Pros of Working from Home in Nigeria
Working from home can be somehow challenging because you have to do everything all by yourself without assistance from anyone since you're the only one in your workspace, however, the following are some of the advantages that come with working from anyone home.
- You can work from anywhere in the world, as long as you have a reliable internet connection and a suitable device. In a remote job, you don't have to worry about getting ready to go to any office as you determine when you want to get the work done.
- You can save time and money on commuting, which can be stressful and expensive in Nigeria. With the removal of subsidy, the cost of transportation has skyrocketed, but as a remote worker you don't need to go through the stress and it saves a lot of money that could have been spent commuting.
- You can have more flexibility and control over your schedule, which can improve your work-life balance and productivity. Maintaining a work-life balance is the main advantage of a remote job, you get to spend time with family and friends because you are responsible for how you spend your time.
- You can avoid some of, the challenges and risks associated with working in an office, such as power outages, security issues, and exposure to diseases. Working in an office means you have to share a toilet and other facilities but for a remote worker, you don't have to because you do everything within your own space.
- You can access more opportunities and higher, salaries, especially if you work for international clients or companies. As a remote worker in Nigeria, you can earn in a stable currency like USD, which puts you in a better position considering the devaluation of naira and inflation which has ransacked the Nigerian economy.
Cons of Working from Home in Nigeria
Working from home in Nigeria can have many benefits, such as saving time and money on commuting, having more flexibility and autonomy, and improving work-life balance. However, it also comes with some challenges, especially in a country like Nigeria where the infrastructure and environment are not always conducive for remote work. Some of the disadvantages of working from home in Nigeria are:
- The temperature is currently very high in Nigeria right now which can make working from home uncomfortable and stressful, especially if there is no adequate ventilation or air conditioning. Hot weather can also affect the performance and durability of electronic devices, such as laptops and phones, which are essential for remote work. Moreover, hot weather can increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, which can impair one's health and productivity.
- Another problem is power outages and fluctuations, which disrupt the workflow and communication of remote workers. According to a report by the World Bank, Nigeria has one of the lowest rates of access to electricity in the world, with only 55% of the population having access to grid electricity and 8% to off-grid power solutions. Even those who have access to electricity often experience blackouts and voltage drops, which can damage electronic devices and cause data loss. Remote workers in Nigeria may have to rely on alternative sources of power, such as generators, solar panels, or batteries, which can be costly and inconvenient.
- Internet access is another major challenge for remote workers in Nigeria, as the country has low internet penetration and speed compared to other African countries. According to the Nigerian Communications Commission, only 50.9% of the population had access to broadband internet. This means that remote workers in Nigeria may face difficulties in accessing online platforms, tools, and resources, as well as communicating with their colleagues and clients. The high costs for data plans are another major challenge for remote workers who have to pay for their subscription, unlike on-site workers who get to use the office broadband.
- The high cost of Fuel is another major issue for remote workers in Nigeria, as it is used to power generators, vehicles, and other appliances. However, fuel prices in Nigeria presently are higher and volatile, due to factors such as inflation, exchange rate, subsidy removal, and scarcity. This means that remote workers in Nigeria may have to spend a large portion of their income on fuel, which can reduce their savings and disposable income.