Compared to my various circles of friends and family, I was one of the last the be sent home to work (among those of us who are able to work from home), and I have just topped off a year of working from home.
I have previously worked from home, and for an even longer period of time, but of course the pandemic provides a different perspective. Before, one time I decided that I needed a change of scenery, and took my work with me to Jersey for a few days. Due to delays, I even managed to finish a good portion of the work waiting on the plane, and freeing up more time on the ground. None of that this time around.
What have we learned? Aside from that not seeing your coworkers, and even management, in person makes it difficult to hold discussions? That there is at least one PC that is faulty at all times? That there are more people than I expected who live within hearing distance of lawn mowers of my house, and that this is more distracting than expected?
I am endlessly grateful not to have the commute (one hour each way) sandwiching my working day, but I have come to realise that I prefer working at my place of work. At least a part of the time. I look forward to the day when it is safe for people to return to more in-person professional and social habits.
And I desperately need a haircut.
Stay safe!
The Real World for Young People 