AIBU to be nervous about "home based" jobs?

[JustKeepDancing]

Hi all

I moved to a different part of the country early this year to be nearer family and I took a short term job contract. I'm looking for more permanent work now that I am settled, however as I live in an area which is largely rural (albeit I live in the city) many of the jobs in my sector are home based. I think this is becoming increasingly common for more senior staff, to try and save money as the sector is being squeezed.

I am keen to get a permanent or at least long term (2+ years) contract position as I have had short term contracts for the last couple of years and that has affected my ability to get a mortgage, as well as being rather stressful and constantly uncertain. However, I am nervous about taking on a job where I will be at home, on my own, for the majority of the day, albeit using Skype and Lync etc to keep in touch with colleagues.

It appeals because I do work from home occasionally now and do get a lot more done than when I'm in the office. I find being able to crack on with things rather than listening to the noise and office politics much less stressful. I am definitely an introvert and I have often found the working environment exhausting.

However... I am single, live on my own, and am in a new place. I'm not sure if being largely solitary Monday - Friday (aside from one night a week when I do a regular hobby where I'm starting to make friends) is going to make me feel very lonely.

AIBU to be nervous about applying for these jobs? Does anyone have any words of wisdom?

Thanks

YANBU I am single and home based in a senior job which I've had for 4 years. I have found it (and still do) very hard going - when I started most of us were home based, now I'm the only one. It has some advantages, but on the whole I'd rather go to an office - perhaps not every day.

I am "trapped" as I can't earn anything approaching my salary in a local company but my employer doesn't have any offices within commuting distance and I don't want to move as I am NRP but see my DD regularly - so don't want to move away and lose contact with her.

I like working from home 1 or 2 days a week but I'd find it very hard all the time.

If you do start a job like this, think about what else you will do to fulfil your need for company. You won't have a commute, so you will have more "spare" time than you might do otherwise, to join clubs or go to meetups.

I worked from home in a similar role - lots of skype meetings etc. We did have bi monthly physical team meetings which helped us get to know colleagues a bit better.

I'm also an introvert so found working from home really worked for me.

My role meant that I was at external meetings at least once a week so I did get to see real life people, but not enough in terms of making proper relationships.

It can be very isolating, but as long as you make steps to limit this, then go for it.

Look at volunteering, book groups etc as a way of meeting different people.

YANBU - I work full time from home in a professional job. It wasn't a decision I took lightly to go home based but it suited family needs at the time. I found the first 6 months terribly lonely and was desperate to go back to the office. I couldn't disconnect from work and I just seemed to take over. However I did eventually get it under control. I spend a lot of my day in T-cons and always make time to chat. I take walks. I have a proper office and shut it all off at the end of the day. Whilst the odd trip in the office is still a treat for me I do find it exhausting and wonder how I used to do that all day everyday. The lack of commute is wonderful and I am home when my daughter gets home from school every day.

I would say take a home based long term contract but be prepared that adjustment takes time and you need to work a bit harder to find sociable stuff to fill the gap.

I have been home based 8 years now and wouldn't change it for the world!

Thanks everyone, the advice and suggestions have been really helpful. I think HeyMacWey and Trills have made a good point about finding other ways of meeting people and engaging in socialising - definitely something I had hoped I would have more time and energy for than I currently do!

Really good points to consider and good to know IANBU!