Things You Need to Know

I’ve been doing on and off freelance work for 8 years now, and I noticed that there has been a rise of freelance workers since the pandemic hit. But what’s really behind this trending job? 

Some thrive with flexibility while others are tempted with distractions. Some have mastered the art of multitasking, while others have difficulty managing their times.

Whatever you are going through during these times, here are the joys and struggles of working from home as a freelancer.

Delights of Working from Home

1. Flexible work schedule 

Some are night owls, others are early birds. Whichever time suits your body clock best, working from home allows you to maximize your productivity level. This gives precious time spent with loved ones, or pursuing new hobbies, engaging in physical activities, and having as much nap time as you wish. As a result, a more work-life balance!

2. “Money saved is money earned”

Being in the city (or even in the suburbs in this day and age) means every move you make, you spend money. Need food? Go and buy some. Need to go from one place to another? You spend on public transportation or fuel. Have an urge to go frolicking, you go socializing after work hours. But all these are lessened (if not eliminated) when working from home.

3. Saves commute time

You literally can just get up from the bed and go directly to work if you want. At least freshen up a bit if you have an early video conferencing meeting to attend to.

4. Less stressful work environment.

No negative vibes from coworkers and unnecessary chit chat as well. Unnecessary noise, movement or clutter (if you are an organized person) are minimized. 

5. Can juggle tasks

Laundry needed to be done? Turn on the machine while you work. No nanny/caregiver? No problem because freelance workers develop eyes at the back of their heads.

6. A potentialite’s dream job

Struggling with ADHD? Or are you a jack/jill of all trades, but master of none? There is a variety of work to choose from. Do what you already know, or delve into something that sparks your interest.

7. Balanced diet

Working from home is a lifestyle change, so this is your chance to change your diet as well. Time to change from a deadly diet to a healthy diet.

8. Choose your own working space

No designated workspace? There’s the bedroom, kitchen, or living room. Prefer fresh air? There’s the yard in your homes, whether front or back. Even the balcony if you have one.

9. No bad boss syndrome

No one is there to micromanage you. No chance of meeting the boss on your way out of lunch and getting an additional to-do list. You have time for rejuvenation whenever you need some.

10. Able to do physical exercises

A sedentary lifestyle is detrimental, but this is no problem when you’re working from home. You can grab a dumbbell anytime or do stretching exercises. Need a break? Grab a mat and do yoga poses near your work area.

11. Pursue new hobbies

Bored with your routine? Now you’ve got time to learn something new. Don’t put off those dreams just to survive. You’re able to pursue new hobbies when you’re working from home.

Challenges of Working from Home

1. Transitioning from extrovert to introvert

Human and social interactions are lessened when working from home. You’ve got You, Yourself, and those you live with. Quality time is key.

2. Unlimited distractions

Even if you live alone, don’t think that there will be no distractions. Your mind is the greatest distraction. You won’t run out of things to do at home. If you don’t live alone, there are also distractions coming from those you live with.

3. Difficulty in managing your time

With the above-mentioned distractions, you’d justify not doing your tasks with lack of time. Remember, we have the same 24 hours in a day. It is all about prioritization and time management.

4. Procrastination

Sitting all day and doing nothing is most satisfying for some. Your biggest challenge is yourself. It is your and only your choice if you will procrastinate or not.

5. Limited time to collaborate with officemates

Unlike an office-based setup, there are limitations to team communications. One of which is real-time communication and collaboration. But that’s okay because there are project management tools that can be used to track and organize work and communications.

6. No respect for time

Because of work flexibility, freelancers tend to lose track of time. If you work with a team, you’d come off as inconsiderate and disrespectful if deadlines are not met or communications are not even acknowledged.

7. Slow and intermittent internet connection problems

There has been a surge of internet users since the start of the pandemic. And this poses a challenge not only for the consumers but also for the telecommunications businesses as well. Internet connection fluctuates from good to bad and sometimes even to worst.

8. Additional expenses for utilities

When you work from home, you’d be using your own resources. And of course, pay for it yourself. But there are some clients or offices that give allotment for utility expenses, but not all.

9. You have to be self-sufficient when it comes to taxes and all that stuff

Work from home freelancers is registered as self-employed. Your business is your services so you need to be self-sufficient and pay what’s due to Ceasar.

10. You have to provide your own equipment

This is the biggest challenge for beginners especially. Clients have preferred computer and internet speed specifications, and if you are just starting out, you might not be able to achieve those (yet).

11. No work, no pay policy

Being self-employed, you get paid for the work you do or the services you provide. So if you don’t work, no logged time, no project, then you don’t get paid.

Working from home might be a breeze for some, but may prove non-beneficial to those without experience. However, as ideal as it may seem, it may present some disadvantages. Don’t quit your day jobs just yet (if you have any). But if you are one of the many who lost employment during these trying times, check out the blog How To Become A Virtual Assistant With No Experience, it may prove helpful to you.