Back To The Office - One Year Review
Four years ago, I was agonized by not being able to work remotely.
At the office, basic teamwork was contingent on others’ moods and whether or not I paid the small-talk-toll long enough that day. As a hyper-focused, project-driven person, every interruption cost me momentum, mental energy, and twice the time of the actual pause. Add the unpredictability of an autoimmune disease into the mix, and I found myself dreading my work environment despite loving the work itself.
I vowed that my next job would have to allow a few remote days a week.
Almost three years ago, I transitioned to a new organization and, you guessed it, I now have the option of working remote as needed. I love being able to choose a late morning (7:30), wear slippers all day, or take a walk around the block on my lunch break. There have been plenty of in-person trainings and events to build relationships with colleagues. My role includes travel, so I still get out of the house during the week to go in the field. All in all, my fully-remote days have been a delight.
Until they weren’t.
Around this time last year, I noticed my personal creativity had been blocked. My shared work and creative space had become too blended in my subconscious. I craved delineation. So when a desk opened up at the office, I claimed it and for the last year, I have dragged my butt downtown several (sometimes all) days a week. The result? Well, dynamic.
Creatively
Being that my primary motivation was to carve out more space for creativity at home, I have been highly attuned to this category. In many ways, separating my work space was successful. When I sit down at my home desk, it feels like my creative space, it feels like a sanctuary. However, more often than not, I struggle with not wanting to sit at any desk or look at any computer, even if the project there is a personal passion. After a sedentary day in the office, even a creative project feels like the last thing I want to do. This cannot be solved by simply segmenting my work space.
Productively
There are still days when I opt to stay home because my tasks are urgent and I cannot afford the socializing inherent to an office. But on the whole, my productivity was not as impacted as I anticipated. I love that my office set-up includes multiple screens, a standing desk, common spaces with natural light, and easy access to a park for walking. Of course, the commute itself robs me of time I would otherwise be working, but it hasn’t been as detrimental as I feared. I am still productive and still meeting my work goals.
Socially
One of the best parts has been the social aspect. It can be incredibly easy when one works from home to go an entire week without interacting with others in person. I was losing my ability to hold a light conversation. By going into the office, and often carpooling with a colleague who lives nearby, my weeks are filled with brainstorms, check-ins, chitchats, and many other little opportunities to connect. On some busy days, it is just as simple as a morning and afternoon check-in. And on others, we’ll take a team walk through the park or grab lunch together. We even have several ongoing team-building opportunities. The social connections at this office are not disruptive but responsive to each day’s work load and enriching to the office experience.
stylistically
Okay, this is where I have struggled the most. My body has changed, my taste has changed, the fashion industry has changed… there are so many hurdles to finding my style groove. Each morning, I agonize over what to wear. Outdoor temperatures and indoor temperatures are often at odds, making the basic choices difficult. I want to look professional but still be comfortable. I want to feel like myself, for my personality to be reflected. I want to wear something that is good for walking to the coffee shop or around the park. And no matter how intentional I am with the clothes I buy, why does it always seem like nothing is right?
Over the last month, I have been diving deep into this question. I want to do a separate blog on this and explore the resources I am leaning into to help me cultivate my personal style and find the clothes that match who I am today. I know the journey is just beginning, so stay tuned for more on this.
Overall, I am grateful for the office space and glad that I have cultivated some distinction between my work and home life. Being forced into one or the other is unfortunate and I feel for those who don’t have a choice in the matter. No matter where you work, I hope you find a way to make it meet you in your productivity flow.
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