My story as a work-from-home mama

Hmm… no, my kids are teenagers already, lol. But you catch the drift?

Juggling a full-time and part-time job while being a mom in the Philippines? Yep, that’s my life! My mornings start at 4:30 a.m., prepping for my 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. online English teaching sessions with Rare Job Phils. Then, I seamlessly switch gears and dive into content writing for No BS Marketplace from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with breaks sprinkled throughout the day. Don’t get me wrong—it’s a whirlwind, but working from home makes it possible. 

Here’s the real kicker – the benefits extend far beyond just managing two jobs. It’s actually transformed the way I approach work-life balance, and guess what? It can do the same for you! So, buckle up, mamas (and papas!), because I’m here to spill the tea on the five amazing perks of working remotely that have been a total game-changer for this mama.

Perk #1: Enhanced Work-Life Balance & Flexibility

The struggle to achieve work-life balance, especially for Manila moms like us, is real. Being stuck in a traditional office job often means a rigid schedule that clashes with family needs. But that’s the beauty of working from home – flexibility reigns supreme! Need to squeeze in a quick errand during the day? No sweat! Want to catch your kid’s school activity without using vacation time? Done deal!

This freedom to adjust my workday around my life instead of the other way around is a total lifesaver. It allows me to be present for my family when they need me most without sacrificing my career goals. It’s all about finding that sweet spot where work and life flow together seamlessly, and that’s what working remotely has given me.

Perk #2: No More Commuting

Let’s talk about the bane of every Manila resident’s existence: traffic. We all know the struggle – spending hours bumper-to-bumper, scrolling through Facebook just to inch a few meters forward. Ugh! Working from home eliminates that frustration completely.

Gone are the days of waking up at the crack of dawn just to fight the morning rush. Now, my mornings are a breeze. I can wake up, wash my face, grab a cup of coffee, and be at my “office” (aka my comfy desk) in minutes, ready to tackle the day. This not only saves me tons of time and stress, but it also boosts my productivity from the get-go. Can you imagine starting your workday feeling energized instead of drained from a soul-crushing commute? That’s the magic of working remotely, especially in a city like ours.

Perk #3: Financial Savings & Environmental Impact

Working from home isn’t just good for your schedule; it’s easy on your wallet and the environment, too! Here in Manila, commuting expenses can add up quickly, whether you take the jeepney, bus or use Grab. But ditch the daily commute, and those costs vanish! Plus, say goodbye to grabbing pricey lunches on the go. Working from home allows me to whip up healthy and easy meals at home, saving money and staying fueled for the day.

But the benefits go beyond my personal piggy bank. As an eco-warrior at heart, I love that working remotely shrinks my carbon footprint. No more car fumes or crowded buses – that translates to cleaner air and a lighter impact on the planet. It’s a win-win situation for everyone!

Perk #4: Comfort & Customization

Let’s face it—traditional office attire can be a drag—especially in a hot city like ours! But working from home means ditching the stuffy office ensemble, including the restricting bra, and embracing comfort. Feeling the afternoon heat? No problem—crank up the AC and throw on a tank top. Need a quick energy boost? Pop your feet up on a comfy footrest and stretch those legs.

The beauty of a remote work environment is that you get to personalize your workspace to fit your needs. Want to blast your favorite music while you work? Go for it! Feeling a creative slump? Decorate your desk with inspiring quotes or pictures. It’s all about creating a comfortable and inspiring environment that helps you be your most productive self. After all, when you feel good, you work well, right?

Perk #5: Increased Focus & Fewer Distractions

We live in a very vibrant country, but sometimes, that vibrancy can be a little…too much. In a traditional office setting, watercooler chats and coworker interruptions can derail your focus and slow down your workflow. But working remotely allows you to create a quieter, more focused environment.

Say goodbye to the office Marites, and hello to laser focus! With fewer distractions, you can truly devote yourself to your work and churn out high-quality results. No more feeling like you’re constantly being pulled in a million directions. Working from home lets you control your environment and create a space that optimizes your productivity.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, mamas (and papas!) – the five unique perks of working remotely that have transformed my life as a busy mom. The benefits are truly undeniable.

Is working from home the perfect fit for everyone? Maybe not. But if you’re craving more flexibility, comfort, and control over your workday, it’s definitely worth exploring. Give it a try, and who knows, you might just discover your own success story.