I quit my office job in 2010 but started to question my decision a few months later. I was unsure of what to do until a friend suggested that I try my hand with online work. My first work was writing a monthly newsletter for a US client. I was paid $100 at that time (the exchange was around Php45 to a dollar). The Philippines was reeling from the effects of the global financial crisis of 2007-2008 where deregulation in the (US) financial industry “permitted banks to engage in hedge fund trading with derivatives,” so the amount was a big help to me financially. In time, I moved on to other higher-paying online work, and never looked back to the traditional workplace ever since.

You might ask, “What does it take it to sustain online work?” There are a lot of factors to consider. Working from home might not be for everyone. Working from home takes the right amount of discipline, dedication, and patience. If you plan to make it as your main source of income, then you should be prepared to allot your time and resources to it.

If you have mind set to working from home, you might want to weigh in on its advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of a Home Based Job

Minimal to non-existent commuting

Daily commute will be eliminated from your routine. The hours preparing for traveling to work can give you at least one to two extra hours of sleep – much needed at this day and age. Your job is done online and at the convenience of your home, therefore, you neither get to experience heavy traffic jams nor bump into people who are in a mad rush to their own offices. Even better, you can login and report for work at least 15 minutes before your shift. You can do it in your pajamas, too, unless your client requires a web cam.

Picking what you like to work on

Choose the skill where you excel at the most and find a job that suits your competence. Online clients are specific with what they are looking for, and you can easily match your skills with their needs. If you’re lucky and if you have the time, you can work on two or more jobs for as long as you are able to handle them.

Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer are the more popular sites where you can find online work. You can also try GoLance when looking for local clients.

Choosing your own work hours

Pick the time zone when you could work best. The US, UK, and Australia are popular countries that offer home based work. Some clients allow flexible working hours as long as you get the job done, depending on your agreed terms.

Earning and saving more money

You get to earn money in a foreign currency that usually has a high exchange rate. You can divert your extra money for travel, clothing, and shoes after dealing with more important expenses like paying bills and rent, insurance, and grocery items. You can then use the excess money for other expenses, put it into your savings or, if you are feeling adventurous, invest it on cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

Spending more quality time with your family

Since you will be working from home, you are able to immediately deal with family emergencies in case they arise, and you can complete tasks for the home that have been waiting to be addressed (like a new paint job, perhaps?). Catch up with your friends, visit your parents, or go out on a date with your partner.

Disadvantages of Working From Home

As with any other work, there are disadvantages to working from home. Here are some of them:

No benefits

One of the main disadvantages of working from home is that you do not enjoy the same protection and benefits like regular employees do. While there is a tiny percentage of online companies that hand out health benefits, it’s most likely that you have to pay for your own health coverage, taxes, and other government services. Horsepower.ph can help you “save time, simplify your life and secure your future.”

No work, no pay

In addition, you only get paid for the hours that you have worked. Holidays are usually not observed and paid extra. You have to clarify your holidays and rest days with the client even before work starts.

No guaranteed tenure

Also, there is a question of job security. Since you don’t have a formal employment contract in effect, clients may or may not extend your services depending on their needs and also your performance.

At the Mercy of ISPs

Lastly, let’s face it. The Philippines has one of the worst Internet providers in Asia. Recently, PLDT and Globe reported slow connection speeds because of a cut cable linking to Hong Kong. A lawmaker also blamed the slow Internet for the Philippine’s drop in competitiveness.

Do It For the Right Reasons

Having the right attitude and the right mind set, the shift from a regular paying job to a home based job is both a daunting and a rewarding experience. It is a challenge that has already been taken up by thousands of individuals like you who are seeking better options at sourcing their income.

Consider a home based job if: