When most of us begin to think about how lovely it would be to work from home, we’re usually really thinking about how nice it would be NOT to have to work for our current employer, or not to have to negotiate the peak hour traffic twice a day, or simply to be our own boss. If you’re still trying to convince yourself or your partner that working from home is the way to go, allow me to provide you with some additional ammunition. Working from home also means that:

• you’ll save money by not purchasing lunches and snacks every day;
• your fuel bill or the cost of travel will drop significantly;
• if you drive to work now, you’ll drastically reduce the wear and tear on your vehicle, the number of kilometers you travel each year and subsequently, the cost of servicing and repairing your car;
• It’s likely you’ll be able to obtain a tax deduction for a portion of household costs such as electricity and telephone, and any other expenses connected to your new home office;
• if it takes you 45 minutes to get to work, you’ll have an extra 1.5 hours a day on your hands;
• if you currently pay for city parking, you’ll save even more money;
• you’ll never he late home after working overtime or getting stuck in traffic;
• if you’re the cook in the household, you’ll have more time to prepare delicious meals and the family meals won’t be delayed because you’re working overtime;
• you’ll no longer have to attend those work functions that are voluntary, yet not voluntary!
• your stress level will probably be significantly reduced by the change;
• your household food budget may benefit – you’ll have time to plan meals in advance and do the shopping all at once, instead of grabbing things at the last minute on your way home; and last but not least,
• family members won’t have to listen to you whining about your employer any more!

There are of course more obvious benefits but perhaps you should keep these to yourself:

• when your eyes glaze over during a tedious task you can take a break – a coffee break, a lunch break or even a little “nana nap”;
• if you decide you’d rather go shopping/play golf/garden than work, you can;
• you can wear whatever you want to wear;
• you can “arrive” at work precisely when you want to and leave early if it pleases you;
• there’s absolutely nobody looking over your shoulder to see what you are doing (unless of course your partner is working from home too).

Of course, such freedom comes with a price. You will be responsible for your own work practices. How much you earn is very likely to depend on how much you work and the quality of your efforts. You’ll no longer be secure in the knowledge that you pay will be deposited each week or fortnight. There will be no paid sick leave or annual holidays.

Despite the discipline you’ll require, you’re likely to find yourself much more motivated to succeed when you’re income depends on it. It’s also easier to work in an environment where the hours are flexible and the boss is exceptionally kind!