I have worked from home for over 20 years, mainly with public relations agencies that engaged me as their external corporate consultant. As an ex-business journalist, my experience helped me write business and corporate stories and gave me a practical understanding of how media worked and their expectations.

I prepared press releases, speeches, media invitations, programs, and anticipated questions and answers for interviews. I also took on commissions to write company newsletters, annual reports bar the financials and edited lifestyle books.

I was never ambitious. I didn’t need to be the boss or own and lead a company. I only set up a private limited concern to give my business a little more credibility. Conscientious and reasonably hard-working, I have always been happy in the knowledge that I knew whatever I needed to know to produce good work. I wanted a job that stimulated my interest and kept my grey matter functioning. An income that supported my lifestyle and a little squirrelled away for emergencies and the future. A comfortable life. No flash.

I liked what I did, yes past tense. I am taking a little break to do my own thing for a while.  As I was saying, I liked what I did but I had a niggle.  I wanted and chose to have an uncomplicated work life that didn’t require dealing with staff etc., just me doing the work. Yet, an element of irritation and tetchiness kept roaring its ugly head, now and again.  I used to get upset with people, who assumed that they could call me at any time of the day or drop by for a visit because I was at home.

I also got a little annoyed when I was referred to as a freelancer. I didn’t like contractor or self-employed, either. Technically, I suppose I was.  I know working off site or remotely is quite prevalent and designations like telecommuters, mobile professionals and e-workers reflect that shift from working in a conventional office environment.  All the same, I was miffed because I own a real company, admittedly a one-person outfit, with two company directors, albeit my husband and my mother. An accountant, a company secretary and an auditor are on my payroll.  I have pages of documents that require my John Hancock, from time to time, for submission to either the tax office or other government agencies.

Another thing that irked me was because I worked from home, there was a perception that I was lounging around in my jammies, watching soaps and baking programs on the telly. I have had comments that it would be so nice to ‘work’ from home like me. Apparently, I was oh so … lucky because I have so much time to myself; I could have a nap, dash out to get my hair cut, or get some shopping done when I wanted. I wasn’t under the watchful eye of an attentive boss or spied on by colleagues, so I could do what I wanted.

Too right! I did have time. I didn’t commute, I just walked to my home office, which is a few seconds away from any room in my condo. My office dress code was and still is a T-shirt and shorts, so I did save time not having to choose my attire for the day and not making up my face.  I scrubbed up and looked presentable only when I needed to meet clients, which thankfully wasn’t very often.

I was always at my desk, not much later than 9 am in the morning. I wanted to be available to answer calls on my landline during office hours. It was pretty much like working in an office, but with the comforts of home. I had my breakfast while going through my emails. I did the laundry when necessary and checked on my mum, who lives in the same building as I do. In fact, most afternoons I had lunch with my mum and worked at her Wi-Fi-connected condo. It’s a convenient way to work and keep an eye on her. I balanced my personal obligations and household chores without them affecting my professional commitments. I believe not having children made it easier for me to work from home.  Also, I do like my own company.

There were downsides, of course. The cheques were not always regular.  I sometimes felt a little isolated, missing out on the office camaraderie and gossips, but not much.

So, what is my gripe? I have always thought that because I didn’t work in a ‘proper’ office, people didn’t know or understand what I actually did each day and did not take me seriously enough as a working, contributing member of society. So, what does it matter what people think or don’t think. Why do I care, I ask? I don’t but hmm…