After graduating from Bradley University two years ago, I took a non-traditional job which allowed me to work from home. As the National Growth and Programs Manager for the Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization (CEO), I work virtually using a cell phone and computer.
Working virtually is becoming a more feasible option than in years’ past due to improvements in technology and companies goal of lowering overhead costs. Although it is cheaper for companies to have employees work from a virtual location, many employers are still unwilling to take that risk. If you are considering working from home, here are seven advantages I have encountered working from working virtually.
– Flexibility
I am a night owl and am very productive at night, but not in the morning. Due to the flexibility of my job, I am able to put in hours at night. This flexibility lets me put in my most productive hours, which are during the evening. Many virtual jobs allow for flexibility in many areas including working hours. Being able to work when is most convenient for you is a great benefit. Not only can you schedule choirs and tasks that need to be done during certain times of the day around your work schedule, you can utilize the time of day in which you are most productive to get in quality work.
– Comfort
Working virtually at a remote location, you get to pick every aspect of your day and can make it as comfortable as possible. You can wear bunny slippers with sweatpants and sit on a bean bag chair, or work at a Starbucks in casual clothes. Pick whatever makes you the most comfortable to be productive while working. I enjoy listening to sports talk radio while wearing comfortable clothes, and I am able to thanks to my virtual job.
– Family Convenience
Not having to work from a physical location has allowed me to be with loved ones after a death in the family, take pets to emergency vet visits, and when the time comes, I will be able to be there for a new baby during the day. Being able to help out with family situations and start a family is much easier when not having to be at a physical office and being able to work from home, provided that you can move your hours around if needed.
– Work Environment
Due to my current living situation, I have been able to turn a spare room into my office. I was able to pick out what I wanted hung on the wall, what color I wanted to paint the room, and all other details of the office. Instead of being forced to work in a cubicle or being surrounded by noisy co-workers, you can pick the specifics of your work environment. Whether you work better with rock and roll music turned up loud or while watching television and holding a baby kitten, you have full control of your work environment to create it how ever you want.
– Multi-Task
I am a multi-tasker in almost everything I do. I often work on three work projects at once. Although this is not recommended while working, if you are an amazing multi-tasker you have the option of doing laundry while answering emails, or making a phone call while cooking. Just being able to do other things if you are able to while being productive, is an advantage.
– Time Saved
I used to work at a bank that was about a fifteen minute drive from where I lived. I had to wake up early to shower and get dressed, along with finding something to eat on the way to the office. By the time I actually made it to work, I often had spent around 45 minutes just in the overall act of getting ready and traveling to work. Time has a monetary value, that is why we trade time in exchange for money from our employer. We are often not reimbursed for time spent getting ready for work, and the time it takes to transport to and from the workplace. There is even more time that is not paid for if you arrive at work early, and leave late. Working from home saves at least half an hour a day in time if not much more.
– Travel Expenses
Due to working at home, I rarely drive. Not only do I save gas, I could get rid of my car and rely on my wife’s. You may also save by not stopping for fast food or buying coffee from a coffee shop when you could make it at home for less.
Summary
I am very happy to work from home. You can make the best of any job situation, but make sure to weigh all of the pros and cons before accepting a position whether it is from a remote location or at an office you will have to commute to and from. The most important thing to consider is whether you enjoy the job and will be happy working for that employer. Your happiness will outweigh any monetary benefit.
