What Is The Difference Between Remote And Work From Home?
If you’ve started a job search, then you might have noticed that some jobs are listed as remote while others are listed as work from home.
Isn’t that the same thing?
Well, not quite.
There is a difference between the two and that main difference is flexibility for workers.
And I think once you see how they differ, then you’ll want to make sure you’re only applying for remote job positions.
Working From Home Meaning
Working from home, which is also known as WFM, is simply doing your job from home.
However, by it’s very nature it is temporary — something that your employer permits you to do.
Often, employers who have a WFM policy allow employees to work from home one or two days per week.
These WFM days are viewed as a benefit instead of a standard part of the job.
And employers often have work laptops that you take home on the days that you are working from home.
With work-from-home job, you sometimes still have to commute into the office.
Usually the rest of your work week is spent in the office at your desk there.
Of course, there are exceptions to this, such as during the year end holidays your boss may let you work from home for the entire week.
Or, if your kid is home from school for whatever reason, then you may be able to convince your boss to let you work at home the entire week.
But long term time away from the office is not the norm when working from home.
Working Remotely Meaning
Working remotely also means doing your job from home, but unlike a WFM job a remote job position is 100% out of the office.
Never working out of the office is the nature of a remote job.
If you work remote, then it means that you don’t have a desk or workstation at your employer’s office building.
And you may never see your boss or co-workers in-person when working remotely.
With a remote job, you never have to commute into the office.
So, what’s considered a remote employee?
An employee who never works in a traditional office for the employer.
Often, a working remotely means that you can do it from anywhere; not just your home office.
For instance, you can be a digital nomad and do your remote job from halfway around the world.
Though you will most likely be responsible for your own technology, such as a laptop or other computer work station.
And sometimes a remote job means that you have flexible hours, but that it not always the case.
It’s also important to note that most remote jobs are actual employee positions and not freelance or independent contractor positions.
This means that remote jobs usually have employee benefits just like traditional jobs.
This also means that working remotely results in earning vacation days and getting paid for holidays.
Of course, this is not true in 100% of the positions, but it is true for most of the companies hiring remote workers.
What About Flex Jobs And Telecommuting?
You might also see job listings refer to a flex job or a telecommuting job.
If you’re wondering if these are the same or different, then let me clarify that for you.
A flex job is a job where the hours are flexible.
This does not mean that it is remote or WFM.
A telecommuting job is another word for a remote job.
It is older terminology, but means the same thing.
Which Type Of Job Is Better For Stay At Home Moms?
Since most stay-at-home moms have little ones in the house, leaving to go into an office isn’t feasible most of the time.
For this reason, a remote job is the better option for the SAHM who wants to work.
However, if the kids are a bit older and in school, then a work-from-home position benefits moms who want to be able to get out of the house every now and then and interact with other adults.
Of course, remote working comes with more flexibility since you can do it pretty much anywhere and never have to worry about being called into an office for a meeting or other work-related stuff.
Remote work also tends to be longer-term, which means that you have more paycheck stability.