Remote work is never going away.
Owners, executives, contractors, and freelancers have had an element of remote work for decades. Over the years, though, and especially brought on by the COVID pandemic, remote work has transitioned from a convenience to a cornerstone of modern professional culture.
However, working from home isn’t suited for everyone. It demands a disciplined mindset and a strong ability to self-motivate.
Let’s dive into the most common reason why you should NOT work from home.
1. A Lack of Physical Interaction
I’ve worked with equal amounts of people who either thrive in a busy office environment or require peace and quiet to focus.
For me, I’m the ladder of the situation. Some of my best work happens when most people are still in bed.
But for those who draw energy and inspiration from being around others, the isolation of remote work can feel stifling and may hinder performance and job satisfaction.
2. The Dreaded “Sedentary” Lifestyle
Many health/wellness professionals attribute working from home to endless health issues. They are not 100% wrong. The lack of movement can contribute to musculoskeletal problems, weight gain, and other health issues over time.
Keep in mind, though, that doesn’t mean working from home automatically makes someone unhealthy. There are plenty of unhealthy people who commute every day to work.
Personal discipline is key here. You need to set reminders to regularly move around and build routines to excursive and cook healthy meals.
3. No separation of Work and Personal Life
Building a remote work career from your living room or kitchen table can be a losing strategy. Unless you have a private area away from the daily hustle and bustle of home life, the boundaries between “work mode” and “home mode” can become blurred.
This lack of separation can lead to an encroachment of work into your personal time, making it difficult to switch off and truly relax.
4. Communication Challenges
While digital communication tools have made remote work possible, they can’t fully replace the convenience of face-to-face interactions.
Arguably, communication is one of the most powerful tools in business. To effectively work remotely, you’ll need to learn how to:
- Be confident on video calls
- Articulate ideas through decks and briefs
- Write concise emails and chat messages
5. Professional Burnout Creep
Burnout is the most common reason people hate working from home. The allure of “just one more email” or “one more task” might have good intentions but can quickly lead to poor mental health.
Take it from me: it’s easy for work to seep into personal time. Whether that’s starting your day early, eating lunch while working, or staying online late into the evening to catch up.
The same can happen at an office, too, but the situation is exaggerated when you’re 20 feet from your home office.
Closing Thought
The ideal work environment is one that not only fuels your professional ambitions but also aligns with your lifestyle, values, and personal circumstances.
On the grand scale of your professional journey, whether you choose a path of remote work or carve your niche in the traditional workspace, may the choice you make serve as a stepping stone to your overall success, fulfillment, and contentment.