32 of 33

Write now Article Tools

Working from home definitely gives us a freedom that many yearn for. However, the defination of freedom is very different with each one of us. To some, freedom is the ability to carry out our work the way we want. To others, it might be the opportunity to work the hours we choose. Again for others, there can be other explanations.

Today, there are at least two different types of working from home.

One is where you work from your house but still report to an organization. The other is where you work for yourself.

Hence, when we look at the pros and cons of working from home, we should also be looking into whether it is working at home under some formal guidelines or working at home fully for yourself.

Working from home for an organization
-

In this situation, while you have the flexible working hours, you are still answerable for your actions to someone else in a office. You have to work within certain limits and have to show the results of your work. You will of course, still be entitled to certain benefits like vacation leave, medical expenses, traveling expenses etc. But since you are doing the work in your house, you have the time to multi-task for other duties which may crop up for example, running to the bank for some urgent matters.

At the same time, self discipline is truly not an issue here because you will be assigned tasks to complete within certain time frame. If your job is tele-marketing, you will be working under a target of number of calls and be measured by the results of your calls. If it is for support, you will most like be measured by the response time and how efficient are you. There will always be a manner in which management can measure how effective you are if they allow you to work from home.

While the disadvantage would be the lack of fellow colleagues to chat or share some gossip 'during working hours', you would not be totally cut off. Again, typically in a working environment like this, you will need to probably report to office once a month. But of course, this will not compensate the difference of having your colleagues around all day.

One other disadvantage is of course getting others (or a secretary) to help with you with tasks like filing, making you a cup of tea, clearing your desks, taking your calls when you are busy, etc.

Working from home for your own self
-

On the other hand, when you are working at home for yourself (and not for your own company), then you are

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about The pros and cons of working from home?
We want to hear your view. Write now!