cycle which is supposedly a characteristic of every freelancer’s life (which it isn’t)… I once blogged about some popular myths about freelancing – so today I’ll build on that and shed some light on 7 pros and cons as I see them.
#1 When working from home, I have the freedom to plan my own time
Since I started freelancing, I find myself with more time for my family, friends, hobbies, and basically – anything and everything I want. Furthermore, I am not wasting my time in commuting to the office or spending hours in traffic jams.
I am not forced to follow somebody else’s work schedule. I choose when it is best for me to work or play. This allows me to work whenever I am most productive, when there’s nobody else at home, when the neighbors are gone, and so on.
This can be a different time for each of us. It can even be a different time in the day every day. But that’s the beauty of working from home – the freelancer is in charge; we decide when to work and on what to work.
#2 I can follow my inspiration whenever it hits me
As a freelancer and a blogger, I often need inspiration – to write new posts, to work on new campaigns, to create copy for new products, and so on. But we all know there’s no ON and OFF button for inspiration. You either feel inspired, or you don’t.
I have worked in an office at a regular 9-to-5 job for almost 10 years. During those years I felt inspired to write something only once… I had spent 3 days thinking about an article I had to write for a magazine (part of my day job) and I couldn’t – I had no inspiration.
One night inspiration finally hit me – but it was in the middle of the night and I was really worried I won’t be able to wake up the next morning to go to work on time. So I let the inspiration fade away while I was falling asleep.
I did write the article, eventually – but I am sure it wasn’t as good as it would have been, should have I followed my inspiration that one night.
If I look back, during the past few years since I’m working from home – inspiration finds me at night quite often. Just last week I wrote a first draft of a book which I had not even planned before. It just came to me one night so I got up and started writing. I wrote all night. And then the next night, and the next night. Until I finished it in less than a week – I didn’t even know this was possible 😀 (If you’re curious, you’ll be hearing about this book early 2015.)
What I am saying is – since I started freelancing, my mind is open for ideas and I am ready to follow those ideas no matter when they come. This is a great pro of working from home for me. Just be careful not to lose track – keeping work-life balance is important and you should not stay up all night every night. It’s not good for you, nor for your writing 😉
#3 When working from home, I can make sure I have variety in my work
I never liked re-doing my work only because my boss was not in the mood for a positive piece. I never liked re-doing my co-workers’ work either. And I sure didn’t like manually keeping track of all the calls I made in a day because accounting was trying to determine who’s to blame for such a big phone bill.
As a freelancer, I no longer need to do any of it. I choose what projects to work on and with whom to work on them.
I don’t like a prospect? No problem – I don’t take them as a client. I don’t like a product? No problem – I don’t take on the marketing project the client offers me. I don’t like the project manager of that client’s project? No problem – I decline the project and never have to deal with that person again.
When working from home as a freelancer, I really have the freedom to choose with whom I work and on what projects. Those of you who are still fighting for their first contract probably cannot really understand this freedom to choose, but trust me – it exists. Freedom to choose is one of the main differences between being an employee and being a freelancer. The earlier you learn to appreciate it and manage it – the better.
#4 As a freelancer, I am able to travel more and frequently
For this you need to be a traveler by heart but I am, so it made it to the top of my working from home pros list 😉
But even if you are not a traveler by heart, the same principle applies to whatever your passion is – you will be able to see more movies at home, or hang out at the mall to watch people go about their lives, to ride a bike in the mountains, to sunbathe on the beach, or anything else you feel like.
My point is – once you master the art of managing your time well, you will have more than enough time for work and play alike. And if it is not a problem for you to work away from the comfort of your designated home office, you can grab your laptop and start traveling the world while still making money as a freelancer. But I digress. 😀
#5 When working from home, I can eat well
Gone are the days when I had only 5 minutes to grab a bite for lunch and that would be a slice of pizza because the only available food place nearby was PizzaHut.
When working from home, my stress levels are drastically reduced as well – so I no longer need to have 10 coffees every day only to go through the day.
To the contrary – I can prepare myself a breakfast for champions, cook for lunch and dinner, if I feel like it… In short – I can take a good care of myself or at least eat healthy.
#6 When working from home, watch out for the trap of physical inactivity
Now I know one of the biggest risks of being a freelancer is spending too much time at home and the lack of physical activity as a result. Not for everyone, of course… If you are used to going to the gym 3 times a week, probably working from home won’t change this habit.
However, if your exercise for the day was 1 hour walking to the office and back, and climbing up those 3 floors of stairs to your ‘cubicle’ in the business building – watch out. Before you have the chance to figure out how much you miss that walk to the office and back, it will be a-few-extra-pounds late 😀
When I started working from home everything was so convenient for me that I neglected myself. It was winter, we had a lot of snow, it was cold and I didn’t really have anywhere to go so I stayed mostly home. As a result, I gained some weight because I didn’t have the habit to exercise. I am one of those people who like walking to the office for an hour 😉
Anyways, fast forward to today, I finally have the time not only to exercise but to actually enjoy it. My advice is you start doing it too – from day 1. Remember you have the freedom to plan your time as you like – just make sure you block a time slot for outdoors activities, every day, be it a walk in the park, time with your bike, swimming or whatever else you like doing. Your body will thank you.
