I have to admit, before I had the ability to work from home two days per week, I scoffed at the idea of it. When I thought of working from home, I thought of people who were, well, essentially lazy – laid around in pajamas, watched TV and napped on and off all day long. A new job and 8 months later, the tables have turned and I’ve realized that my ideas about telecommuting couldn’t have been any more wrong.
Now that I’ve fully embraced the WFH* lifestyle, I occasionally hear comments from family and friends that I used to make. “I forgot you don’t work tomorrow,” or, “You should watch this show while you’re working from home!” and, “It must be nice to not do anything two days a week.” As annoying as these comments are, I try to remember that I was a skeptic once too. Working remotely can seem like a slacker’s paradise if you haven’t gotten the chance to experience it for yourself, but if you ask anyone who telecommutes, they’ll kindly disagree. Check out 5 of the most common misconceptions I’ve experienced when it comes to working from home.
Myth: You get to catch up on your favorite TV shows
Truth: It may seem like telecommuting means plenty of time for TV, movies and video games but the routine at home hardly differs from the one in the office if you want to keep your job. It’s a nice thought, but there is no TV time between the hours of 9 and 5.
Myth: Working from home is pretty much the same thing as having a day off
Truth: ERRRRRRPPPP! Sorry Jenny, the price is wrong. I have heard this so many times that it’s not even funny. Although you may think that the “working” part of working from home is only implied, I actually tend to get even more work done when I’m telecommuting than I do in the office. I think many other telecommuters would agree.
Myth: You lay in your bed all day with your computer on your stomach and hand in a bag of chips
Truth: While this might work for a few, uhm, select people, I can assure you that this is not the norm. Everyone here at Gossip Genie has a space at home that’s dedicated to our Tuesdays and Thursdays. Having a defined working area helps keep you focused and stay on track with your daily duties.
Myth: You can hang out with your friends all day long
Truth: I love my friends, I really do, but when I’m working the last thing I want to do is be distracted. Before you know it, one hour chatting can turn into three and your work day is shot. Unless your bestie is willing to put you up on their couch when you lose your job because you were too busy socializing, I suggest keeping your friend hang time for after work and the weekends.
Myth: You can cook full meals and have the time to clean the whole house, too!
Truth: If I didn’t prep my lunches on Sunday, I wouldn’t eat at all when I WFH. Time gets away from you which can lead to eating your lunch later than normal and believe me, there’s isn’t time (or energy) to whip up a 5-star meal when you’re in the zone. Cleaning? Forget about it. I’ve literally sat in the same spot all day, only moving a few times to relieve myself.
WARNING: Working from home is not for those who are easily distracted, lazy or love to sleep. Please consult your employer before attempting this approach.
*WFH = working from home
