Oh and the interesting thing about all of the “what I won’t miss” comments in this thread is that all of those things will continue to exist and affect you (back stabbing, brown nosing) only you won’t be there to defend yourself. Those problems only go away when you’re self employed and that is different than just working remotely

Something else to consider…. Working remotly is a career limiting move. When you are out of sight, you can maintain your visibility, but be prepared to be treated as a known quantity, not an up and comer. I only agreed to a remote lifestyle when I decided that I didn’t have any upward mobility in the company I work for. I’m fine with this for while the economy sucks, but when things improve I think my employer and I will be reevsluating out relationship.

1. Watercooler Chit-Chat.

Before I started working from home, my cube was right next to the watercooler/coffee pot/microwave.

I don’t miss the inane chit-chat about American Idol, gossip about co-workers, or the awful, migrane-inducing odors wafting from the microwave.

I also don’t miss having to listen to the annoying ringtones coming from cell phones invariably left in cubes that only seem to go off when that person is away (ever heard of vibrate mode?).

2. Set Starting and Finishing Times.

As another poster said, Self-discipline.

I have my office in a separate room in my house, used only for that purpose. I get up at the same time I used to when I worked at the office, shower and dress as if I were going to work, then head to my office. Unless I’m working against a deadline, I quit working at about the same time I used to at the office.

3. A Good Reason to Get Up.

One of the advantages to WFH is the ability to take a break when needed to knock out a few household chores (run the dishwasher, do a load of laundry, etc.).

4. The Ability to Corner Someone In the Kitchen.

Never had the need. If emails went unanswered, I went to their cube. If I absolutely need a face-to-face, I will go into the office and seek that person out.

The upside is, nobody can corner me in the kitchen, or ambush me in my cube. They have to send me an email (or an IM) and I have time to think instead of having to react. (This goes especially for my boss).

5. The Boss.

Since it was her idea for me to work remotely, I don’t worry about being “out-of-sight out-of-mind.” On the occasions that I do go into the office, I make it a point to stop by her office for an informal chat.