12 Reasons to Consider Working From Home (And 11 to Not)

12 Reasons to Consider Working From Home (And 11 to Not)
Is working from home right for you?
Giving up your twice-daily commute sounds delightful, as do many of the other perks that come with working from home. Ditching an actual office for a home office, or even your couch isn't right for everyone. There are a lot of things that make working from home seem like a great day, but there are almost an equal amount of reasons to at least consider not doing it.
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Pro #1: You don't have to commute
Time spent commuting is more or less time wasted. Sure, you may listen to music, your favorite talk radio host, or a podcast, but you can also do those things at your home. Not having to commute to work saves you money on gas and car repairs, not to mention it adds time to your day.
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Con #1: You don't have a buffer
Perhaps the only good thing about commuting is that it gives you some time at the beginning of the day to get ready for work and some time at the end to process. It's possible to build that sort of buffer at home -- maybe start the day with a walk and end with a little yoga -- but it's not automatic.
ALSO READ: Looking to Work From Home? Here's How to Avoid Falling Victim to Scams
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Pro #2: No pants? No Problem.
If you have meetings over video you may have to meet some sort of dress standard. If you don't, then you can more or less wear whatever you want and push your morning shower until after you go to the gym.
5 Winning Stocks Under $49
We hear it over and over from investors, “I wish I had bought Amazon or Netflix when they were first recommended by the Motley Fool. I’d be sitting on a gold mine!” And it’s true. And while Amazon and Netflix have had a good run, we think these 5 other stocks are screaming buys. And you can buy them now for less than $49 a share! Simply click here to learn how to get your copy of “5 Growth Stocks Under $49” for FREE for a limited time only.
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Con #2: Your personal standards can fall
It's great to occasionally have a day where you keep your pajamas on and forget to brush your hair. When that becomes the norm, however, we lose any reason to dress up even a little and become the sort of person who is at the grocery store in their pjs.
ALSO READ: Survey Shows the Top Benefits of Working From Home
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Pro #3: You're home for anything you need
When you work at home you can open the door for deliveries or have contractors come to make repairs. It's convenient that you don't have to take time off to handle these routine things that don't involve you being much more than present.
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Con #3: People can take advantage
When you work from home, your friends and family tend to assume you have total freedom. That means they can expect you to pick them up at the airport or take them to doctor's appointments.
You may have that level of freedom or you might not. It's harder to get people to respect your workday when it's not happening at a traditional office.
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Pro #4: All your stuff is there
Have a break during the day? You can watch TV, do the laundry, or even jump in the pool (if you're lucky enough to have one). That's not something you can do easily at the office.
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Con #4: All your stuff is there
Your office probably does not have an Xbox and, if it does, there are likely rules about when you can play. When you work at home it can be easy to get distracted by all of your possessions.
5 Winning Stocks Under $49
We hear it over and over from investors, “I wish I had bought Amazon or Netflix when they were first recommended by the Motley Fool. I’d be sitting on a gold mine!” And it’s true. And while Amazon and Netflix have had a good run, we think these 5 other stocks are screaming buys. And you can buy them now for less than $49 a share! Simply click here to learn how to get your copy of “5 Growth Stocks Under $49” for FREE for a limited time only.
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Pro #5: You can see more of your family
If you work from home, you're home more. You can get the kids off to school and be there when they return. You can also handle sick days, random no-school days, and other hurdles because you're not going into an office.
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Con #5: Family can be distracting
At the office, you never have to stop working because your kids are fighting. You also have a professional environment that does not have the background noise that often goes along with working from home.
ALSO READ: Employees Will Stop at Nothing to Get to Work From Home
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Pro #6: You can travel
Working from home really means working not from an office. That gives you flexibility to travel and be places during the work week that you otherwise may not have been able to go.
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Con #6: Out of sight, out of mind
When you're not in the office it can be harder to make an impression on your boss. Sometimes simply not being present can lead to you having a lower profile and that could mean being passed over for promotions or other opportunities.
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Pro #7: You can save money on food
It's tempting when you work in an office to go out to eat. At home, it's easier to cook or eat leftovers. That sounds like a small thing, but the savings can add up.
ALSO READ: America Is Eating Out Like Never Before, but Not Everyone's a Winner
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Con #7: It can be lonely
When you work at home, it can be lonely. You may interact with coworkers on the phone or electronically, but that's not the same as interacting in the office.
5 Winning Stocks Under $49
We hear it over and over from investors, “I wish I had bought Amazon or Netflix when they were first recommended by the Motley Fool. I’d be sitting on a gold mine!” And it’s true. And while Amazon and Netflix have had a good run, we think these 5 other stocks are screaming buys. And you can buy them now for less than $49 a share! Simply click here to learn how to get your copy of “5 Growth Stocks Under $49” for FREE for a limited time only.
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Pro #8: There are tax benefits (maybe)
If you have a home office, you may qualify for a tax deduction. You only qualify, however, if the space is only used as an office -- dual-use areas don't count.
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Con #8: Work never ends
If your home is your office, it can be hard to not answer an email late at night. There is no separation, and that can make it feel like you are always working.
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Pro #9: Privacy
Need to take a call from your doctor? Do you have to do something you would rather not share with your boss? When you work from home, it can be a lot easier to keep your personal business personal.
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Con #9: You have to make your own coffee
Offices have coffee -- some have really nice coffee that you don't have to make. By working from home you give up perks like coffee service, snacks, and your slice of office birthday cake.
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Pro #10: It's easier to workout
Even if your office allows you the time to go to the gym, doing so can be a challenge. You have to shower after, then get dressed back up in office clothes.
Home-based workers can work out early or late. They can sneak a workout in mid-day, but put off showering until the end of the business day.
5 Winning Stocks Under $49
We hear it over and over from investors, “I wish I had bought Amazon or Netflix when they were first recommended by the Motley Fool. I’d be sitting on a gold mine!” And it’s true. And while Amazon and Netflix have had a good run, we think these 5 other stocks are screaming buys. And you can buy them now for less than $49 a share! Simply click here to learn how to get your copy of “5 Growth Stocks Under $49” for FREE for a limited time only.
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Con #10: Texts and Slack may be hard to "read"
If your boss is angry and you see him or her, you can usually tell. A terse Slack or text message may mean disapproval or anger. It could also mean that he or she was rushed. It can be hard to know when you're working from home.
ALSO READ: Is Remote Work the Key to a Better Work-Life Balance? Maybe Not.
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Pro #11: Your company may help
Some companies offer perks for work-from-home employees. That can be everything from an allowance to buy furniture to help paying for your internet or, really, anything else. Even if your company does not do this as a policy, you may be able to negotiate some benefits.
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Con #11: Being sick is less of an excuse
Nobody wants sick people to come to work and infect everyone else. When you work from home, your employer may be less sympathetic to how you feel and expect you to work through illness.
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Pro #12: Minor illness is less of an issue
Have the sniffles or a minor illness? The office may not want you, but you can still be productive from home.
ALSO READ: Yes, You're Allowed to Call Out Sick When You Work From Home
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