The Pluses...and Minuses of Working from Home

[catnapper]

I wouldn't ever go back to the tradtional office. Yes there are days where I goof off more than work (umm... today is one of those days ) But I seriously knock out ten times the work when I do work than I did in the office. I didn't have the distraction of STUPID phone calls, don't have to listen to the guy on the other side of my cubical arguing with his wife, or talking to his friends about what a $@*%# his wife is. If I get bored, I don't wander around looking for someone to chat with, I toss in a load of laundry, photograph the cats, make the 30th cup of tea, etc. I don't have bored people wandering up to chat with me! There are days I sleep til 9:30. Then again there are days I'm working til 11:30 at night. I love that my schedule is loose enough to fit when I feel productive.

Also, if something goes wrong, I can't blame anybody but myself, and nobody else can blame me. That single point is what I love best! I worked in an office where it was a game of who could pass the blame best. And the extension of that game was "cover your butt" I don't have to worry about that now.

[Edwina's Secretary]

Ihave certain hard and fast rules. I make the bed as soon as I get out of it..... no temptation that way. I never....and I do mean never...turn the tv on. (This isn't really difficult as I rarely watch tv.... ) and I get dressed...shower, makeup the works.

That helps when...on occasion I have to run and see a client.

And last night I had to work until nine to get a project done.

But then again....Edwina is again sitting on my desk as I type this....

[Logan]

Sarah, I have found that I miss my animals a lot since I moved out of my house into an office. If I don't have a lunch appointment, I am home, every day, to see them for a bit.

I worked at home for 5 years, and loved it the first 3 years. But when we moved, and I got married, the new setup was not as good for me. I think it was because more things did distract me, and not just the pets. For the first time, I worried about what was for dinner, had to leave to pick up Helen from school, whereas she could walk before, and worst of all, my office was in an extra bedroom across from our bedroom! At least before, it was in a room at the other end of the house.

My new situation is definitely better for me at this point in my life, but I still have the flexibility to do what I need to, personally, during the day. But I sure do miss a cat in my lap and a dog at my feet! And my customers miss the constant chatter of my birds, believe it or not!