5 Challenges & Perks of Working From Home

Working from Home, since Covid-19 hit us, has probably been one of the biggest challenges we have all faced. The pandemic guidelines have unlocked a whole new level of working. The good thing is this change was only being postponed. We all knew it was going to happen sooner or later, it was just a matter of time. And the time is here now.

Challenges

1. Under the Same Roof as Your Partner

For me, this is actually not a problem with my current partner, but I know how that would be a struggle with my old partner and I understand how that could be an issue for many. Ideally, we want to spend the day time away so we that we have something to talk about when we have our evening meal. And there is no risk of us getting crossed phone call conversations.

2. Saying NO to Snacks and Keeping Track of Your Weight

We are at home. It’s cosy. Working on a computer all day long… Nobody’s watching so no judging… It makes it so easy to let myself go and ignore the water bottle next to me.  

3. Back to the School Runs

The thing that most annoys me – I have to say – is being in the middle of a reasoning process and getting the School Run alarm on my phone to pop up. “Not now! Why?!”

4. Staying Away from House Chores

Another very annoying thing (but I believe this is part of my OCD) is to have a break from work to grab a cuppa coffee and coming across something out of place, like a few cups and bowls left from breakfast to wash up. I just cannot ignore and resist it. I will wash them.

5. Getting Out of the Pyjama

Not one of the hardest things to do for me, as I have now got into the habit but I know many good people that still struggle. I suppose it’s just natural to think that it’s a pointless exercise. But it’s actually not. For me, it has become a motivating ritual. I don’t put on office hours formal attire anymore however I found alternative casual, pyjama-comfortable clothes that I now enjoy seeing myself in, without the guilt.

Perks

1. You Don’t Have to See Your Co-Workers

No more sarcastic comments. No more emails behind our back. No more forced smiles. 

2. You Manage Your Own Time

When we need a break we take it, when we need to go we go. No more excuses to leave earlier or to your delays stuck in traffic (but also to not work!).

3. You Get to Spend More Time With The Kids

If we are home, we can now pick them up from school (it is annoying if they interrupt me but I still enjoy doing it) and we are no longer late for dinner. Our time now is more effective and of better quality.

4. You Can Go On a Walk/Run

I know I don’t have to BUT I can. The opportunity is there. At least the walk is good. If you have pets, both of you will love this!

5. You Can Juggle And Get Other Tasks Done (NOT housework!)

Reading those books I have been meaning to read for over 5 years, upskill with a training course of your interest, setting up a side gig (like I’m doing). Not housework. That will just drag you down with a chain of unfulfilling tasks that we end up doing later anyway (I know that so well!). Just think: How did these tasks get done before the lockdown?