Have you ever heard of digital nomads? These are people who work online, live in one country after another, and never really settle anywhere. They don’t have to report to the office because they bring their work wherever they go and literally enjoy seeing the world as they do. Digital nomads comprise a group of people who have taken working from home to a whole new level.
The Internet has opened a world of opportunities in every aspect of our lives— including the way we work. What used to be a rigid and rather exclusive job market is now wide open to anyone who has the skills, knowledge, and perseverance. Whatever field you specialize in, there is almost always a way for you to earn from it, without having to leave the comfort of your own home, wherever in the world that may be.
Online platforms like oDesk.com and eLance.com do a great job matching skilled online workers with employees/ clients from anywhere around the world. Meanwhile, if you love the idea of working with a team even as you feel wary about commuting to work everyday, you’d be happy to know that more companies are opening up to the possibility remote working conditions.
Whether you’re an employee who’s considering the possibility of being your own boss, or an employer who doesn’t believe that productivity doesn’t necessarily equate to presence, here are some of the top benefits of working from home:
1. Achieve work-life balance (finally!)
Some would argue that the idea of a work-life balance is nothing more than a myth, or something that’s impossible to achieve at this time and age. However, this doesn’t stop a lot of people from wanting to find a certain balance somehow. According to a survey conducted by Microsoft, Work Without Walls, the idea of achieving a work-life balance is top reason why a lot of Americans decide to abandon the conventional office structures and work from home instead, according to Forbes.
For obvious reasons, working from home where you’re comfortable and relaxed does wonders in reducing stress and pressure. With less time spent commuting, you can spend more time with family and pursue activities that contribute to your well-being, such as exercising, travelling, and working on projects you’re passionate about!
2. Save on gas and transportation
It used to be that members of the working class only have to accept the fact that a significant chunk of their salary would go to transportation or gas. When you work remotely, this is no longer an issue. The money you save you’re then free to spend on the more important things in life or add to your personal savings. On top of that, you’re also spared the headache and frustrations that come with wading through heavy city traffic!
3. Boost your productivity
Not everyone can force themselves to be productive within a set number of hours. Workers and employers who are results-driven appreciate the fact that different individuals reach the peak of their productivity at different times of the day. Working from home will enable you to determine which parts of the day you’re most productive and allows you to capitalize on that knowledge.
4. Enjoy peace and quiet
We’ve all experienced it: boisterous colleagues, micromanaging bosses, endless meetings, and other distractions at work. If your type of work demands high concentration and focus, you’ll likely enjoy working someplace where no one could disturb you.
Be warned, however, that the Internet also offers a lot of distractions that you might find hard to avoid. This is why it would be a good idea to use productivity apps that keep you from spending too much time on Facebook, or ones that offer features to help improve your focus if you decide to work from home.
5. Earn more!
Working from home lets you enjoy your income better. The money you save on gas and costly lunches can be added to your savings or spent on things that really matter to you. If you take the freelance path and start getting the hang of things, you can start juggling more than a few projects at a time as a way to boost your income.
Working from home is not for everyone. Some people thrive in high-pressure environments and enjoy the social aspect of working in an actual office. There are workers who have poor time management skills and can’t be trusted to be productive on their own, without supervision.
However, working at home certainly offers great benefits to anyone, whether you’re a housewife who’d like to put your talents into lucrative use, a student looking for additional income, the average office worker who doesn’t mind taking a break from the corporate grind every once in a while, or a someone who simply wants to travel more and see the world without using up all your savings.
Article taken from BIZMATES.
