For the millions of Americans who work from home, does the teleconference-in-your-slippers lifestyle equal a stress-free, productive one?

Research published in a recent issue of the Journal of Applied Psychology, reported by LiveScience, suggests this alternative work arrangement is a win-win set-up. But today in this New York Times article, home-workers relay the troubles involved, including distractions from children, the short trip from the bedroom to the office (which can mean a beckoning computer or a beckoning bed) and feelings of isolation.

“There are no cigarette breaks,” said Sid Holt, a media senior vice president who set up his office in a barn a few steps from his house, in the Times article. “You’re either working too hard or not hard enough,” he said.

Also in the Times article, Holt gives a tip for balancing work hours: Schedule your home-office time similar to a nine-to-five one with a structured daily routine.