Work-from-home is becoming more popular these days not just because of the global health crisis we’re facing but also because more people are discovering its perks. Though it has its own set of cons, the pros indeed outweigh them, making it a good choice for most people, including mums. So, if you’re thinking about taking the leap but are still a bit hesitant, let us help you make up your mind by giving you the seven benefits of being a work-from-home mum.
1. You get to spend more time with your kids
Who doesn’t love this? Yes, they can sometimes be too much that we would want to take a break from taking care of them. However, our maternal instincts always kick in that make us still prefer to be with them much of the time. So, one of the benefits of being a work-from-home mum is having more time to spend with the kids. You won’t have to commute to and from the office, saving you a few hours, which you can gladly spend with the family. Imagine spending lunch breaks with your toddler? Now that’s bliss. Just an important note though: make sure to set boundaries so that your kids don’t get in the way with work by setting up a space for your work. It can help you focus and do what you need to do.
2. You get to work flexible hours
When working from home, you have more control over your time, which allows you to work at hours that are convenient. Some work-from-home (WFH) mums prefer to work after the kids have gone to bed or in the early morning. This kind of setup allows you to run errands during the day, bring the kids to school, or travel as necessary without worrying about getting some paid time-off from work.
3. You get to save money on childcare expenses
If you are the type of mum who pays for childcare while you go to the office, then this is another one of the benefits of being a work-from-home mum. Since you don’t have to leave home to work, you can still look after your kids. However, this also depends on the type of childcare you need.
4. You get to work in whatever clothes you want
It’s nice to dress up because it oftentimes affects your mood. Personally, I prefer to wear walking clothes even while working from home because it makes me feel serious about my job. However, I don’t wear those jackets and formal pants anymore but just stick to something I’d wear to the mall. This is also important so that if there’s anywhere I need to be at, I can just take the keys and drive there. But if you like to be in your PJs, that’s absolutely fine. No one’s going to judge you. A bonus here is that you get to save money from not having to shop for office clothes.
5. Your house isn’t the only ‘office’ you can have
One of the benefits of being a work-from-home mum is being able to work wherever, whenever. You can work while waiting for your kid at school. You can go to the beach and just lay there on the sand with your laptop and portable wifi device. Take your kids to the park and while watching them, you can scribble away too. As long as you’ve got the necessary tools with you, everywhere is practically your workplace.
6. You can get hired by companies that are located in a different city or country
Geographic independence is another benefit. If a company located abroad or in another city is in need of your skills, then you can get hired without relocating. This is especially helpful for people who live in rural areas with not a lot of employment opportunities. It’s also a great way to meet and experience other cultures that can help broaden your horizons.
7. Enhanced performance and productivity
According to FlexJob’s annual survey in 2019, 65% of workers believe that they would be more productive if they worked remotely rather than in a traditional office. Furthermore, 49% say they need to be at their home office when they really need to get work done. This is attributed to homes being quieter (when you have a dedicated workspace or room), with less office politics, and fewer interruptions.
The benefits of being a work-from-home mum can go on and on. And this just proves that times and styles are changing. In fact, working from home is now deemed as the work setup of the future where you don’t have to choose between your work and your family. It’s time to adapt.
