It was the last item that really jumped out at me and gave me pause. I
wasn't really surprised by the claims about making lots of money while
working from home. It wasn't the statement about the "prestige" of
working for physicians. What caught my eye were the pictures on the
flyer of women sitting in front of computers with infants on their laps.
Because while I don't know what it's like to be in charge of a baby
all day (yet), I do know what it's like to be a coder working from home
and the job doesn't lend itself to simultaneous babysitting.
Most days I love working from home. It's awesome on those days when you
know you have to get work done but you don't really feel like taking a
shower or being in public first thing in the morning. So yeah, it's
great if you are not a morning person! On those days, there's nothing
better than shuffling down to my office, coffee cup in hand (okay, so
it's half-decaf these days), flipping the switch on my computer, and
easing into my day. Some days I am joined by my eternal lap cat, who
could sit on my lap all day if I were a statue. On some days she wants
to sit on my lap while I work, which is generally only okay if I am on a
conference call where I don't need to take notes. Which is pretty much
never.
Here's the big secret the flyer doesn't advertise: coding requires an
immense amount of concentration and some days I can concentrate pretty
well and block out the world. Other days, I have to shut off all email,
the ringer on my phone, and the radio just so I can focus on work. On
those days, I shoo the cat off my desk/lap and try to direct her to her
bed in the corner. If necessary, I can put her in the hallway and close
the door. You can't really shove your kid aside when you need to
concentrate. And you can't code effectively and efficiently with a kid
on your lap. And if you can, then your child isn't getting the
attention he/she needs.
The point: coding from home is a nice perk, but it is not a substitute
for child care. Like most other new parents, I'm discovering the joys
of budgeting for child care after maternity leave. And I get it - it's
expensive.
Just in case this post hasn't quite convinced you, maybe this will.
Many remote coding contracts include a clause on child care. You may
be required to promise in writing that you will not engage in child care
when you are on the clock. So if your reason for wanting to code from
home is so you can save on child care, coding isn't the job for you.
Article Source:- Blogspot
No comments:
Post a Comment