why i love working at home as a highly sensitive person - and how you can work at home too

I think most people can agree that they would love to work from home. There are definitely pros and cons to freelancing and working from home, but overall I love it, especially since I am a highly sensitive person. Studies have shown that open office concepts are a nightmare for HSPs, who get overwhelmed by things like lights, sounds, and stress. So, being able to work in your home, your sanctuary, can be amazing. 

Cons of Working From Home: 

Of course there will be downsides. For me, as an INFJ, I sometimes do miss the camaraderie and social situations that come from working with others face-to-face. I don't really get free lunch from the boss or get to go for social hour with my co-workers. This can make working at home feel lonely at times. 

Another con is that when you work from home, you often are a freelancer. This isn't the case for everyone, but as a freelance writer, I don't get benefits, paid time off, health insurance, money into a retirement fund by an employer, etc. But for me, the flexibility of my schedule and working from home is more important to me than benefits.

Another funny thing about being a freelancer and working from home is that many people think you don't work all day! This always boggles my mind... how do they think I bought a house, pay my bills, etc.? Yes, I have more flexibility in the time I can take off, I can bring my laptop and work elsewhere, I can clean or run errands during the day, but that doesn't mean I don't work as hard as you do in an office. Sometimes I am probably more motivated without so many distractions from others. 

Pros of Working From Home: 

Let's get into the pros. Right now, I do have a set schedule where I generally work 10 am - 6 pm per weekday. However, I am allowed to work other hours and take days off whenever I need to. I absolutely love this flexibility! I have also had other jobs where I didn't even have a set time I had to work. There is nothing better than being able to make appointments during the week when places are less busy. 

I know that I feel less stress and anxiety because of my working situation. I am able to work in a place I am comfortable, which really helps out if I am not feeling well one day or am feeling particularly anxious. I can essentially head to work in my pajamas if I want to. 

How You Can Start Working From Home Too!

If you are a highly sensitive person and really want to work from home, here are my suggestions (I've been freelancing for about 8 years now, but keep in mind, I was not always able to do it full-time and pay the bills completely by working from home like I am now!): 

• Check out reputable freelance websites like UpWork. UpWork is where I have found my full-time writing job that I really love! Spruce up your profile and just start applying. It may take time, but trust that you will get the job that is right for you.
• Polish up your LinkedIn profile and search for freelance jobs on LinkedIn. 
• Network online. Connect with others in the field you desire to work in on websites like LinkedIn. Ask them for advice or find out if they are hiring. 
• Clean up your social media profiles. People who may hire you definitely check out this stuff so make sure everything is professional. 
• Get your work out there! If you are a writer, make sure you have a great portfolio. Start sending in articles to get published on websites, even if you do it for free at first. If you are a graphic designer, make sure you are able to show lots of examples of your work. You get the idea. 
• Lastly, just remain positive. Job searching, especially looking for a reputable work-from-home job can be stressful. Trust that you will get the job you are meant for. Stay positive and focused and just keep trying. 

Do you work from home too? What are your pros and cons? Or are you looking for a work from home job? 

If you found this article interesting, please SHARE with your friends who are also HSPs!

If you want more, check out my books on Amazon: 

• My Journey as a Highly Sensitive Person with Anxiety: How I went from an Emotional Mess to Confident Woman and You Can Too
• 21 Days to Learn to Embrace Being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) Workbook: Journaling & advice to help you understand yourself as a highly sensitive person
• Find Your Magic Daily Planner & Journal
• Find Your Magic: Heal Your Anxiety Workbook

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