Between work and home

CEBU, Philippines - Perhaps one of the most difficult decisions a parent need to make is to choose between work and home. There is a present phenomenon called “working parents.” No, they’re not working on their parenthood skills, but rather earning a living to provide the family’s needs. They juggle between the demands of their jobs and their parental duties, leaving them all drained out.

Most working parents are so tired at the end of a workday that they no longer have energy for their parental function. And those who opt to devote themselves entirely to work often end up regretting the home life they passed up. On the other hand, parents who choose home and family life feel guilty in not being able to substantially provide for their children, for lack of financial means.

Some parents, especially those who will never exchange family life with work, get creative and decide to choose both work and home – by working at home! There have been many success stories of work-at-home setups. Some, in fact, are very successful that these inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

Work-at-home parents prefer staying whole days at home with the children. By being around at home, they are able to watch and monitor how the kids are doing and providing the little ones with close-in guidance. The kids are even trained to help around and, thus, learn a valuable life skill.

And it’s not only the parents who would not leave the side of their growing children who’re attracted to the idea. Even single professionals are doing it, because they like being free from an eight-to-five employment, which they say is very constricting on their personal lives. And, still, many of those who go into business of their own prefer to work from home in order to save on office rent.

There are, indeed, many other reasons that make working at home a very attractive idea. It also means being spared of the stress from being caught in traffic jams and reaching the office late. 

It is common knowledge, of course, what a waste of time it is to be traveling to-and-from work. Highly urbanized cities have unbearable traffic situations during office time that these hours have come to be called the “rush hours.”

Working from home also means savings in wardrobe. There is no need to get into a suit or other such formal wear while working from home. And not having to maintain formal working attire allows one to be in more comfortable clothes, which can make for better productivity.

Moreover, there is a lot of flexibility in working from home. One can decide his own schedules for ‘official’ tasks, to allow for other tasks to be accomplished. And both office and house errands may be done in one go.

Working from home, however, is not all benefits. There is another side to it. There are also the disadvantages that need to be considered when planning to set up shop in the house.

Outside of the formal work setup – meaning outside of formal employment – the so-called “job security” is out of the picture too. There is no definite amount of income that comes regularly twice a month. The fringe benefits that come with regular employment are not there, either.

Being on his own may make one slip into slackness. Since there is no pressure to start work at a certain time or dress a certain way, it is very easy to dilly-dally working. It can affect his productivity in a negative way, which in turn can seriously decrease his income.

Or, seeing personal chores mount up can get one consumed with it and abandon official work that need to be done. Prioritizing tasks can be extremely difficult. And since the home setting is very informal, tasks can take much longer to accomplish.

Another potential downside to working from home is the lack of competitive spirit. The lack of human interaction is big disadvantage. Coupled with the fact that one is his own boss and is ultimately the one who decides how things should go, it can be very difficult to keep his competitive spirit alive like when he has colleagues and peers around to keep up with.

When one’s overall drive slackens amid the relaxed and informal environment at home, productivity may go down, and so does income. Working at home would demand double or triple the self-discipline one is required to have in a formal work setting. Another thing to consider: Working in an office is a great way to get away from the stress at home and vice versa; but if the office is also at home, then there is no escaping the stress. (FREEMAN)