PROS AND CONS OF WORKING FROM HOME

Are there any drawbacks to working from the comfort of your own home? Seems unlikely as everything is to hand. You can even have tele or video conferences from your own armchair.

No daily commute, no traffic, no travelling, all home comforts. Coffee when you like, break when you like.

Sounds like heaven.

Yet there are disadvantages and the main one is motivation or lack of it. It is very easy to lie in bed later than normal because there is no timetable. The sun is shining so it beckons outside. Shopping needs to be done, etc. etc.

If working from home is to be an option you must set parameters and work within specific hours. There is certainly more flexibility in when you work. For example you can work late into the night or start early in the morning and have the day between. However, this can get out of hand and must be avoided if the work is to be done.

Another disadvantage is the lack of colleagues. This is not so much of a problem if you are an employee as quite often a day or two in the office is included in the flexibility package.

However, working for yourself is usually a one-man band operation and everything depends on you. Problems are unable to be shared. Decisions need to be made and often it helps to have a second opinion.

Mistakes will be made, particularly when you begin working from home with your own business. Everything will start and end with you.

One big problem comes when you perhaps have been made redundant and wish to take the opportunity to work for yourself. It is hard to change from a very set routine to more flexibility.

Discipline is vital.

All in all, however, working from home has more advantages than not.