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Is it just me?
I just returned to the workforce after five years and I was really excited to get into an office. I'm so grateful to have a position, but working remotely as I'm jumping back into my career wasn't exactly what I dreamed of. Now so many companies are going remote for the foreseeable future, and maybe forever.
What if I don't want to be a part of a remote workforce? Am I the only one who doesn't want to work from home? I obviously want to wait until it's safe, but the idea of working at home forever does not appeal to me at all.
Mina Asif
API Developer
124
06/08/20 at 5:58PM UTC
I understand what you mean. Sometimes it helps to get out of a space that you associate with a different time. I don't think that an eternal WFH would work for me either.
Anonymous
06/08/20 at 6:16PM UTC
Definitely! I find my location affects my work.
Brii ColemanAdministrative & Communications professional.
33
06/04/20 at 8:24PM UTC
I personally do not mind working from home, however I have not had to do it for a long period of time until COVID. But you are not alone, a friend of mine worked from home permanently and she hated it. She is a social butterfly so not seeing coworkers or clients in person was frustrating. She also hated just seeing the same four walls everyday. It was so bad that she developed anxiety over it. My point is, it depends on the person and there is nothing wrong with you not liking it.
I would suggest inquiring about any other positions that are not work from home and keeping an eye out for jobs that require personal interaction. If you end up stuck in work from home, try to do things that put you in a good mood, like going to different rooms or sitting outside to work, playing music, take a walk on your break, ect.
Anonymous
06/08/20 at 6:16PM UTC
These are wonderful suggestions! Thank you for sharing that story, too.
Beth CaldwellFounder of Leadership Academy for Women
572
06/03/20 at 1:57AM UTC
I don't think you're very unusual. Even though many positions can/will become remote, just as many will stay in the office buildings. Some things cannot be done at home, or done well at home. It's important that you enjoy your work, though, so if it looks like your position is going to become remote, now is the time to look for those openings that some people choose not to return to. Good luck!
Anonymous
06/08/20 at 6:16PM UTC
Thank you! Great perspective, Beth.
ShaundaZilichHelping connect experience to purpose!
29
06/02/20 at 8:08PM UTC
You are not alone... that is why 'culture' is SO important in the workplace now... we value our co-workers, our environment, our routine, our culture.... I know personally my team is my family... I miss them SO MUCH! We have had to get really creative on having 'family moments'. I would encourage you to do the same if this is important... games over zoom (send a box of snacks ahead of time to each member); online scavenger hunts; online escape rooms; 20 questions; Who is most likely to.... ; and so many more... let me know and I can post a list we brainstormed for our company... we have so many feeling the same way! We will get through this for sure and when we do there will certainly be offices with people in them (maybe reimagined in an amazing way) and not just WFH everywhere.... I promise!
Anonymous
06/08/20 at 6:15PM UTC
These are SUCH fun ideas! Thank you, Shaunda.
Laura McCannDriving results through people engagement
325
06/02/20 at 7:23PM UTC
You are definitely not alone! I started working from home (i have a travel role) about a month before COVID hit and it was strange then. Even more so now that COVID has stopped all travel. I miss being in the field with my team and business partners.
Anonymous
06/08/20 at 6:15PM UTC
That must be such a change!
Kathi ElsterWorkplace executive coach & relationship expert
97
06/02/20 at 7:02PM UTC
You are far from alone. I personally cannot wait to get back into my office. Give it some time and although not everyone will return to the office others will. I think there is an advantage to face time with management, as well as water cooler conversations.
Anonymous
06/08/20 at 6:15PM UTC
Definitely! It's the little conversations that I miss.
Sara BrunoPassion for helping others grow in their career!
39
05/31/20 at 4:50PM UTC
It's not just you!! I want to get back to working in an office asap!!
MJP
195
05/30/20 at 12:23AM UTC
I've had roles where I was fully based in an office, those were I was fully based at home, and those where I've had the option to WFH occasionally but was based in an office.
I usually prefer the last option - I like being able to be in the room with colleagues - especially when collaborating or brainstorming. But it was also nice to be able to control my environment and focus in ways that were hard in my noisy office or a co-working space.
That said, I don't want to return to an office during a pandemic. Unfortunately it's projected to be around for a long time, and I've accepted that "normal" is going to be really far away. So as much as I miss being together and the many perks that come with it (being able to turn to a peer to share a quick idea! Being able to brainstorm together using post-its and a whiteboard! Getting lunch together!), I'll make this work at home for as long as I can.
I'm hopeful that we'll soon be flooded with new tools, resources, best practices and apps that make it easier to truly replicate working in the same space. For now, I've just spent some time reflecting on the things I liked and missed most about being in the office so I can give myself a taste of them at home - and so far, it's helping!
Anonymous
06/08/20 at 6:15PM UTC
This is such great advice!
Akeba RiceStrategist & Connector in the Dental Biz
221
05/29/20 at 2:53AM UTC
I get it. You've been at home just to join the workforce to stay at home. Try it out for a bit. We always have a dream in you head and perception is reality. Focus on the positive by creating a workspace for yourself that will help you feel like you are at an office, if you can. If you can't get use to it then seek something that will give you some type of office space. Try to see if you can work in a co-space (although you would have to pay for that). Look on they bright side, at least you don't have to pay for gas to get to work. Be well, you got this!
Anonymous
05/29/20 at 3:15PM UTC
That's true! Thank you, Akeba!
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