Is WFH for me?

PROS:

-you are generally in command of your schedule. I recommend getting clients who don't have a time tracker or screen tracker.

-you also have some command over your productivity. You can choose to lie low and just do part-time and per-project for a while, which you can never do if you're working for a company.

-you can work anywhere, everywhere!

-you can play movies and music while working- there are no office rules.

-you can take naps when you're tired.

-you can order any food you want, from Grab, as far as you can afford.

-you have more time for your family at home.

-there is no traffic to deal with.

-there are no toxic workmates or bosses within close proximity.

-you don't need to worry about what you wear everyday, except for Zoom meetings.

CONS:

-you have to deal with paying taxes, and SSS, Pag-ibig, and Philhealth bills on your own.

-you have to get used to working by yourself. Continuous WFH is not recommended for extroverts, generally.

-you have to work out your invoices and track your time input by yourself, depending on the arrangement you have with your client.

-you will fully bear the responsibility over what you eat, and your physical activity. Not doing well in these areas will definitely cause you to gain weight.

-you have to purchase your own computer, tablet, and whatever gadget that helps you in your work.

-you have to pay for your own electricity and food.

-you have to learn business writing, salary/workload negotiation, and clear communication on your own. You simply can't flourish if you don't learn how to communicate clearly and in a professional manner.

-irregular salary and tenure with any client.

-you have to learn how to deal with the quirks of each client, because each one is different. Different personalities, collaboration tools, and modes of communicating. Some want a video call every morning, others prefer chat-only.

-you have to build a client-winning online portfolio, to ensure that you always have clients. For graphic designers, your portfolio should show a wide range of items- flyers, brochures, package design, social media assets, etc. to show that you can deliver a range of assets.

In my experience, it was difficult to deal with the cons, ONLY IN THE FIRST YEAR. Once I learned to manage all of those, working from home gave me work-life balance, and a tremendous amount of freedom over my life! I have no plans of ever going back to work in any office.