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Last Updated on January 20, 2024 by Work In My Pajamas
Long gone are the days when the 9-to-5 schedule was mandatory. Enter new technologies, high-speed internet service providers, and a plethora of new jobs that didn’t exist less than a decade ago. The fact that many companies offer telecommuting options is a dream come true for people who like to work from the comfort of their own home. This is especially convenient for parents who now don’t have to give up on their careers in order to look after their children. Is this just a temporary fashion or are we witnessing a shift that will transform the concept of jobs as we know them?
It can be lucrative
Home-based jobs used to be somewhat insecure, so until recently freelancing was usually a part-time option or an opportunity to earn some extra cash. The times have changed so that now there’s an army of freelancers who make more than people with traditional jobs. A survey has shown that once they experience the joy and flexibility of freelancing, almost 50% of full-time freelancers would never go back to a traditional job even if it paid better. Apparently, although money is important, the sense of freedom that home-based jobs offer is priceless.
There’s a great demand
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New technologies have introduced lots of new jobs, and this means that if you’re a writer, designer, programmer, marketer, or a salesperson, you can find a home-based job that pays well. With the proliferation of websites and blogs, it has never been easier to land a writing or designing gig that can turn into a regular source of income. Of course, it can’t be denied that these jobs are often pretty insecure, which makes freelancers concerned about their future, including their health care and retirement plans. Another issue lies in the fact that unlike traditional employees, freelancers have to plan their off days and weeks very carefully, because they don’t get paid sick- or off-days. Of course, this can be solved by effective budgeting and making financial projections. In other words, you need to save some money for a rainy day.
It boosts productivity
Instead of wasting a couple of hours a day stuck in a car or train to work, people who work from home can use that time in a more productive way. They feel fresh and energized, and they don’t have to put up with workplace-related stress. This doesn’t mean that freelancers and home-based employees don’t have to worry about their job security or an increased workload, but at least they can eliminate people issues and they can achieve a work-life balance more easily. If we bear in mind that according to the American Institute of Stress 48% of employees say that these two factors are their main workplace stressors, it’s clear that telecommuting can lift a huge burden off an employees’ shoulders and allow them to live a less stressful life.
Avoiding traps
Ok, we have concluded that working from home is much more pleasant and comfortable than spending 8-10 hours in a stuffy office, but you have to be aware that there are some downsides to this lifestyle, too. At first, many freelancers feel as if they’re on vacation, as they don’t have to get up at the crack of dawn and rush off to the office. The cozy environment of your own home can trick you into procrastination, so it’s important to realize that self-discipline and excellent organizational skills are essential requirements without which your life will turn upside down. You might not know this, but freelancers actually work more than people with traditional jobs. Creating a home office is a must, as it’s the only way to get your work done and be efficient. Find a quiet place, away from any potential sources of distraction, and place your desk there. Make sure to keep your home office de-cluttered and organized. A recent research study has shown that stuffy air can significantly affect your performance and productivity, which is why it’s a good idea to get a device that will keep the air in your office fresh and clean. Detailed air purifier reviews and comparisons will help you pick the best option for your home.
Working from home has a lot of benefits that make it appealing, so no wonder many people with regular jobs are more than willing to jump on the freelancing wagon and change their lives for better.
