The Catch

Filed in archive General on January 18, 2010

© Yo Spiff


So in my last post I discussed all my favorite reasons why I work at home. Unfortunately there are some downsides to my work-life. I decided to list just five reasons why I sometimes miss an office/regulated environment.

1. Socialization: Sometimes I miss the company of having someone else to talk to. I can't lean over to the next desk and ask a question. Social media fortunately fixes some of this, allowing me to chat with people during the day, but there's something about the physical presence of another person that you can't replace.

2. The Whistle: Staying at home gives me the opportunity work all the time. Sometimes I really miss the separation between my work life and my private life. At five o'clock the proverbial whistle blows and the day is over.

3. Excuses: This one may sound weird, but I miss having the excuse of "oh, I have to work". People often try to take advantage of my being home all the time. Family says things like, "you can come see your brother do such-and-such, you don't have to be anywhere" or partners suggesting I fax them something right now because "I'm right there anyhow" or even my significant other asking me to pick up something from the store because I'm the one at home. Sometimes it's hard to make other people understand that even though I'm sitting at home, I'm not doing nothing.

4. Work Number: My home number is my office number. My cell phone is my personal and business line too. I could fix this by buying another phone line but it's just too much of a hassle. But I do occasionally miss having a line just for work and one just for me.

5. Off-Days: I work no matter what the weather looks like outside. I don't really get sick days, vacation time or weather days unless I create them myself.

I wouldn't change working from home, but occasionally, these are the things I miss.

What did you like about working in an office? Or tell us your least favorite thing about working at home.