March 11 was the last day I worked in the office. What a crazy time that was because work-from-home mandate hit my team March 9 and it was me and one other person in my whole team “at” work that day. Today marks the end of the eighth week of working from home. I wouldn’t say I like it but I can say I’m tolerating it. It’s like a dull ache from a bruised tailbone or twisted knee. Not bad enough to really keep you from doing anything, but when it flares up you really know you’re uncomfortable.
Before reading further, please know I recognize I am extremely lucky to be able to work from home when so many are either out of work, or working in risky situations. Employers should know we’re all watching to see how you treat your employees. Stop telling me you’re here for me, and start telling me how you’re there for your employees.
Some of my friends think I’m crazy for not liking work-from-home and while there are certainly advantages, the downsides weigh pretty heavily on me. Turns out I’m not the only one based on this article from Buffer and AngelList: State of Remote Work 2020. Like 21% of respondents, a big win is not commuting and the follow-on benefits of that (not buying gas, more sleep). On the ‘struggle’ side I come closest to the 18% who find it hard to unplug. Make no mistake- when my laptop goes off, it’s off for the night or the weekend. However, I like having the time/space separation from the office and home so I can stop being an employee and start being a husband and dad.
Not sure what I’m getting at here other than to say if you’re in the this canoe with me and you’re not digging the work-from-home, you’re not alone.
I see you.
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