When I tell people I work from home, I get one of two responses: “I wish I could do that,” or “I could never do that. I’d get way too distracted.” I enjoy working from home, but just like a traditional work arrangement, it frustrates me sometimes. It’s not the key to a blissful work life, but it’s not necessarily a recipe for getting lost in a Instagram black hole all day, either. I procrastinate and waste time less at home than I did during a typical 8 hour office work day. According to a 2013 Stanford University study, a worker’s efficiency can improve by 13% when she works from home. For the sake of transparency, I will admit that from 7:57-8:20 this morning, I was spending far to much time on Youtube watching cute English Bulldog videos. For those considering working from home or just curious about what it’s like, here are 7 reasons it’s worked for me: 1. I’m an introvert. While my work involves a lot of interaction, my time in between phone calls and meetings is quiet and solitary. I loved socializing with my coworkers when I worked in an office, but I was less productive. Because I’m an introvert, those fun conversations drained my energy. It’s easier for me to build in quiet time at home than it would be in a traditional office. My dad also works from home, but he is an extrovert. Unlike me, he has much more energy on days when he has lunch appointments. A day spent entirely at home in front of his computer leaves him exhausted. 2. I have a dog. He loves being around people, and he’s great for stress relief and companionship. My work arrangement is good for me and it’s good for him. 3. Punctuality is not my strong suit. Working from home limits how often I’m expected to be somewhere at a certain time. I do not miss rushing to gather my stuff while I brush my teeth and put on my shoes, only to remember that I need to stop for gas. Sure, I could start getting ready sooner. I’m working on that when I do have places to be, but I’m glad it’s not every day. I can make deadlines like it’s my job, especially when it is my job, as long as my physical presence isn’t required. 4. I hate packing lunches. I used […]