When you hear the words “work at home” what immediately comes to mind?
For some people itching to be at home, they think freedom, release from the 9 to 5.
For the opposite camp who would never consider it, they might be thinking boredom, loneliness, maybe even laziness.
After working from home for 5 years, I’ve realized there are some misconceptions about what working from home really means. Let’s get right down to it and dispel some of the myths.
Myth #1: Working from home is easy
While it sounds great being your own boss and making your own schedule, the reality is, you need to really do those things! When you work from home, there’s no one telling you what to do.
Distractions, lack of motivation, and productivity problems. These are very, very real. Working from home means either becoming quite adept at scheduling and planning or risk not getting things done.
Myth #2: It’s lonely
Uh, no. When you make your own schedule, you can plan some time to get out. But even when you don’t have time to get out, it’s still not lonely.
I’ve met AMAZING people online. People I interact with daily and that I consider friends. Especially with forums and communities on Facebook (like MGP!), it’s never lonely.
The Truth About Working At Home - Myth #2: It’s lonely. #wah #workathomeClick To Tweet(Plus for me, I have kids. They seem to be always around. Even when I’d like to get rid of them…)
Myth #3: You have lots of free time
While it is possible to schedule in fun time, people who work from home don’t have unlimited time to gallivant. This is a big one for me, as I still have to deal with friends and family who think I can just do whatever, whenever.
The reality is, working from home is work. It can be just as demanding as an out-of-home job, and can be just as strict when it comes to scheduling. While working from home does allow you to be more flexible, it does not mean we have less to do each day.
Myth #4: WAH is the same thing as SAHM
I have a ton of respect for stay-at-home moms and dads. They definitely are no slouches in the busy-ness departments. Stay-at-home parents seem to do it all in my eyes. They cook, clean, help with homework, play with kids, some even homeschool. I would never disrespect a SAH parent by saying they don’t do anything. Because being the parent and taking care of the home are two of the hardest jobs I can think of.
But work at home and stay at home are NOT the same thing. When you work at home, your schedule isn’t quite as flexible. There may be times when you have to miss a field trip in order to fulfill a client order. Or keeping a spotless house is just a big fat “No” when you’re up against a deadline.
Myth #5: You don’t need extra childcare
Some of us don’t, some of us do. I’ve been fortunate that when my son was little, I took on less work so I could spend time with him. Now that he’s older, I work more. This fall he will go to school full-time, and believe me, I’m looking forward to it.
For others with even younger children, there may be some times where they just need a few, undistracted, hours. It doesn’t make them bad parents. It just means they have a realistic view what they can take on each day between work and childcare.
Myth #6: Working from home is stress-free
Working from home? Stress-free?
Yeah right.
Just because I do my work at home and make my own schedule doesn’t mean I’m immune to stress. We all deal with deadlines, performance reviews, pushy people, clients who refuse to pay. In fact, we’re responsible for every part of our business. That just be even more stressful.
Myth #6: Working from home is stress-free #wah #workathome Click To TweetMyth #7: Extroverts can’t work from home
You may think that everyone who works at home are introverts. That extroverted people can’t possibly enjoy working at home all alone.
Truth is, anyone can work from home. In fact, extroverts probably have an advantage when it comes to reaching out and marketing. Plus, there’s always ways to get face-to-face interaction when you need it.
I’ve been working from home for the last 5 years. I’ve dealt with people (ahem … family members) who think I don’t have a real job. Or I have unlimited free time to schedule things randomly on weekdays. And there seem to be quite a few of these misconceptions about working at home going around. Don’t listen to them. Working at home isn’t always easy, it can be stressful but it’s rewarding.
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Corinne Kerston
Corinne is freelance writer and blogger for hire, a wifey and mommy, and one of the girlies! She enjoys writing about life, working from home and blogging. When she's not taking care of the family or spending time online, she enjoys walking and yoga.
Latest posts by Corinne Kerston (see all)
- The Real Truth About Working at Home - February 10, 2016
