As a freelancer, you can pretty much work from wherever you like (providing you’ve got wifi!) Many freelancers decide to work at home, which has many benefits. This post, however, will outline some of the disadvantages of working from home.
I’ll outline some actionable tips on how to overcome the disadvantages mentioned in this post. This will help to make working from home a viable option for you!
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
#1: Working longer hours
In my time as a freelancer, I can’t recall ever logging off my computer at 5 pm and calling it a day. It just doesn’t happen! I’m sure you’ll be able to relate to this.
This can be one of the disadvantages of working from home if it results in you getting burnt out.
Without having someone looking over your shoulder and enforcing strict working hours or colleagues encouraging you to go out after work, it’s easy to put extra hours in.
It is really important to schedule in downtime when you are a freelancer to pursue non-work related activities and to relax! This will help you to maintain your work-life balance.
Depending on how you bill your clients spending more time on client projects can reduce the profitability of your services.
Therefore, even though it may be difficult, define your working hours and stick to it.
#2: Distractions from family members and pets
When you work at home, you may find yourself getting distracted by family members, children or pets.
Whilst being able to spend more time around the family may be beneficial; it can also be one of the disadvantages of working from home. In order to minimise distractions from family members and pets, you might want to consider:
- Soundproofing your home office to minimise household noise pollution.
- Keeping your pets in other rooms of the house during your working hours. During your breaks, you can look forward to giving them your attention.
- Having other family members watching your children during working hours if possible.
- Telling your family members what your working hours are and when your scheduled breaks are. If they know your working hours they’ll be less likely to interrupt you.
#3: Feeling lonely
Working from home can get lonely, especially if your family members all work outside of the house during the day.
This can be one of the disadvantages of working from home for many freelancers.
Luckily, there are some solutions to overcome loneliness when working from home:
- Don’t spend the whole day working alone in complete silence. That’s bound to make you feel lonely.
- I find listening to YouTube videos whilst working really beneficial. It provides a good level of background noise and makes working even more enjoyable I find.
- Invite other freelancers around
I started inviting my friends around who are also freelancers at least once a week.
We don’t talk much during working hours but it’s nice having someone else in your presence and having a catch up during lunchtime.
Go to a co-working space or a coffee shop a few times a week.
Staying at home all day alone, day in, day out is a recipe for loneliness.
Working from coffee shops is becoming more and more popular as is working from co-working spaces. All you need to bring with you is your laptop and charger!
#4: Not having a dedicated workspace
One of the disadvantages of working from home can be not having a dedicated home office or workspace.
It is important to have a space set aside that is conducive of getting work done.
Not everyone has a spare room in their house that they can turn into an office.
That’s fine! I use my dining room as my workspace!
I have set it up in a way that makes it very easy to convert it back into a dining area.
I’d say it is definitely worth setting up an office space where you can have at least an adjustable office chair and a sturdy desk.
Otherwise, you might find yourself working on the sofa, which is great now and again!
However, long-term you’ll want to avoid getting a bad posture or getting repetitive strain injuries.
#5: Bad internet connection
If you want to effectively work from home and get lot’s of work done, your internet connection will need to be as fast as it possibly can be.
Having an internet connection that cuts out frequently can also be extremely frustrating when you are working from home.
If you are experiencing these issues, it is vital that you contact your internet provider. They may be able to recommend a faster service.
You might be advised to get a WiFi signal booster if your workspace is located in an area of your house that gets a poor signal.
Disadvantages of Working From Home
So there we have it, folks! Those are some of the most common disadvantages of working from home.
All of the disadvantages associated with working from home that is mentioned in this post have solutions.
Finding out what works for you might be a case of trial and error!
The main thing is that no matter where you work from, ensure that it is safe, comfortable and helps you to get lots done.
Adina Pascall
