Working at Home Saves You a Lot
I’ve barely scratched the surface about the advantages of working at home. And even if they’re pretty obvious (to me at least) they deserve expounding:
Time Saver. For office workers, the daily commute is a necessary evil. To make a living, they have to spend some time to do so. Some of them take two hours—or more—to head to the office. And don’t forget the time needed to go back home. Those who work at home simply have to get ready for the day to start working. If corporate employees can go through the morning routine in 20 minutes, how quickly do you think contract workers can begin getting things done?
Money Saver. The daily commute always involves money. Whether you pay for fuel or the bus fare, you pay. Some employees spend half their salary for transportation. Walking to a home office is free, and homecooked meals can be a lot cheaper than eating in a restaurant (even an employee’s canteen).
Sanity Saver. Fighting through crowds of cars and people can be very stressful; not really the best way to start the day. Home workers always avoid the rush hours, since they don’t have to leave for work. Even if they have to go out, they can do so when the traffic isn’t that bad, since they have better control over their schedule.
Reputation Saver. Office workers need to highlight their accomplishments. Those who fail to do so may gain a completely unwarranted/distorted reputation. In other words, they have to play the political game. And constantly managing how they come off to their officemates requires efforts they could’ve devoted to work. The house is a less competitive environment, where freelancers simply focus on what needs to get done.
Environment Saver. Liz Jones suggests that working at home cuts down pollution, and I agree with her. Since you don’t have to travel so much everyday, that’s less energy used. Using Liz’s example, we can see that staying in the house can cut down up to 90% of fuel consumption.
If you work at home, I’d like to know why. What advantages or savings do you enjoy?
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POSTED IN: Living as a Freelancer, What's Great About Freelancing
9 opinions for Working at Home Saves You a Lot
Vyoma
Feb 18, 2007 at 9:21 am
The reputation saver hit right on the head of the nail.
I am a ‘corparate resource’ and I know now after two year of my graduation what it means.
I envision a day when I am free of that. The other things that you noted, I can bear. But this particular point……..
Liz Jones
Feb 19, 2007 at 3:01 am
I work from home, writing about working from home, as it gives me fabulous flexibility, as I have three young children.
Working from home is so much more productive for me AND I only do about 30 miles in my car a week, as opposed to the 300 miles I used to do when working in an office, thus I feel I am doing my bit to reduse my carbon footprint too!!
craig
Feb 19, 2007 at 5:11 am
the amount of time and freedom you find you have after deciding to work from home is insane. the Sanity Saver comment is spot on. that’s no way to start the day.
most people comment on how lonely it must be working at home, but imagine being able to go for a coffee with a friend any time of day. plus there’s IM.
and then there’s having no boss, job security and, possibly, residual income.
Rico
Feb 20, 2007 at 1:41 am
Vyoma: Sounds like you’ve learned the need to play the political game.
Liz Jones: Looks like we can add “Pollution Saver” to the list. :lol:
craig: I know what you mean. If a friend wants to meet up, I can take an hour or two off and finish the work later, since I don’t need to be in an office by a certain time.
Des Walsh
Feb 20, 2007 at 5:28 am
shoe saver - it’s part of money saving but for someone who hates having to try on new shoes it’s great that I don’t go through anything like the number of pairs of shoes I used to. And most days, dressing up is mainly to go to the post office or shop and sandals work fine :)
Franchise Pick - A Case for Working From Home
Feb 20, 2007 at 8:03 am
[…] b5media blogger Rico Mossesgeld of Contract Worker celebrates the benefits of working from home in his post Working at Home Saves You a Lot. Those of you operating home-based franchises would no doubt agree… and probably have a few more to add. […]
Rico
Feb 22, 2007 at 12:19 am
Des: Not to mention you’re saved from deciding what to wear everyday! :)
b5media - a global blog network - Business Channel Highlights
Feb 26, 2007 at 8:17 am
[…] Rico of Contract Workers discusses about what you save by working at home (and it isn’t just money). Did he mention sanity? […]
homebiznotes.com - More Work at Home Advantages
Feb 28, 2007 at 9:30 pm
[…] Rico Mossesgeld, who writes b5mdia’s Contract Worker blog, provides several advantages for working at home. His post, “Working at Home Saves You a Lot,” is very informative and gives you five reasons why this is true: […]
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