She Strengthens

The Unforeseen Consequences of Working from Home

When I made the switch to full-time remote work, I expected a significant decrease in my daily expenses. After all, I wouldn’t need to commute or buy fancy work clothes. But, as I delved deeper into my budget, I discovered that working from home had a more nuanced impact on my finances.

The Expenses That Decreased

One of the most significant changes I noticed was in my makeup expenses. Without the need to impress anyone, I found myself wearing less makeup and buying fewer products. My makeup expenses dropped by a staggering 60%. I now stock up on essentials and buy everything else on an as-needed basis.

Similarly, my clothing expenses decreased. With no one to impress, I wore whatever I wanted, and I didn’t need to buy new clothes for work. I’ve adopted a more minimalist approach to fashion, buying higher-quality, longer-lasting items. While my spending on clothing didn’t decrease as dramatically as my makeup expenses, I’m happy with the changes I’ve made.

The Expenses That Increased

However, working from home also led to some unexpected increases in my expenses. Food, in particular, became a significant issue. Without the structure of an office environment, I found myself treating myself to lunch or snacks more frequently. I’ve had to work hard to limit my eating out to twice a week and find healthier, more cost-effective options.

Another significant increase was in my rent and utilities. When I started working from home, I realized that I needed my own space to focus. This meant moving out of my shared apartment and into a new place by myself. While this was a necessary change, it also meant a significant increase in my rent and utilities. On the bright side, I’m much happier living alone, and I’ve been able to negotiate a reimbursement for my home internet expenses with my employer.

Finally, my health care expenses increased due to the sedentary nature of working from home. I developed hip and back pain, which required weekly chiropractor visits. While I’m grateful for my health insurance, I wish my employer had provided me with a standing desk and chair sooner. This would have saved me hundreds of dollars in copays and prevented unnecessary pain.

The Expenses That Stayed The Same

One category that surprised me was public transportation. I thought that working from home would mean a significant decrease in my transportation costs. However, I still need to get around the city without a car, and the T is the easiest way to do that. I now buy unlimited weekly passes, which cost about the same as my prior monthly pass.

Adjusting My Finances

Analyzing my expenses has been a valuable exercise. I’ve adjusted my saving and spending goals for the future, and I plan to revisit this analysis regularly to see how working from home continues to impact my budget. While some changes were expected, others were surprising. By understanding these changes, I can make more informed decisions about my finances and create a better life for myself.