#7 I bet you’ve heard about social isolation when you work from home.
It’s true – sort of.
I disagree with the popular believe that when you work from home, you become socially isolated due to the lack of colleagues at the desk next to yours. This is a pro, if you ask me 😉
But another type of social isolation really may be a problem for you if you work from home. For example, it’s 2 pm on a Wednesday and you feel like walking in the park. But all your friends are at their day jobs so you have to go on that walk alone.
Another example – you get an irresistible last-minute offer. They are practically paying you to go on a vacation – but get that! You should go on Wednesday and Thursday. Now, as we established, all your friends are at work during the week so you either don’t go on that unforeseen vacation or you do it on your own.
I hope you have found yourself a soul-mate with flexible working hours and a few good friends who are freelancers like yourself. Otherwise, you may end up going on vacations all alone or in the busiest months when the entire touristic crowd hangs out.
(If you haven’t found freelance friends, don’t despair – there are plenty of ways to do that – I see another blog post being born as we speak!)
The one thing I have found hard to deal with when working at home is dealing with the constant interruptions. It makes it so hard to stick to your schedule you have put together. Nobody understands that just because you work at home and you’re the “boss” you still have a schedule of things that need to be accomplished.
Susan this is so true. It used to be a huge problem for me. So I use my caller ID and simply do not take calls from family and friends during my work hours. When asked to do “favors” and the asker cannot do it themselves because they are working I firmly inform them that I am too.
As it is often said by freelancers, you have to treat your freelancing as a business. If you don’t no one will.
You are so right, Susan – interruptions were a big thing for me, too! Not any more though. Not sure how it happened but gradually I trained everyone around me that:
1) calling me on the phone ANY time of the day is not a wise thing to do, write me an email instead – this way I can reply whenever I have the time or energy.
2) if you really must call me and ask something of me (yes, Alan, it happens to me too!) – in most cases I help out as I really am very flexible with my work, but I make it absolutely clear this is a favor I am doing for them; not only it is not something they can do on a daily or weekly basis (ask things of me) but they will have to repay the favor at some point, so to speak LOL
Now, I don’t really have interruptions. I am lucky, I guess 😀
I have not been working from home as much as I used to and I MISS it. Although I’m not a freelancer, I definitely see the opportunities and freedom it provides. I get more work done at home and don’t feel burned out at the end of the day.
Right, Debra, getting more done and not burning out – those are huge advantages of working from home. You got me thinking – could it be a direct result of the fact that you have somewhat full control of your day and work and time when working from home?
All good points I’ve been honing as I continue to grow as a freelancer. One interruption that gets old are my two cats and dogs. If I close the office door when my husband isn’t home, they give me no peace. Without fail, from 2-4 pm they get really annoying. Thank goodness animals tend to sleep most of the day though 😉
Jeri,
I suspect it is the number of pets you have. I have one dog – who goes to day care 3x a week to make sure he has enough exercise. Yet two of my cousins, both writers with more than one pet have the same complaint.
Frankly, I depend on my dog to get me away from the desk and actually interact with humans during the day when he needs to go out. I live an apartment complex so no backyard and strict leash rules. But, it seems to refresh me and I am ready to work more when I come back from our walk.
I wish you had a way to enjoy them when working, why not send one off with your husband? lol
You’re funny, guys – I don’t have pets so I cannot really relate to this type of interruption. This could be a fun post – 10 ways to get your pet to leave you do your work. LOL
Nice article Diana. One of the cons I find when working from home is that I can set my own schedule, and that means I can postpone my alarm clock. It’s easy to solve, but it’s also tempting to know I can sleep for one more hour and everything will be ok. I tried setting a different schedule many times, or scheduling meetings earlier in the morning…but it’s not that easy if you really love sleeping!
I do love sleeping, Silvana and I am the same way. For the most part I try to get started around 9 am but sometimes, in long periods of time, I start my day around 10, even 11 am (I am in such a period right now). But why is this a con?
I LOVE it that I have the option to sleep more and start later if that is what I need or want… why is it con for you?
I love working from home. I’ve worked from home for so many years that I don’t think I could adapt to the whole social atmosphere of working in an office. I have always been more productive when working from home
Hi Jacquiegum,
I totally agree with you. But I have to think again regarding my decision of being a freelancer.My biggest problem had been uncertainty. In my profession data is the key and I see people still hesitate to share it.
Any suggestions?
I hear you, Jacquie – although I’ve been working from home for only 5 years, I don;t think I can transition back in an office setting either….
As to your question, Ashish – what type of uncertainty are you talking about? What do you do? What do you mean by “data is key” and people are reluctant to share it? Please elaborate what your question is so that we can help you out with ideas… 😀
Hi diana; fine post. I’m sure many will benefit from it. I think the idea of choice is the best benefit. You not only choose the people you work with and the types of projects you take on, but you also choose your hours, work location, and friends. I mean think about it how many of us hang out with people at work with people they don’t like because they are the people at work. Its not like you can bring in other people to have as friends when you work in an office. thanks and take care, max
I think the social life and the ability to find friends based on your interests and not on your workplace is one of my favorite pros, too! Thanks for stopping by, Max 😀
Hi!
