Why working from home (again) is the best decision I made this year?

Do you believe that many of the best decisions in life are unplanned? I do. To name a few, here they are:

-3 years ago, I left the corporate job I loved and enjoyed for more than 4 years. It took me to different places and countries. Had the chance to meet highly respected people. Of course, I feared letting go of the job that gave me great opportunities over the years, but it somehow gave me the time to focus on one more important thing, and that was…

-Finding and buying a new home that we can call our own. I had a heavy heart leaving my hometown of more than 3 decades but when my husband gave me the go signal, that was it! We became Subic residents in no time. 

-Due to the distance, I also had to give up my online business which was doing well at that time but losing it made me ventured to new businesses. We had the Ystoriray Boutique started, a family owned business, then gave it a try operating a Carwash next to the boutique. Unfortunately, these didn’t do well and later on closed down but had me discovered and decided what’s really best for me at that moment. I tried teaching English online but it only lasted for almost a year. I just knew it’s not for me.

It was around August last year when I started submitting applications to different potential employers within SBMA, religiously. But working from home never hit my mind. I was after going back to the corporate world, thinking that if I get any of it, I’d have the chance again to dress up, socialize, meet friends, and be the career woman that I’ve always loved being. Unfortunately, just when I was in the middle of attending initial interviews, we lost my father. As much as I wanted to push through with my initial plan, I had to set some things back and aside. My mother needed me. Paper works and funeral claims were on me. I had to assist my brother for some time who also fell ill at that time. The girls also mourned and asked why it happened to lolo. Despite my hands being full already, one way or the other, I still needed to get occupied with something that will help me make the ends meet. Losing a loved one isn’t just about losing them but also spending on them for the last time.

So I started checking jobs offered online. Landed on one that pays really well. Unfortunately, Fortunately, it only lasted for two weeks. It saddened me ‘coz it had to happened just before Christmas but somehow let me rest for a while. As they say when one door closes, another one opens.

Right after the holidays, January 2, 2017  to be exact, I grabbed my laptop and started submitting job applications again. I received positive responses from different employers but the quickest one to reply got me. I was scheduled for an interview the next day, on a Friday, and started that next Monday, January 9, 2017. Indeed, a better opportunity to work from home again. It’s a full-time marketing job, from 1-10pm (during Summer days)/2-11pm on regular days, with Philippine holidays, paid birthday leave, and a great boss and team to work with.

So, why working from home is the best decision I made this year?

-It gets me occupied and actually helped me move on from all the emotional issues I had for the past year.
-It also helps me make the ends meet and allow us to enjoy every weekend that we deserve.
-More time with the family. I get to see my girls from the time they get up in the morning to the last minute before they doze off to bed.
-I get to work in my most comfortable position and watch my favorite TV shows at the same time.

-Gives me the chance to enjoy a bowl of popcorn, see a movie in the bedroom, and still carry on with my work.
-Less stressful environment.
-No need to rush in the morning. In fact, you can just grab your laptop as soon as you opened your eyes from sleep.
-No need to commute.
-If I don’t feel like taking a bath and change from my sleeping clothes, no one will judge me.
-No need to think of what to wear every day.
-No office rumors and terrible office mates to handle. I think this is the best part haha!
–I can accommodate surprise visits from friends and enjoy a cup of coffee with them.
-I can help my girls with their homework anytime as soon as they got home from school.
-It helps you build your trust within you and your boss, that even if there’s no one watching you, your works are still done as expected.

I can go on and on with the best reasons to work from home, but at the end of the day, it is you who can actually tell if this set-up is and works well for you.