What did it mean to work from home 100 years ago?

In a nutshell, it was probably hell on earth to work from home at that time in American History.

The other day I was thinking about how crazy it would have been years ago to aspire to work from home. For a woman, that would have meant doing some sort of underpaid piecemeal work, such as sewing or laundry — and supervising a brood of children on top of everything else! It must of have been a nightmare. What woman in her right mind would have wanted such a life for herself or her daughters?

Now, of course, the possibilities from home are endless. Computers and cell phones make it possible to communicate with colleagues and clients around the world from the comfort of a home office. And being at home makes it possible for parents to have more time for family if they wish.

When I tell people I work from home, the most common response is, “Really? You’re so lucky!” My only complaint is that it is such an attractive option my husband has begun using the home office as much as possible as well — although he remains firmly tethered to a job he loves.