After much thought, I have decided not to return to full-time work, at least for now. It’s a move I’ve admittedly contemplated from time to time – and always rejected because going freelance really isn’t as wonderful as everyone seems to think it is. But at this point in my life, given that firstly, I’m breastfeeding exclusively and there isn’t anyplace at work where I can pump milk on a regular basis; and secondly, we don’t have a maid and are not planning to get one, hubby and I have decided part-time work is the better arrangement for now, coupled with lots of help from my mother-in-law and her maid.
For sure, working from home has its perks. There’s the time saved from not commuting to and from the office, money saved from not eating out during lunchtime every day, and I get to be around my baby girl as much as possible. She’s growing so fast I can’t believe she’s barely three months old. Also, as a friend pointed out, I’m really lucky in that I’m actually in a profession where I can work from home. But it isn’t always that proverbial bed of roses, and here are three reasons why:
1. It’s a big step out of my comfort zone.
I’ve been with my current company full-time since 2007 and first started working with them in late 2005. It’s been a long time. The thought of leaving this cosy arrangement and its wonderful people to venture out into the big, big world does – I won’t lie – make me a little nervous. And the thought of losing my regular paycheck does make me a little uncomfortable. But I can’t live in a bubble forever and as much as I hate to admit it, stepping out of my comfort zone isn’t a bad thing. I’ve already done that with baby Kaylin, I might as well keep a good streak going.
2. People act as if I don’t work.
This baffles me a little. If I’m not doing any work, then it’s not called working from home. It’s called not working. Just because I’m sitting at my mother-in-law’s dining table instead of an office desk doesn’t mean I’m not working. And just because I’m doing my thinking and writing in shorts doesn’t mean my ideas or my work is worth any less. My bosses obviously don’t understand this and neither do the people who act as if I spend my days watching television and getting facials. In actual fact, I’ve been working longer hours than I probably would in the office because…
3. The lines between work and home are blurred.
When I’m in the office, work is turned off when my computer is turned off. It’s a clear distinction. As I’ve discovered, it’s much harder to turn work off when I’m at home. My laptop is always there and I find myself constantly thinking about the things I need to do. It’s too easy to keep tapping away at the computer no matter the hour or the day. Which is why I’ve decided to make a conscious effort to do not an ounce of work on weekends. It takes practice, but I’ll get there.
AImfter much thought, I have decided not to return to full-time work, at least for now. It’s a move I’ve admittedly contemplated from time to time – and always rejected because going freelance really isn’t as wonderful as everyone seems to think it is. But at this point in my life, given that firstly, I’m breastfeeding and there isn’t anyplace at work for me to pump milk on a regular basis; and secondly, we don’t have a maid and are not planning to get one, hubby and I have decided part-time work is the better arrangement for now, coupled with lots of help from my mother-in-law and her maid.
For sure, working from home has its perks. There’s the time saved from not commuting to and from the office, money saved from not eating out during lunchtime every day, and I get to be around my baby girl as much as possible. She’s growing so fast I can hardly believe she’s not even three months old yet.
Kudos for doing the ‘right’ thing and giving your newborn more priority in your life…I’m sure when she grows up she will make you proud and all these will be worth it!
Working from home is sometimes difficult, but it can also be fun and equally rewarding. Just do what you do best and have a healthy life with your family.
So are you in a specific niche in terms of freelance writing?
Thanks for the encouragement. We’ll see about the “when she grows up…” part, eh? :)
I’ve been writing for two celebrity and entertainment magazines for the last almost-five years so I guess that’s a good place to start. And I’m also up for web writing and copywriting.
good on you, babe =) go raise that lovely daughter of yours and do what you can. i would so love to go freelance as well, but i’m too scared. do update us on your progress and process of adjusting!
It is kinda scary. Fingers crossed :) How’s it going on your end? Things are well I hope.
Hey sophia, it’s all worth it! Motherhood is tough but rewarding, esp when baby gives u a little smile after all the hard work!!! Glad u r counting ur blessings! U certainly chose the right line and it’s a privilege to have the OPTION to stay home…not everyone has these options! Yup, working from home is certainly harder…especially when there are more exciting things to do..or when u can’t stop working! I find the former more applicable….:) Good on you. See you on sat!
Could not agree more on every count :) See you tomorrow!
or ppl start thinking that you have a lot of free time and that you’ve transitioned into a ‘tai tai’. gawd!
Sophie, totally understand the predicament! Especially the part about, doing work from home, means you’re sorta slacking or doing tai-tai lunches with friends. People just don’t get it! Another thing I hate the most, people asking
you for little favours when they wouldn’t have if you were in a “real” office.
Well, lunch soon? You got to get out sometime! (Oh, trust me, lunch and tea with friends, are actually a real get-a-way for me). See you soon love!
Lunch it is. Catch up soon!