Telecommuting Advantages and Disadvantages

Today, more and more people are seeking telecommuting work from home. As with anything else, there are telecommuting advantages and disadvantages. Let’s explore the advantages first.

Reasons For Telecommuting

So, what are the reasons for telecommuting? Why would someone choose this option?

No Commute. This is a big reason for telecommuting today, especially, with the high cost of gas. Right there, you save a bundle by not driving back and forth to a job everyday. Also, you save the frustration of sitting in traffic jams, driving in bad weather, and putting miles on your car.

Be Home With Family. This is another one of the huge reasons for telecommuting. Whether you have young kids and want to be home with them, or aging parents who need some extra care, telecommuting allows you the option of being home with them and caring for them yourself.

Flexibility. Some telecommuting jobs, such as working for a call center, have set hours. But there are others that you can decide the hours you work as long as the work gets done. Telecommuting allows you to be more flexible with the hours you work.

Save Money on Clothing. You do not have to dress up to do a telecommuting job. You can work in your jeans or sweats if you want to. Clothing can be a big expense, so this is definitely another advantage to telecommuting.

Well, with all these advantages to telecommuting, we also need to look at the disadvantages. In my opinion, they seem small in comparison.

Telecommuting Disadvantages

One disadvantage to telecommuting is that you may be distracted if you have young kids. It may feel like you’re torn between working and spending time with them. You may be tempted to let your work slide if they are competing for your attention. This is something you need to consider before you get involved in telecommuting and determine if you can set hours that you can devote to work. How about having a neighbor teenager come over for an hour or two each work day and give the kids some undivided attention? It doesn’t have to be for the entire time that you are working. Or schedule your work early in the morning, at nap time and when they go to bed. Again, weigh the cost before you commit to a job.

Another disadvantage can be ”cabin fever.” You’re home a lot of the time. Are you the type of person who can handle this? Do you enjoy being home or do you need to be in different surroundings for some of the time? Be honest with yourself.

Everything has positive and negative points about it. We have looked at some of the telecommuting advantages and disadvantages. You need to weigh these points and determine if you feel this would be a good arrangement for you and your family. If yes, go for it!