Want to get ahead in your career? Find a gig that allows you to work from home. I’ve worked from the comfort of my flannel pajama set for over a year, and the benefits just keep rolling on in. Aside from the freedom to take a midday jog or have lunch with my grandfather on a Tuesday afternoon, working remotely saves me time and money. And, who doesn’t want more time to get sh*t done and put more money in the bank?
Not convinced that working from home can help you boss up? Here are all of the ways that my remote job saves me money and time (and how working from home could do the same for you.)
I Spend Less Money On Gas
Working from home means no commute. This little perk allows me to leave my car in park for the majority of the week. Since I live in a city I almost never need my car for errands, and when I feel like lugging my laptop to a coffee shop, I put on my comfy shoes and walk there. I might have to fill my gas tank once every three weeks. Sometimes, one tank lasts me a month.
I Spend ZERO Time Commuting
Time is money and not a moment of this nonrenewable resource goes towards a commute. I wake up at the same time as commuter boyfriend and by the time he’s at work, I’ve already crossed three items off my to-do list. The last time I worked an office job I was commuting one hour each way. While I did get to listen to a ton of podcasts, I had nightmares about all of the things I could have done in those two hours every day.
I Don’t Need To Buy Clothes and Shoes For Work
I’m not a spender, especially when it comes to clothes and shoes. I’ll happily wear my sneakers until the soles fall apart, and my closet still has a shirt or two from my college days. Since I don’t leave my house for work, I never have to spend money on new clothes and shoes. In fact, I rotate my four pajama sets (which I aptly refer to as my uniform) all week.
My Hygiene Products And Makeup Last Longer
Since I don’t have to make myself look presentable for work, I hardly ever wear makeup. This extends the life of my products WAY beyond the norm. One tube of mascara could last me six months, and I have perfectly good concealer from a year ago. Same goes for my shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Sorry shower fans, but I skip more showers since I don’t have to go into the office.
I Don’t Have To Spend Money on Lunch Or Take Time To Pack It
Working from home makes eating a whole lot easier. I save lots of money by cooking my breakfast and lunch at home. I’m never tempted by co-workers to go to Starbucks or pick up a quick sandwich at Panera. Eating out is actually less convenient for me now that I work from home. I also don’t have to spend time packing my lunch each night. Packing my lunch for work always annoyed me and I felt it took up too much time. Now, I just grab something out of the fridge and toss it on a plate.
I Don’t Waste Time Talking To Coworkers
It’s not that I don’t like having co-workers. It’s just that they can easily distract me in the office. I save a ton of time and stay focused when working at home by myself. There’s no interruptions, questions, gossip, or boring conversation to endure. This helps me get more done.
I Don’t Have To Do My Makeup or Hair
When I worked in an office, I woke up about twenty to thirty minutes earlier than I had to just to do hair and makeup. I’m pretty simple when it comes to this stuff, but making yourself look presentable is part of the package when you have to leave your house to work. Styling my hair and doing my eyebrows at 6 am seemed like a big-time waste to me. Now that no one sees me, I roll out of bed, grab my laptop, and get to work.
There’s No Pressure To Meet For After Work Drinks
Almost every job I had required some kind of socializing after work. Ok, required is a little strong, but there was certainly a lot of pressure from co-workers to socialize. Gossiping at the bar can be a time waste and sucking down expensive cocktails didn’t seem quite economical to me.
Working from home isn’t an option for everyone. But the way that the workforce is moving seems like there will be more options soon. If you get the opportunity, trying out a work-from-home job might be a great idea for your finances and your life.