The global pandemic introduced many committed office workers to the culture of working from home. Once businesses and employees got over the shock, it became the norm. Now, the thought of returning to the office seems alien.
Following that rigid daily routine, never mind the commuting costs and the nightmare of what to do when a child is ill, suddenly seems so unappealing. Did we really all do that for so long?!
So, if you are one of the growing numbers of people seeking work-from-home employment, the prospect of self-employment also may seem much more realistic and tempting. Here’s what to consider before making the leap.
The Benefits of Remote Working
At first, the thought of having to work in the same space as your children was quite daunting. But once the shock wore off, most mums (and dads!) realised that life was so much easier with a bit of organisation and juggling.
Work in your PJs, or work when you like. Get up early before the kids wake without rushing for the morning commute. Manage those inevitable off days without having to lie to the office and tell them you’re sick.
When you work from home, it’s okay to Zoom with your dog barking or your child crying because that’s what everyone else is doing.
For some, the thought of returning to the constraints and costs of childcare, commuting and rigid hours is not appealing. It’s great not to have to get dressed if you don’t want to, plus you can enjoy the companionship of your pets.
Translating the flexibility of home working back into the office means routine, cost, restrictions and getting your service animal registered with servicedogregistration.org so you can persuade your employer that your companion is vital to your mental health and wellbeing. What a hassle!
Is Remote Working and Self-Employment The Same Thing?
Faced with the prospect of having to shoehorn yourself back into the office, is now the time to think about self-employment?
It seems just a short step from remote working to complete freedom, but self-employment does have drawbacks. Whilst you are your own boss, you won’t have the same guarantee and regularity of income as you did when employed.
Remember, it is still women who, ultimately, manage most of the domestic chores and childcare even in the 21st century. It can be much more stressful if you are facing a situation where, if you don’t work, you literally won’t earn — employment does provide a cushion and financial security.
Self-employment was hit hard during the pandemic, and many were thankful for a regular salary and healthcare coverage from their employer. Women already self-employed had to be resourceful and innovative if their business was to survive Covid-19.
Some data indicates that self-employment rose during the pandemic, with a higher proportion of women joining the market. Still, some of that was out of necessity rather than design, as jobs disappeared.
Conclusion
Remote and hybrid working have introduced many women to the concept of a life away from the office. With experienced and a little organisation, the ultimate flexibility of homeworking is hard to beat if you have kids. However, self-employment is quite a different animal and can be far more pressurising than the security of a regular monthly salary and other benefits like medical coverage. It’s best to weigh your needs against your desires to work in your pyjamas to make the safe decision.