Like everything, working online also has its pros and cons. It’s not like when you work online you only have good things to talk about it. Before making the move to work online, you need to consider these advantages and disadvantages to help you if it is the best thing for you.
Pros
Working online full-time has various advantages,
making it an appealing option for many individuals. Here are some key
benefits:
1.
Flexibility
Online work often allows for a flexible schedule. You may be free to choose your working hours, which can be particularly
beneficial for those with personal commitments or preferences for
non-traditional working hours. For example, I can work up in the middle of the
night and finish a task I was supposed to finish in the morning, so I can
have free time to take a long morning walk.
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| Flexibility. |
If I’m to attend a meeting in the evening, I see if I can do my tasks
in the afternoon. That’s how flexible online work can be. However, note that a client’s deadline may sometimes mean you put your personal plans aside and do
the task to the end. Online work flexibility has limits; some tasks must
be completed as soon as they are given.
2.
Location Independence
With online work, you’re not tied to a specific location. As
long as you have a stable internet connection, you can work from anywhere across the globe. This is especially advantageous for people who enjoy traveling or
live in areas with limited job opportunities.
3.
Cost Savings
Working online can result in cost savings. You may save money on commuting expenses, work attire, and daily meals. Additionally, some online positions may provide the option to work from home, reducing the need for a dedicated office space.
4.
Access to a Global Job Market
5.
Increased Job Opportunities
The digital economy has opened up new job opportunities that
are specifically tailored to online platforms. This includes roles in digital
marketing, content creation, virtual assistance, and various freelance
opportunities. Of course, getting these jobs requires hard work and dedication.
You have to build a portfolio, gain experience, apply for jobs ceaselessly, etc.
6.
Work-Life Balance
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| Family time |
7.
Personalized Work Environment
Working online allows you to create a personalized work
environment that suits your preferences. Whether you prefer a quiet home office
or a bustling coffee shop, you have the flexibility to choose where you work.
8.
Increased Autonomy
Many online jobs provide a level of autonomy that may be
lacking in traditional office settings. You may have more control over your
workflow, allowing you to manage your tasks and projects independently.
9.
Learning Opportunities
The online environment often encourages continuous learning.
With a wealth of resources available online, you can easily acquire
new skills and stay updated on industry trends, contributing to professional
growth.
10. Reduced Commuting Stress
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| Commuting stress...when will the bus fill up? |
Online work eliminates the need for daily commutes, which can significantly contribute to reduced stress and increased overall well-being. This time-saving aspect can also contribute to increased productivity.
Last Word on Pros
While working online offers numerous advantages, it’s
essential to note that it may not be suitable for everyone.
Cons
While working online full-time offers many benefits, there
are also some disadvantages to consider. Here are some potential drawbacks:
1.
Isolation and Loneliness
Lack of face-to-face interaction can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, as you miss out on the social aspects of an office environment. When I quit my regular job to work online, I lost over 6 kg in the first six months.
I wasn’t depressed or anything. I later realized my brain had
trouble adapting to the changes. No more locker room chats with workmates, no
more tea time jokes, or walking together after work.
2.
Distractions at Home
Working from home can present numerous distractions, such as household chores, family members, or pets, which may affect productivity.
I have discussed how to deal
with home distractions while working online full-time.
3.
Blurred Work-Life Boundaries
The line between work and personal life can become blurred,
making it challenging to establish boundaries and causing potential burnout.
This is highly true. At some point, the brain identifies staying in the house
with working online. So you find yourself always around your laptop. You open
your computer even when you have no work to do.
4.
Communication Challenges
Online communication may lack the richness of face-to-face
interaction, leading to misunderstandings or misinterpretations of messages.
This especially happens when you have poor communication skills or aren’t well
familiar with the language of a particular client. Some phrases may also be
misinterpreted.
5.
Technical Issues
Reliance on technology makes you susceptible to technical issues such as internet outages, software glitches, or hardware malfunctions that can disrupt your work. It’s best to have a backup power generator, solar energy, extra laptop battery, and so on.
6.
Security Concerns
Working online may involve sharing sensitive information,
and there is a risk of data breaches or security issues that could compromise
your personal or professional data. But this has never been a problem for me;
there are solutions to data breaches or security risks. You only have to
implement the solutions.
7.
Ergonomic Challenges
8.
Time Zone Differences
If you work with a team distributed across different time zones, coordinating meetings and collaboration can be challenging and require adjusting your work hours.
You may have to wake up in the middle of the
night to attend a scheduled meeting with a client whose day has just started in
another time zone.
9.
Limited Career Advancement Opportunities
Some online jobs may have limited opportunities for career
advancement compared to traditional office-based roles.
10. Lack of Supervision
Working remotely may mean less direct supervision, which can
be a disadvantage for individuals who benefit from regular guidance and
feedback. You need to discipline yourself to work online effectively. As I said
in the advantages, working online offers flexibility but this flexibility has
limits.
The client will set a deadline, and you will lose clients if
you can’t deliver work on time. So you must supervise yourself. Unfortunately, some people aren’t good at supervising themselves. Talk of an office manager who can't manage himself at home while working online.
11. Dependence on Internet
Access
If you rely heavily on a stable internet connection,
disruptions to your service can significantly impact your ability to work
efficiently.
12. Difficulty in Team Building
Building a strong team culture and camaraderie can be more challenging when team members are physically distant from each other.
Last Word on Cons
It’s important to note that these disadvantages can vary
depending on individual preferences, job roles, and the specific nature of
remote work. Many people find ways to overcome these challenges and enjoy the
flexibility and benefits of working online.
Parting Shot
After considering the pros and cons, is working online still the best deal for you? The answer is within you alone. Make the right decision. I discourage rush
decisions.