Benefits of Working at Home

I’ve been working at home for almost a year now and while it’s definitely had it’s trying days I try to remind myself that I am mostly blessed to be able to do it and that the benefits really do out way the challenges. On a particularly long day last week I found myself going down the path of “this sucks”, and then I remembered that there are so many benefits of working at home. And a lot of them I had been overlooking.

Benefits of Working at Home

Working in Sweatpants

This is probably an obvious one but, for me it’s probably the most important. There is nothing better than not having to do my make-up or my hair or have to pick out a business casual outfit. And being comfortable makes me so much more productive.

Daytime Television

I’ve been a daytime television junkie for as long as I can remember. One of my favorite parts about staying home sick used to be watching daytime TV and Soap Operas while lying on the couch. And while I can’t lay on the couch and work, I certainly watch a decent amount of TV. I picked up 2 new Soap Operas and started watching General Hospital again. No matter how bad of a day I’m having usually someone in Port Charles has it much worse.

Binge Watching

Speaking of TV, I’ve been known to binge watch Netflix while working. I’ve watched back to back episodes of Orange is the New Black and Scandal while working. It makes the day go by so fast, and I get to catch up on all my guilty pleasures.

Proximity to the Kitchen

Even though I have an office I tend to work in my kitchen, mostly because that’s where the TV is. And because if I want a snack I don’t have to go downstairs and possibly get distracted by something. Plus I don’t have to buy lunch or go out for coffee and damn it if I get the urge to make nachos, I make nachos.

Unlimited Hugs

While working with a 4-year-old at home isn’t always easy and definitely has it’s frustrating moments, it does come with unlimited hugs. When I’m on the phone I regularly see Jack out of the corner of my eye sneaking across the room ready to ambush me in a hug. And I love each and every one of them.

Happy Hour

Before I got pregnant, when I worked at home, happy hour started at 5:01. I would punch out, pull out a glass of wine and unwind for a few minutes before diving into the dinner hour. I love that the bar was always serving what I liked and there was no need to tip.

My Own Internet

At work we always have to worry about who is monitoring the internet and the emails. At home if I suddenly remember that I need to pay a bill, I just log on and do it without having to act all super sneaky. If I realize I need an outfit for a party on Friday night, I might do some shopping while I wait on hold.

Boss, who?

While I regularly make contact with my boss via email for the most part I’m on my own. I decide when I’m doing what and when I take a break. I don’t have to worry about co-workers or getting sucked into a task that really isn’t my job.

Drama Free Zone

At the office I work in a building of at least 50 women. And while I don’t know everyone’s name and I try to keep to myself, I always find myself getting cornered by someone who wants to fill me in on the latest gossip and inevitably drama. The other day I had at least 3 different people stop by to fill me in on the latest scoops, and the thing that none of them get is that I don’t care. I generally just prefer to do my job and go home. And while I like my co-workers, I don’t care for all the drama.

Proximity to Laundry

I take breaks and do the wash. There is no shame in that. And if the people at the office can take multiple cigarette breaks a day then I can fold some clothes.

I’m Here

Sometimes when working at home seems difficult or Jack complains about it or I’ve just had enough, I remind myself that I get to be at home. That I get to be here, at home with Jackson 3/5 week days and that’s pretty awesome. I get to be there and spend time with him. I get to take breaks for a couple of minutes of snuggling, I get to listen in on him playing with his toys, I get to chat with him about his day and when I’m done for the day he’s there. Being at home with him is a blessing that 5 years ago I didn’t know I would have.

So, yeah, some days this work-at-home life gets to me. Some days it seems like I can’t do it all. But mostly it’s a blessing and even on days when it doesn’t feel that way at least there are nachos, soap operas and best of all hugs.