Think you know everything about working from home? Here are the 10 myths you shouldn’t believe!
Working from home is incredibly convenient. Many remote workers say they can’t imagine life without it and don’t want to return to a traditional office job now that they’ve experienced the benefits of working remotely.
But why aren’t more people eager to work from home?
Like in any industry, some myths stop people from taking online job opportunities. Today, we’re clearing up those myths and will show you that choosing a home-based job is one of the best decisions you can make.
Myth #1: You earn less when working from home.
Working remotely doesn’t mean earning less. In fact, remote workers often make more money.
One reason is that minimum wage differs by country. Many people in the Philippines look for opportunities abroad because the local minimum wage is too low to cover basic needs.
With a home-based job, you can earn more than the minimum wage while staying in the comfort of your home. For example, the minimum wage in the Philippines is around ₱450 per day, which is much lower than what you can earn working remotely. A skilled virtual assistant, for instance, can make between $4 to $10 per hour, that’s around ₱1700 – ₱2500 per day, more than what a typical local office job would offer.
Myth #2: There are no long-term opportunities or career growth.
It’s not true that remote work offers no career growth. In fact, many employers want reliable people who will stay long-term.
Can you get promoted while working from home? Yes!
Your performance is what matters, not how close you are to the company. As long as you have the right knowledge, tools, and skills, you have just as many chances for promotion as someone working in the office. Sometimes, remote jobs offer even more chances to grow, especially in startups. As the business grows, you’ll be in a great position to take on bigger roles.
Myth #3: It’s harder to be productive when you’re working from home.
Does where you work really affect your productivity?
If you’re easily distracted, you’ll find distractions no matter where you are—either at the office or at home. Working from home can actually help you create a work environment that suits you best.
Think about what distracts you and how you can set up your space to avoid those things. If you get sleepy, for example, avoid working in your bedroom. If Netflix is your weakness, make sure the TV is out of sight.
Sometimes, a change of scenery helps. If you feel stuck at home, try working at a coffee shop or at a teammate’s workspace for a change.
Myth #4: There are limited options if you’re not in marketing or any tech-related field.
When people think of home-based jobs, they often assume it’s only for online entrepreneurs, social media experts, or IT professionals. They believe that only tech professionals have the chance to work from home. But they’re wrong, there are endless opportunities! Remote work is available for many different jobs and industries, covering a wide range of skills and professions.
Here are some of the most common tasks that can be handled by home-based employees:
- Appointment setting
- Data entry
- Customer service
- Content creation and management
- Editing and proofreading
- Email management
- Social media management
- Virtual assistant (general tasks like calendar management, and contact management)
- Online teaching
Myth #5: Working from home is only for younger people.
Online jobs don’t focus on age; they hire people based on their skills and their ability to do the job.
How do employers assess their virtual employees’ abilities?
Employers usually start by posting a job or browsing available profiles. They review the candidates’ experience, skills, and other details listed on their profiles.
Once they have a shortlist, they set up a call to see if you match what you’ve written in your profile. Depending on the job, some employers may ask you to take a test or complete a trial task, which may be paid.
Some employers may also ask you to take a personality test to understand your work style and see if you’re a good fit for their company.
Myth #6: It’s only for people with no sense of discipline.
Some people believe that remote workers choose home-based jobs because they lack the discipline to follow the usual rules of working in an office. But that idea is completely wrong. In fact, working from home might actually require more discipline than working in a traditional office job.
In an office, people are watching over you, with a supervisor checking your every move. But when you work from home, it’s all about INTEGRITY. There’s no one to monitor your work, and the distractions at home can sometimes be greater than those in an office setting.
Myth #7: There’s no one to guide you or give you support.
Businesses use tools to track remote employees’ performance, like timekeeping software that logs hours worked and shows idle time. Some tools even take random screenshots to ensure you’re staying on task.
Remote employers are often flexible with how you manage your time, as long as you meet deadlines. You might also have one-on-one or team calls for feedback and coaching based on your performance.
Myth #8: There is no social interaction.
Some people choose remote work to escape office politics and toxic colleagues, while others miss having people to talk to. But just because you’re not surrounded by coworkers doesn’t mean you won’t interact. How much social interaction you have depends on your choices.
If you and your team live nearby, you can meet at a teammate’s working space or at a nearby coffee shop to work together. You can still be focused on your screens, but you can take breaks to chat.
Many remote teams also use group chats to catch up. It doesn’t always have to be about work. A simple “How’s everyone doing?” can brighten the day. Plus, with more free time, you can meet up with friends after work.
Myth #9: There are no added perks or benefits.
Some people think remote workers don’t get the same benefits, but that’s not true.
It all depends on how you negotiate with your employer. Most of the time, they’re happy to offer bonuses, performance-based incentives, and even paid leaves, especially once you’ve been with the company for a while.
What About Social Security And Healthcare?
Home-based workers are often considered “Freelancers” instead of formal employees, meaning your employer may not be required to provide benefits like social security and healthcare. However, as a home-based worker, you’re in control of your life. You can factor the cost of social security and healthcare into your salary request.
In the Philippines, it’s easy to switch your social security status to “voluntary.” This means you can pay for your own benefits, including pension, disability, and maternity coverage. Payments can be made online, making it convenient. Just remember to keep track of payment schedules or set up auto-debit to stay on top of it.
Myth #10: Most remote work offers are scams.
While some people have been disappointed by employers or clients who disappear without paying, this doesn’t mean all home-based jobs are the same.
Any job, whether long-term, part-time, or project-based, comes with risks if you’re not careful. However, the benefits of working from home are much greater. To avoid being scammed, it’s important to be in a team where you feel secure, just like at Virtual Professionals. We protect both employers and job seekers with security measures.
Here are a few tips to help determine if remote job offers are legitimate:
- Checking the company’s online presence and reviews.
- Avoiding offers that require upfront payments.
Now that these myths have been busted, start hunting for the best home-based opportunity around.
Interested in learning more about working as a virtual assistant from home? Reach out to us today!
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