This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more information.
Working from home was something I always envisioned. This was one of my reasons to pursue IT as my career. With just a laptop working on systems anywhere in the world – what more can I ask for?!
As an essential worker I had the option to report to work only if needed. For the wife, staying home was not even an option she had to report to work as usual. I would say she’s on the top of the list of essential workers.
As for the kids, we had the option to keep them home so we did. Oh boy!!!… This right there is a whole life experiment for me.
The list can go on but these are my top picks.
CONS
Table of Contents
NO HUMAN CONTACT
As social beings studies have proven the best way to boost our human immune system and release stress is by human interaction. I can attest to that. Being in the office, chatting with my coworkers about life lessons, sports, relationships and having a drink after a work day are some of the things that kept our day entertained.
Moments like this allow me to temporarily reduce the surge of any anxiety I may have.
NO MOTIVATION FOR THE GYM
Before the pandemic I would religiously be at the gym at five thirty in the morning, be home by seven, start the coffee machine, jump in the shower then head back out and continue the routine.
Now, I wake up right on time to prepare breakfast and walk my daughter to her school bus. As a result, I do some “warm up” exercise but nothing keeps me sweating like the being at the gym.
OVERWORKING
Many projects usually get started with a group meeting, bi/weekly follow-up meetings and more meetings.
At home, my ears stay put on the kids, my eyes are hooked on my monitors, my hands are working my coffee mug and the keyboard. Since all meetings are now done via teleconference, I tend to accomplish a lot more without having any major downsides. If my participation is not needed, I continue working on my task.
So, I force myself to take one hour break from work and use that time frame to prepare lunch and play a bit with the kids.
PROS
MORE FAMILY TIME
Spending more time with the family is the greatest benefit of telecommuting. We no longer have to wait for the weekend to do some “family things” such as cooking and eating breakfast/lunch together. So, by the time the wife comes home, dinner is ready, the dishes are done, the house is clean and we get to spend more time together.
SLEEP LONGER
Our daughter’s schedule used to keep us on the move almost every other day between basketball practice and dance. Presently, I get to sleep for at least seven hours during weekdays and even more on weekends.
No need for me to tell you how ten hours extra a week makes a huge difference in your daily productivity.
COMMUTE
Since I barely need to report to work I try not to drive as much which allows me to save on fuel. What I used to budget for gas is now added to pay down debt. I did consider purchasing a bicycle to ride back and forth to work which is roughly four miles. However, most bike shops were sold out and the waiting list was too long.
LEARNING NEW SKILLS
Telecommuting has given me the flexibility to improve my skills, learn more about budgeting, investing and teaching my 5 year old how to code. I started investing right before the pandemic, it’s been officially 1-year since I’ve been on this journey. Also, I have more time to listen to a handful of FIRE related podcasts from the moment I clock-in until EOB.
SUMMARY,
I’m extremely grateful to be in a position to stay home and connect with the kids. But it can be exhausting having to care for a 12 and 5 year old distracting when your work requires some minimum concentration. But with some discipline, you can always deliver.
**Valuable Resources I Use Daily:
Empower offers a free account to assist you in managing your net worth and investment portfolio. Your asset allocation and portfolio performance are so obvious and easy to grasp that I can't get enough of them. It's an excellent tool for anyone keeping track of their investments.
Robinhood is a platform that does not charge commissions. You can start investing with as little as $1 in stocks, ETFs, and REITs. It's simple to operate and navigate. Sign up now to receive a free stock.
Gio founded TheGrowthFocusedGuy in January 2020 because he was fed up with debt.
His mission is to document his journey to Financial Independence in order to motivate and inspire others to get out of debt and begin building generational wealth.
