On my way to my second year as a work-at-home girl. Still a noob at my finest but over the course of this new career set-up which I've been enjoying and savoring every minute of every single day, I've had a few observations on how some people misinterpret the real meaning and essence of working at home and I listed them down. Check it out...
1. We just lie around and do nothing. All day. Everyday.
Oh, don't we all wish we could do that? I know I can sleep for 12 to 16 hours straight if there's a "need" to, but then who would want to do that everyday? I heard that we burn more fat sleeping than walking around aimlessly in the mall, but still, there are a lot of things I'd love to do rather than lie around and do nothing. I'll write a blog post about that soon.
2. Our work involves just lounging on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and my personal favorite, Blog-Hopping.
Unless... you're a social media manager by profession. Found a job posting for one of those and was tempted to submit an application but I hesitated. I'm not sure if I'm ready to treat Facebook-ing and Twitter-ing (?) as real jobs yet. I might get tired and bored. But I'm not closing doors. Give me a few days to think about it again... Personally, I use social media as a replacement to the typical water cooler chitchat office workers get to enjoy. Although, I sometimes overdo it (quickly flips journal for a copy of 2013 resolutions and highlights this item)...
3. Because we've got lots of free time, we can run errands for anyone who needs them. Anytime.
I mean, I sometimes risk getting our power and Internet disconnected because I prefer paying all bills at the same time, in one payment center. If you'd like me to run an errand for you, schedule it on the same date as my Bill-Paying-Day-Out.
4. Since we're "just at home" the whole day, visitors can drop by unannounced.
Truth is I work in various stages of undress. And the house can also be in various stages of topsy-turvy. And maybe I have a bunch of deadlines just around the corner or pending items on my To-Do List begging for me to check them off as done. So unless you're ready for all of the above, plus the fact that my eyes will be glued to the computer and I'm mumbling incomprehensible stuff while nodding at intervals at whatever you're saying... please tell me in advance in you're coming for a visit. I'd love to chat too, but I don't want to spoil the moment by being a half-baked host.
5. Our bosses and clients can't see us so we can work half the day for them and spend the rest doing... whatever. Except working.
Liars go to hell... And they also lose jobs and go hungry before finally getting thrown into the sea of flames.
6. Work-at-home professionals earn in Dollar$$$, so we must have so much money.
Ever heard of fluctuating exchange rates? We are at the mercy of that. Got the picture?
7. It took us just a few clicks to get our jobs so it's probably easy for us to find a job for all our relatives, friends, and neighbors too.
It took me one month to land a client I could work very well with. From then on, I never stopped being on the lookout for other clients I can still accommodate in my schedule without sacrificing work quality. I have a husband, pets, a home (and a self!) that I need to take care of and cook for. You know yourself and your skills best so please try to look and apply for jobs yourselves. I was never selfish with the search venues but I'm afraid you'll have to do the legwork.
8. Working at home is easy-peasy.
Think: Time Management, Discipline, Customer Service, Continuous Learning, Personal Development, Foreign Exchange Rates, Financial Management, Health and Wellness, Socialization, Housekeeping, Cooking, Nurturing Relationships, et cetera, et cetera... Now, does it still look easy?
9. It's a scary work set-up because we don't have health care and social security benefits.
It's scary everywhere! You think you're safe and your career's secure because you're a regular employee and you can't be fired? Eeep! Wrong! We're mortals. There are risks everyday, in any industry. Even large corporations close down for one reason or another. Regardless of industry and employment status, we should all save, save, and save for the rainy days. Even ants (i.e., the free-riders on my coffee) know and practice that...
10. We're just a bunch of lucky bitch*s and b*stards.
You are wrong. Just wrong.
Oh wait! What do we have here?
Because you're patient enough to read up to this point, you get a...
BONUS!
11. We're swimming in excess free time, so when we plan to meet somewhere, you can be late for about 30 minutes to one full hour.
I'm kidding. I hate it. So so so hate it. I'm not exactly a Best in Punctuality Awardee but hey, I'm a Runner-Up now... I value friendships and opportunities to socialize but not at the expense of my career, which I love and I'm proud of or spending my time with my Family. Before I say 'Yes' to meet-ups, I've computed the foregone income or rest time it would entail so please, have a little bit of consideration. If you plan on being late please tell me in advance so I can: (a) Not come; (b) Bring a book; (c) Bring my laptop; or (d) Allow Arya to tag along. :)
Enjoy your weekend (if applicable) work-at-homies!
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