working from home...

i am definitely more efficient working from home.
called in sick today, as i was not feeling too good.

most people complain that they just can't focus working at home.
i found it to be very different for myself.

i do believe the trick is...
do NOT dilly dally after waking up. splash your face with cold water, brush your teeth, have your shower & breakfast...anything to wake you up.
do NOT become a sloth and lounge in front of your TV. set up your computer at a proper sitting table (can be your dinner table).

and up till 2pm, i managed to complete everything on my to-do list!
felt very accomplised and "on top of my game"...

it did make me wonder.
we live in a mobile world. where communication is at the tip of our fingers.
there are such things as call conferencing, virtual conferencing (Second Life), telephones, internet (wifi, broadband, etc.), emails, blackberries (a.k.a crackberries)...you name it. we can do just about anything without moving!

in fact, whilst i was studying in the UK, we can even order groceries without stepping out of the door! (though you would have to pay for convenience)

so why are malaysian companies not encouraging working from home?
i am of the opinion that this would be very cost efficient:

1. hot-desking means less space is needed
   
2. less utilities used as there are less people around
   
3. better quality employees as they are less stressed (no traffic, no bosses breathing down their neck, etc.)

now that i am married, the natural next step is to...have a baby.
i am definitely looking forward to having my own.
but i do worry about the implications it might have on my career.

will i be able to focus, whilst worrying about my child at home?
will i be able to see my child grow?
will i miss that first step?
who do i leave my child with?
can nurseries be trusted?
do i HAVE to get a maid? i have never had one in my life!
would i want to burden my mother and in laws?

and that is why...i do believe that working mothers SHOULD work from home.

what i consider working from home:

1. a proper working set up (computers, phone lines, etc.)
2. coming in for important meetings
3. come into the office for a max of 2 days a week (if needed)
   

some people say that if that person works from home, then her responsibilities should be reduced. or worse... her pay should not be as high as those that physically comes to work.

how does your working location affect the quality?

just like studying, there are so many methods to it. some people require a more stimulating surrounding (loud music, classical music) and some a more subdued one (peace & quiet).

anyway, a woman does NOT lose her brains and skills from having a baby.
despite the rumours.

i am not pregnant yet.
i hope i will be one day.
and i do hope that i will find a solution for this...when the time comes.
do shout out if you know of any large corporations that offer 'work-from home' for working mothers...:)