I liked your post. Regarding the trips and vacations, I find myself going on vacations alone “in the busiest months when the entire touristic crowd hangs out”. And I find it great! But, of course, I’ll be glad to be part of a group of freelancers wanting to meet somewhere (I’m in Argentina, you are welcome!)
Best,
Debi
Hi, Debi – I am glad you enjoy going alone on vacations in high season. Now that is something i don’t think I am capable of! My bad that I assumed everyone is like me and prefers less people 😀
As for coming to Argentina – it is on my list of countries to visit, but I don’t think I’ll be making it to that part of the world in the next few years…
ashishmishra1981,
You did not mention what type of information you find people are unwilling to share. If this group knows what kind of information problems we may be able to help.
ah, right – lan, you didn’t reply to him but just posted a new comment so maybe he never got notified. I just replied to his comment so maybe he will come back and say more now 😀
Thanks
Physical inactivity really hit me. I need to change before it’s too late.
I like your post, but there are different situations, too. I am a new freelancer and I need extra money from a freelance work.My situation is that I also work in an office (with fix working hours), have two daughters of 22 and 24 years of age, my hubsband died last year,and I have many home duties. I cannot realy reach deadlines and there are very few jobs offered for a translator/proofreader/article wirter. I am a little bit discouraged today.
Hi, Isolina. I see the predicament you are in. But when there is desire, there’s a way, always.
How do you go about finding freelance clients and work? I am asking because there is plenty of work out there for writers, there is maybe less for proofreaders and translators but there definitely is work for those as well. And if your languages are rare, you can get good money out of it.
Unfortunately, keeping deadlines is something you need to learn to do. I suspect you didn’t mean you cannot keep deadlines but that you are not flexible and cannot take quick jobs of sorts. And that’s fine – you can find work which is with deliverable stretched in time.
Please, don’t be discouraged – it is hard; like every endeavor, the beginning is the toughest. Only if you believe in yourself, you will succeed.
Hi, Shira – you are right, it is never too early to start… when i think about it, it is never too late either so, just start and start today! Your body and soul will thank you later 😀 hanks for reading and commenting!
Pretty interesting post, thanks! I disagree with you on the point about eating – you can easily take lunch with you and eat it at work or you can go to cafés during breaks. It’s not a pro and not a con, one may eat junk food both at office and at home.
An I support te point about social isolation when you’re at home, it is about me. I need communication as air, without it I feel lonely. Office work gives me new people and new impressions. Besides, office work demands constant self-development as you get task of different level of difficulty. At home you just do what you already can and that’s it)
Hi, Helen – I agree that one can eat healthy or junk food regardless their employment. For 10 years in various companies though I had the time to cook to take home-cooked food to the office only a few times and only once I actually ate it while enjoying a real lunch break. It isn’t a pro or a con per se but most people choose the easy way and eat whatever there is around the office. If they’re lucky, that could be a healthy food joint, not a fast food one 😀
As for the social isolation – I need communication as air, like you 🙂 But I have never missed the office environment for that. I wonder what it gave you that you cannot find in alternative ways (e.g. working in a co-working space, meeting people based on your interests and not on your work environment, etc.) – care to share?
As for your final note – I totally disagree. Working from home as a freelancer can be exactly as challenging as you want. The difference is that you don’t develop in whtever direction management tells you, you choose in what direction to develop new or existing skills. If you are just doing what you can and you are not investing in self-development, you are missing a ton of opportunities and self-satisfaction that freelancing can give you.
~Diana
Thank you for taking time and writing reply for me)
A few words about social isolation while working as a freelancer. When I speak about social isolation, I don’t mean long conversations during lunch breaks. I mean background noise, help when you are upset, jokes about the boss, stories about weekends with mother-in-law, different teambuilding activities… Of course, I have friends and I get enough attention from them, but I speak about another kind of communication. Hope, I made myself clear)
Ha! I never missed that type of communication in the office. And the background noise was the most annoying thing, ever. We never could agree on a radio statio to listen to LOL. Did you try working in a co-working space? I think it could give you the office environment and communication that you long for…
~Diana
Unfortunately, i have never tried coworing places, it seems to me, that we even don’t have any in our town. We have a small cafe where everybody sits with a laptop working, but the aroma of coffee doesn’t encourage me to work, lulling me asleep)))
But I’ll look for some coworking. Nice idea, thank you. why i didn’t think of this earlier)
You’re welcome, Helen – another idea you might want to consider is teaming up with a couple of friends and renting out an office space in your area. This way you can keep company and “simulate” an office environment while still retaining your freelance business and all the perks that come with it 😉
~Diana
Nice article, every words is right and to the point! Freelancing is my dream, It’s great when you can have lazy days, when you can sleep till you wake up (without alarm!) and have weekends whenever you want))
Hi, Olena – it’s a great feeling indeed. Just don’t be fooled – sleeping until late and having weekends whenever you want takes a lot of hard work and self-discipline. It is not all moonlight and roses 😀
~Diana
Very intresting information! Thank you!