Working at home is a matter of perspective, dependent on the individual’s characteristics and purpose of working at home. Can you work without the need for direct supervision? Do you need constant feedback to guide you in doing your job or are you a goal getter, better at working alone as your own boss? Do you constantly need to communicate and connect with others, away from the confines of being alone, isolated in your own island, in your own world? Are you a mother who has to take care of your child and thus would benefit from working at home? These are but some of the simplest of questions that can weigh the pros and cons of choosing between working and getting paid while at home and working in the corporate world. With the advent of technology, the idea of doing ones job and getting paid while at home has become a not-so-alien concept. Here we discuss some of the common characteristics that would make an individual ideal for this type of situation. We will also talk about the pros and cons that come with working at the confines of ones house.

The most basic question would be, “Can this work be completed anywhere without having to go to the office?” Since the Internet makes it highly susceptible to bring work to home, most companies have adopted the option of letting their employees enjoy the benefit of brining work to home. On the employer’s standpoint, it not only reduces office space but allows for more output by allowing for more flexibility on the worker’s work schedule. Companies who offer such flexibility attract more candidates to apply, especially to those who cannot commit to the usual working hours of nine to five. It also gives the individual time to meet personal obligations and decreases absenteeism. Nowadays, there are a number of different types of work that require only a computer and Internet connection which makes it ideal for individuals to earn income while staying at home. These include research over the Net, transcription, letter writing, term paper writing, coding, customer service support, and etc.

One has to bear in mind that to be able to fully utilize profit and time and get the desired pay, the individual must be goal-oriented and disciplined. Since there is no boss to report to and no time to follow, it is very easy to forget that one has to establish time and effort to accomplish productive work in order to obtain profit. Also, it is wise to consider whether one can function without an able support system, i.e., troubleshooting and handling technical problems without the help of technicians, so that work is not delayed and is continuous. Another factor to consider is workspace. Since the bedroom is conducive for sleeping and should be limited to sleeping, does one have a work area that can double as the office of sorts and free from the usual household distractions? It is best to assess in advance the type of equipment and connectivity one would need for work to flow uninterruptedly and all the other back up systems that would normally be provided in the office setting. A classic example would be in cases of power disruption which would delay output. This is very important in cases where work is dependent on turnaround time and, thus, should be considered in the setting-up stage before anything else.

Now we come to the pros and cons. Top of the list is of course being your own boss. Working at home not only provides money but provides the individual with independence and flexibility. You keep your own hours, wake up when you want, sleep when you feel like it, eat while working, eat and then work, pretty much anything you want to do. For most parents especially, it makes them indispensable to their family, making do with having to fit time between workplace and home. On the side of the parents, it cuts on travel time and reduces cost of transportation. Depending on the type of work, one is not limited only to a certain work type but can choose many different types of work and has control of cash flow and work variety.

On the downside, working at home may not be as easy at it sounds. While one has work variety as mentioned above, work may not always be steady or guaranteed. Also, it needs a lot of motivation without the help of others for this type of work setting to be effective. If you can work alone with less or without human contact, then there is no question of suitability. However, it is also a common fact that happy employees are also more productive employees. Being in the company of cheerful people boosts up ones mood, hence, boosting morale and individual predisposition. One of the greatest hurdles will probably be in trying to avoid the feeling of disconnection which would hamper ones motivation. Also, one does not have the option of technical expertise and support provided in an office setting. This can be especially difficult in cases where technical know how is limited even if the person is equipped with technical knowledge. Career advancement may also be missing as there is no corporate ladder to climb and one has to contend with having to do everything oneself.

The year 2000 to 2005 has shown a marked increase in individuals who have opted to stay and earn at home. While the incidence is higher in males than females, the difference is not that markedly high. Also, the number is highest in individuals aged 25 to 54 and decreases as age increases. In terms of educational attainment, it is common among individuals with bachelor’s degree and lowest among those who achieved only high school level or less. Understandably, it also appeals most to the married than those who are single or separated.

To sum it up, focus on your objectives and sift through the advantages and disadvantages of working at home. Define your goals. Research and keep your focus. You may find that working from home can fulfill your dreams and give you an alternative to the traditional 9 to 5.