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Jessica Bartow
June 10, 2019
Newsletter Article
Is Working from Home for You? A Checklist
Ah, the thought of working from home. No more commute. No chance of getting that sickness that goes around the office every winter. No need to even make a lunch to bring every day. You have your entire fridge!
Yes, it does sound glorious. And for many people, it is! But not necessarily for everyone. Is this something you have thought about? This checklist will help you evaluate if this is an option you should consider.
1. The Social Dynamic
Okay, this is perhaps the most obvious difference. Although this depends on your current workplace setting, this will most likely be a drastic change from working in an office constantly surrounded by others. I spoke with one of my dear extroverted friends about her experience working from home, and she mentioned that it was not a good fit for her because she needs more human interaction. Don’t underestimate the value of that daily talk with your colleagues at the watercooler. Everyone is different! You know yourself better than anyone else. Set yourself up for success.
2. Distractions
On the same note, perhaps working in that office filled with people prohibits you from being productive and getting your work done. A simple walk to the restroom could suddenly bring you into a conversation about your coworker’s dog’s illness that you never asked about.
3. Space/Equipment
Do you have the room (literally) to work from home? Will that space accommodate everything you need for your specific job? Do you have the equipment that you will need to work from home, or will your employer provide that for you? All good questions – all things to ask about!
4. Productivity
This is where you really need to know yourself. You know better than anyone else what level of discipline you have. This is not meant to sound harsh, just meant to manage the expectations for the reality of working from home. If you find that the days your boss is away are less productive for you at the office because you know there is no one watching you, would you do well working from home? How will you ensure that you will not get distracted and lose your productivity if there is no one physically next to you to hold you accountable for your work?
5. The Actual Job
This one…not to go unnoticed. Are you going to enjoy the actual job? Yes, maybe this is finally your chance to work from home, something you have always wanted. But what about the job responsibilities – will it be worth it?
6. Family Dynamics
Working from home can be confusing for your family. You are home. But you are working. Are you available for whatever they may need? Will your kids understand when you are on a call? Or will it be the opposite – you are trying to be home and work is getting in the way? It can be hard to separate work life from home life when they physically happen in the same place.
7. Wi-Fi
This is real. How is your internet connection? Do you live out in the county where wi-fi is not as strong? Will that influence your work, or is that no problem?
8. Increase in Bills
Yeah, you are the one with the bill. If you work from home, you add an extra eight hours of water, utilities…all the basics each day. It is likely that you will end up paying more for these things than you did in the past. Are you financially prepared for that shift?
9. Other Company Benefits
Let’s be honest, it will be a bummer not getting a slice of your coworker’s birthday cake when the office is celebrating.
Things are different when you work at home. But is it worth it? Ultimately, it is up to you. If you have gone through this checklist and the option sounds great, give it a try!
If you are looking for work from home opportunities, search the keyword “remote” or “home” on www.AgCareers.com. For more career advice, follow AgCareers.com’s blogs: https://blog.agcareers.com/
