4 Reasons Why Working From Home May Be A "Bad" Idea
Dreaming of a work-from-home job? You may want to think again!
Working from home is the dream of many people, and remote work is here to stay. But, there are bad aspects to it too that a lot of stay-at-home and remote workers fail to mention or take into consideration before jumping ahead into this work lifestyle.
If you’re planning to start working from home or you’re just thinking about making your work-at-home job a permanent thing, consider these downsides first.
Procrastination
Remote workers struggle with self-motivation and procrastination. It’s a fact.
When you’re not surrounded by colleagues and work everywhere you turn your head, and you’re not held accountable to a boss at the end of the day, it’s very easy to get distracted by the TV in the corner of the lovely sunny spot in the garden just calling out to you. Work can wait until tomorrow (you think!).
I found that setting one or two simple “tasks” as opposed to goals the night before really helps with this.
I wake up in the morning, get them done, and then I feel great and up for some good work because I already feel productive and like I achieved something (kind of like making your bed first thing when you wake up).
Loneliness
This was definitely my biggest struggle.
It can be very depressing, and even lower your energy and productivity levels when you’re alone the entire day working with only your dog for company (no matter how much you love your dear pet!).
Workplaces are actually big parts of our social lives; Though you may not think so right now if you’re tired of your 9 to 5-day job, or if you're an introvert who loves the idea of being alone. The truth is that handling a forced solitude while working, and on a daily basis, is very different from wanting to have a moment alone from time to time.
I think the secret is to not allow yourself to become isolated, which, unfortunately, I used to do. Make your social life a priority, and even if you can only schedule a virtual family meeting or a video call with your loved ones during your work day, do it!
Personally, I started craving company so much while working that I’ve developed the weird habit of putting chat shows in the background to not feel alone. It doesn’t distract me in the least, so give it a shot, and see if it works for you too.
Interruptions
As much as you may want to start a work-at-home career to spend more time with your kids, spouse, or dog, these can be real interruptions that may hinder your work or delay it.
Something that helps with this issue is to have a specific workspace and set boundaries. Especially when you’re doing a very important task that requires a great deal of attention and focus.
Depression
Think about it: you never leave the house, you work in the place you sleep in, you don’t see other and new people, you don’t get to dress up, you’re alone.
Yeah, you get the vibe; If you allow it, working from home can become REALLY depressing if you don’t learn to separate the “work” from “home” even while you’re working at home.
So if you’re a remote worker, make sure to find time to practice some self-care, dress up, set a timer for work to avoid that 24-hour workday, get out of the house instead of having your groceries delivered, and get your daily dose of social interactions however you can.
Working from home has definitely its perks, but like everything else, it also has its downsides and if you don’t take control, it will take control of you.
The key is to be aware.
Source: this article was originally posted on Medium
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Sally From The Shine Project
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