For 13 years I was a SAHM. Four and a half months ago, right after my oldest son turned 13, I got a job at a local factory doing Home Assembly. It is 29 hours per week as a supplemental income. In that time I have learned a lot about the advantages and disadvantages of such an arrangement.
PROS:
- I get to make my own hours. I can work around appointments, sickness, and anything else that comes up.
- I get to have a pajama day ever day. Nothing beats working in your PJs!
- I don't have to deal with people.
- I can take whatever breaks I want/need to.
- I am here for the kids when they have days off.
- The DVR stays empty. I always have something on to at least listen to in the background while I am working.
- No commute. It is nice not to have to waste time, gas, and wear and tear on the van.
- I don't get behind on laundry. I switch things from the washer to the dryer and start a new load when I take a break.
- I don't need to pack a lunch.
- No wardrobe expense. I wear whatever I want, PJs normally, as stated above.
- I don't need to look presentable. I sometimes don't brush my hair or teeth or wear deodorant.
- I control the thermostat.
CONS:
- I get distracted by things like Facebook, house work, and phone calls.
- There is no separation between home and work-same place.
- I don't get paid breaks.
- I have to multitask when the kids are home, they want ALL THE THINGS when I decide to work.
- My house looks like a factory. My living room always has boxes and equipment everywhere.
- I don't get paid for the time I spend loading and unloading orders, picking up and dropping off orders or setting up a job to start working on it.
- I need to be organized and schedule my work or else it won't get done by the due date. If I get behind I am up all night finishing work the day before i need to return it.
- Loneliness. I get stir crazy sometimes when it's just me, myself and I all day while the kids are at school.
- My family gets mad sometimes when they want things and I am working. They do not get that I need to work. Just because I am here does not mean I am available.
- I don't get vacation or sick days. I still need to get my hours in even if I have plans or if I am sick.
- Friends assume I can do things with them any time any day. Just because I am home, that does not mean I am available.
- I feel compelled to work ahead even if I got done with the amt of work I had planned to do that day.
As you can see, the pros and cons are about equal. If you have a paying job, do you work at home or out of the home? Which do you prefer?
