How many people are actually telecommuting? Based on the data provided by Gartner Request, in 2008, there were around 25 percent of employees who prefer to work at home for the preceding year. Because of this current trend, many workplace experts, HR managers, and even company owners stated that in this decade, more will find their jobs and businesses at home.

There are plenty of reasons why many workers prefer telecommuting. Topping the list is the fact that it cuts back at almost everything: transportation, food, and taxes, to name a few. You also have more control over the amount of time you spend on your desk and your personal life. A lot of telecommuters gush about how much this trend allows them to pick or continue on their hobbies and meet friends and family for lunch or dinner. Telecommuting also gives you a chance to determine how much you want to earn. After all, as long as you work hard, you can earn much more.

However, not everyone finds telecommuting the ultimate utopia. As to why, you may want to take a look at the four reasons below:

1. You don’t enjoy certain benefits.
Yes, when you work in an office, you are taxed, report to work early, and sometimes have to deal with office politics. Nevertheless, you enjoy benefits too, such as insurance plans, free trips to other places, trainings and seminars, a well-designed cubicle, allowances, and even a pension account. Unless your boss is very generous—and such a rare breed—you will never get any of these. Your income will usually equal to how much effort you put on the job.

2. For beginners – you don’t have free time all the time.
If you are one of those who think you can grab beers every night with friends when you are telecommuting, well, you are up for a major letdown. It is not common for people to spend close to 24 hours on their desk, especially when they are basically starting out. They have to search for their own clients, do the projects by themselves, and build their portfolio.

3. You tend to get used to it.
Some people no longer meet up with their friends and family since they can easily update them about their lives in social networking websites such as Facebook. They do not have to sit down in cafes because instant messengers are already available.

Because of the deep attachment to the Internet, a number of telecommuters tend to get used to this convenient lifestyle and, in the process, let their personal relationships suffer.

4. Your job does not end.
When you are working in an office, you have the option to leave your work at the cubicle. You can put your papers at your desk so personal life begins once you leave the workplace. That is not the case in telecommuting. Your house will be your office for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.