Take a Pick: Would You Work From Home or in an Office?

James Carville, Bill Clinton's campaign strategist during the 1992 presidential elections, coined a phrase that brought the then-governor of Arkansas to the White House. "The economy, stupid" would ring true, as economy became the main issue. It hardly changed at all despite the employment scene becoming different from the one 25 years. Economy should be the sole reason for those who like to work from home. Technology comes second, but there's a link between the (economic) state of the nation and how technology would influence the job application process. Whether you're a newbie applicant or someone who has been working for a company for years, you have thought about working from home at some point. There are three factors to consider here, namely the flexibility of working schedule, the certainty of getting a paycheck (or the uncertainty of receiving assignments from clients), and the visibility (or the lack of).

Pros and Cons of Working From Home

Here are the pros of a work at home:

Flexibility. You're the only who can decide on a working schedule, as you prefer the most productive hour of the day. It means you don't have to wake up early (like everyone else), even wear your pajamas while beating a deadline (set by a client). You don't mind doing the job at the kitchen, unconscious of your unkempt self. It may be too good to be true, such that you wonder if there can be a better offer somewhere else. You're getting ahead, though.

You can do the job anywhere. Laptop and/ iPad were nonexistent when Clinton was sworn in as president while the beeper, not the cellphone, was the fad back then. In other words, it wasn't possible to work outside the office. Nowadays, location won't be the problem. (You like to work far from the big city, yet your clients live there. There won't be a problem, as you can go there when there's an urgent meeting. You can also bring along your gadget if you must attend a seminar, if not any other professional gathering.) It's all about convenience. You won't spend much on transportation (or gas), which is probably good enough.

You don't need to be visible all the time. If you're good in self promotion, then you can let social media keep you busy most of the time. You can also get in touch with potential clients, if not get updates from your superior. (There are cases like this one.) And no one will notice your disheveled hair and rumpled clothes. You'll get the job done.

Here are the cons on working from home:

You're looking at an uncertain existence. You don't have a paycheck every two weeks, as this will depend on your clients (or the lack of). There will be lean moments, where you might have to live way below your means. Moreover, your motivation and self-esteem will be tested on more than one occasion. It may make you imagine about your very own cubicle.

Some jobs require a lot of moving around. Think about sales. Imagine the publishing industry. How about any job related to the arts, writing in particular. It's possible that you'll incur expenses, which can overwhelm you. It might make you wish for a 9-to-5 job. If you're clients (or most of them) live in the big city, then you won't feel like you're in control at all. Have you ever made the mistake of leaving the rat race? Perhaps. There shouldn't be any regrets, lessons learned instead. You may be too late, though.

You'll become more isolated than before. There are lots of perks of working from home, as you're often inspired by your surrounding. (Familiarity does stir positive emotion.) You can't talk to anyone during working hours, though. (Chatting and emails can be good substitutes, but it's a different from being surrounded by workmates.) Can you withstand solitude? It depends on your attitude towards work.

Why Settle for an Office Job?

Nothing beats security. Waking up early, putting up with the rush hour, and office politics are all small prices to pay in exchange of securing your future. This will prompt you to wonder if work at home is not an alternative choice. There are no absolutes in this kind of situation, and it will be up to you. (You're reminded about attitude one more time.)

Money isn't everything. In this case, you won't miss on the chance of making lifelong friends with your colleagues. Some will dismiss such a thought, but think about it. Man is a social animal. Work is a collaborative process. There are days when you don't like to work at all, but a familiar face will change your heart. Your workmate might be feeling the same thing.

You'll find more opportunities in the office. Some employers (or recruiters) prefer applicants who are currently on employment. It sounds illogical, as there are personal reasons for some people wanting to break the monotony. Think again. These employers (or recruiters) may have an unfavorable view on those who have idle time. You might be able to come up with a valid reason or two, but you can't convince these people to think the same way as you are. If you're a charismatic figure, then it will be a different story.