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When I tell people that I work from home, I usually hear the same thing. How great it must be to be able to work in my pajamas, stay home and take care of my son, have no boss, etc. It's then usually followed by a comment like "I wish I could work from home." It automatically gives the impression of a stress free lifestyle in wich you have the freedom to do whatever you like. But the oppposite can often be true.

One of the biggest things people often forget about is that working from home often pays less than a traditional job, especially in the beginning. If you're starting your own business, there are all of the licensing fees, startup costs, and the fact that your client list is probably not very big yet. If you're doing freelance or other odd jobs, you again may not have very many clients or a solid portfolio yet. Whatever the situation may be, the loss of income should be taken into consideration when deciding to work from home.

A huge reason people idealize working from home so much is the fact that there is no boss looking over your shoulder. Working from home can be a lot less structured than an office environment, and if you aren't careful, it can be easy to get into the routine of slacking off. In an office setting, there is a certain level of accountability. You have to punch in on time, answer to your boss, and be there to help your co-workers and customers. At home you have to stick to that same level of accountability. Keep yourself on a schedule and try to follow the same rules you would in an office.

Along this line, there can be a lot of distractions working at home. You get used to all of the noise in the office, and it becomes more like background music than a distraction. But my six month old gets hungry, or tired, or needs his diaper changed, and doesn't seem to care that I have work to do. The same goes for my puppy, who sees the world as her playground and me as her constant playmate Then there are all the people who assume that because I work from home I have time to stop everything when they call or stop by. If you have a schedule for yourself, make sure others know it as well. Explain that you have work to do and if they need you that visits or calls will be taken after work. You obviously can't tell your child that he can only be hungry after work, but I've learned to work around his schedule. When he's napping or eating, I do the work that requires concentration. Household chores and busy work are done other times.

A major downside to working from home is that it can be lonely, especially if you're used to being in an office. There is lots of noise, lots of other people, and you learn to appreciate the time you have at home. But I started working from home when my son was born, and suddenly trips to the grocery store seem like big outings. I'm a freelance writer, so I don't have any customers, nor do I have partners or a boss. I have a baby, a puppy and two cats, none of whom are great conversationalists, so it can sometimes seem like my boyfriend coming home is my only link to the outside world.

Working from home can be a great experience, but people need to be aware of the downsides so they dont get blindsided. It's not something everyone would enjoy, especially those wo need structre and routine in the workplace. But if given the chance, it can be a rewarding experience.

Learn more about this author, Michelle Swank.
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