What It's Really Like Working From Home (And How You Can Do It Too)
What It's Really Like Working From Home (And How You Can Do It Too)

Let’s be real! Working from home sounds like a dream, right?
No traffic, no dress code, and you get to work in your pambahay while sipping your favorite coffee. That’s exactly what I thought too, until I actually made the shift.

Hi, I’m Sherry, a digital marketer, virtual support specialist, and a working-from-home mom. I’m also an introvert who enjoys quiet days, clear tasks, and meaningful work that supports real people and businesses. I want to share my story not because I’ve got it all figured out but because I know how exciting and confusing it can feel if you’re thinking about switching to a remote setup.

The First Few Weeks Were… Messy

When I started working from home, I truly believed I’d be more productive and in control. But as a mom, it wasn’t that simple.

I’d be in the middle of a Zoom call, and my child would come asking for snacks (or worse, scream in the background).
 I’d try to squeeze in client work during nap times but end up too exhausted to finish everything.
 Lunch breaks became cooking sessions, laundry runs, or quick clean-ups.
 Sometimes, I felt guilty for not being fully “present” either at work or as a mom.

I found myself blending household chores with work tasks, binge-watching during breaks that stretched way too long, and replying to emails at midnight just to catch up. It was draining.

How I Made Work-From-Home Work for Me

Eventually, I learned to set better routines and boundaries. Here are a few simple but powerful changes that helped me thrive in my remote setup:

✅ Set Real Working Hours
 Even though you’re home, it’s important to treat your day like you’re in an office. I created a start and end time for work and made sure to respect them (most days!). It helped me mentally separate work and personal life.

✅ Create a Workspace You Love
 Even a small desk with good lighting can change your focus levels. I invested in a comfortable chair, a ring light, and added a few inspiring items like plants and planners.

✅ Use Tools That Make Life Easier
 My top productivity tools: Trello and Notion for planning, Zoom and Google Meet for client calls, and Canva for creative work. These tools save time and help me stay organized.

✅ Learn to Say No
 This was tough but necessary. As a mom, I already juggle enough, so I had to protect my time and energy by setting limits, especially with last-minute client requests.

Thinking of Making the Shift? Here Are My Tips for You

If you’re dreaming of leaving the 9–5 grind or office setup and starting a work-from-home career, here’s how you can begin slowly, smartly, and intentionally.

What It's Really Like Working From Home (And How You Can Do It Too)

Start Freelancing While You’re Still Employed
 Explore freelance jobs or part-time gigs on platforms like OnlineJobs.ph, Upwork, Indeed, or LinkedIn. Get a feel for the remote work world before making a big decision.

Figure Out What Services You Can Offer
 Think about what you’re good at. Are you a great communicator, creative, detail-oriented, or tech-savvy? Match your skills with popular online roles like:

  • Virtual Assistance
  • Content Writing
  • Social Media Management
  • Customer Service
  • Graphic Design
  • Admin Support

Build an Online Portfolio or Website
 I created my site at sherrypatawaran.online to showcase my work and services. You don’t need to be a web designer, a simple, clean layout works perfectly.

Invest in Learning New Tools
 Remote work often comes with its own set of tech tools. Familiarize yourself with Slack, Zoom, Canva, Google Workspace, ClickUp, or any software commonly used in your target industry.

Be Ready to Market Yourself
Don’t be shy! Post about your services on Facebook, LinkedIn, or even TikTok. Join freelancer groups, connect with business owners, and offer value. Word of mouth is powerful, especially in online communities.

The Best Part? I Gained Time and Freedom

Now, I get to have breakfast with my kids, take breaks when I need to, and avoid the stress of commuting. I have more control over my day and more time to do meaningful work that fits my lifestyle.

Of course, I still miss office chika sometimes. And yes, there are days I wonder if I should go back to an office setup. If the right opportunity came, one that’s close to home, aligned with my skills, and comes with great benefits, I’d consider it.

But for now, this remote lifestyle has been one of the best choices I’ve made.

Final Thoughts: It’s Not Easy, But It’s Worth It

Working from home isn’t always smooth (especially as a mom) but it can be incredibly rewarding. You just need to plan smartly, stay flexible, and be open to continuous learning.

If you’re thinking about shifting to a remote career, take that first step. Start where you are, with what you have, and grow from there.

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