I have spent a lot of time in the office wishing I could be working from the comfort of my sofa, dressed in my comfiest clothes. And thanks to these apocalyptic times, I have finally been given the chance to give it a go. I am incredibly lucky (and grateful) that my circumstances mean I can work from home, in a house that has plenty of outside space, in a lovely location. But things still weren’t quite as I was expecting…
Expectation
I don’t have to get dressed properly! No bra! Joggers! Comfy t-shirts that you don’t want to throw away but also won’t wear in public! Hair un-brushed! Zero make-up!
Reality
Actually, getting dressed properly and brushing my hair (and teeth) makes me feel a lot more like a human ready to work rather than a swamp hag. And being without a bra gets uncomfortable very quickly (these girls are heavy).
Expectation
I can work wherever I feel like – kitchen table, sofa, bed. Get comfy.
Reality
The whole lower half of my body aches. I miss my desk chair and I will never be comfy again.
Expectation
I don’t like people, so the thought of working away from an office full of people really appealed to me. No one to bug me for help or for a random chat. I won’t have to hide my eye rolls when the same people ask me the same question repeatedly. My resting bitch face can BREATHE.
Reality
Whilst there is some truth to this – I don’t have to hide my eye rolls/resting bitch face – I didn’t expect to be getting THIS MANY skype messages asking for help. And things are often harder to grasp over a messenger rather than in person. And there are so many skype calls that COULD HAVE BEEN AN EMAIL. You made me pause my music and plug in my headset just to ask me one basic question with a yes/no answer?! Was that really necessary?
Expectation
Whilst I dislike people in general, I do have some friends at work. I would definitely miss them at least a little if I worked from home constantly.
Reality
I’m actually more heartless than I thought. My cherry pepsi max addiction means I miss the vending machine more than any people. Though I have been calling/chatting to my work besties regularly, so I guess that helps.
Expectation
There will be less disruption, as other teams won’t be walking (loudly) past to go to and from meetings. And meetings in general will take less time out of my day as I won’t have to leave my desk early to get there on time.
Reality
More meetings. MORE MEETINGS. Over microsoft teams. Video chats with big groups of people are so awkward. There’s always one person who keeps cutting in and out because their internet is a bit rubbish. One person who has their webcam on so you have an up close view of them eating their toast. And there are always a couple of people who don’t mute their mic, so their heavy breathing drowns out everything else. Not enough of my colleagues have cute pets to show off, and the few that do seem to have really noisy ones, and take time out of the meeting to tell them to shut up.
Expectation
No commute means I can have an extra hour in bed and will save money on petrol!
Reality
Actually the reality of this is pretty sweet. Though I do almost miss the walk from the car park into the building. That burst of fresh air and exercise (albeit small) helped wake me up in the morning. But no, I will not be getting up and going for a walk around the block to recreate it thank you.
Expectation
I can make or cook myself tasty and healthy breakfasts and lunches.
Reality
I miss Tesco meal deals and McDonald’s delivery. And I still can’t make an omelette.
Expectation
I can get extra stuff done like staying on top of my washing, and catching up on TV shows/films in the background.
Reality
To be fair this one is also pretty going pretty well. For the first time in my adult life, not only am I on top of my clothes washing but my bed sheets are cleaned way more regularly! And using my afternoon break to wash my hair is a game-changer. I do have to pause the TV every so often to concentrate, but it is quite comforting having your favourite programmes/films on in the background – especially if you’re having a bad day (hello Lilo & Stitch).
I am slightly jealous of people on furlough – I literally feel like I have no free time to complete Netflix or learn a craft – but as I said, I am incredibly grateful that I am able to work full time from the safety of my home, with full pay. My thoughts go out to all the key workers (especially the NHS guys) who are working tirelessly, at risk, to keep the country going. No words will ever express how grateful we all are. You are all heroes and doing an incredible job despite the under-funding from the government over the last 10 years.
I just hope the country will be back to normal soon – I miss the pub and restaurants, but I can confirm I am NOT looking forward to going back into the office.
I think I need a new job.
lauragetslost 