During the COVID-19 pandemic, the world witnessed a significant shift towards remote work, fundamentally altering the traditional work environment. While some individuals faced job losses, this transition highlighted the potential of working from home and opened a plethora of new opportunities. For instance, many discovered they could run businesses from home, effectively managing supply chains and collaborating with suppliers and distributors remotely.

One of the most notable outcomes of this shift was the rise of women starting home-based businesses. Leveraging skills they had honed over the years, these women found new avenues to apply their talents. Social media platforms, particularly Instagram, played a crucial role in this transformation. Women could easily reach potential customers by posting pictures and reels of their handmade products, garnering likes and shares from their followers. This development significantly increased the participation of non-working women in the economy. However, the departure of women from traditional jobs remains a contentious topic.

For many women, quitting their jobs to start their own businesses led to a better work-life balance. Supported by their spouses and families, these women found fulfillment and flexibility that traditional employment often lacked. Yet, the broader economic impact is multifaceted. While the economy lost experienced and skilled workers, their positions were frequently filled by others who could navigate the dual demands of work and home life effectively.

The women who ventured into home-based businesses were typically well-educated, trained, and highly skilled. Their entry into the market introduced a new level of competitiveness and quality, filling a void of skilled strategists. Moreover, many of these entrepreneurial women eventually created job opportunities for other non-employed, less-educated women, fostering a ripple effect of economic empowerment.

In essence, the shift from traditional employment to home-based businesses resulted in both losses and gains for the economy. The departure of skilled workers from traditional roles was balanced by the infusion of new businesses and job opportunities. The full extent of this impact still requires extensive research to understand fully.

From my perspective, this transformation, despite its complexities, has been a positive disruption. It has introduced a new dynamic into the economy, one that holds promise for better times ahead. The entrepreneurial spirit and resilience demonstrated by these women could pave the way for a more flexible and inclusive economic landscape in the future.