Working from Home

Despite all my complaints about my job, I have to say I am very lucky in one sense. I am allowed to work from home whenever I need to as long as I keep my boss informed of where I am working.

There are many advantages to working from home for me and my employer. For my employer, I can log on much earlier than I would if I were commuting into the office and I can stay on much later. They can get a couple more hours of work from me with this kind of schedule.  I’m also a lot happier when I work from home which is motivating. This works for both my employer and me.

I am happier for a number of reasons. The first of which is that I can pretty much stay in my pajamas for a lot longer than I would if I were to dress for work. I think pajamas are just a more relaxing wardrobe in general. When I lounge around in my pajamas, I am more laid back and I don’t get as upset about things because I am comfortable. And when I do get dressed, I am more likely to wear clothes that make me feel more comfortable so I am more productive. I am not constricted in my suit or slightly uncomfortable shoes. 

Also I like working at home because I can regulate the temperature of my environment. This is so helpful to me because when I am in the right temperature, I can work for much longer periods of time. I don’t have to get up a dozen times to go make tea because I am freezing in my office tundra. I also don’t have to get up a dozen times to go to the bathroom because of all the tea I am drinking to keep myself warm. The temperature is just right and if it isn’t I can adjust it. Something I can never do at work because the minute I call a request into the facilities unit, the next day, it’s the same freezing cold. 

It also never gets too hot at home. I can open a window and let in air which helps calm me down. When I get hot at work, even if I end up in tee shirt, it still doesn’t completely relax me. I have to go and get a cool drink to keep my body temperature at a reasonable level. This takes up time. At least if I am home, it’s a quick walk to the fridge to get a beverage and I am back to my work. This means more time working. Employer benefits again.

A couple of other reasons I love working from home are:

1)      When I am sick, I don’t have to contaminate the whole office. I can just do it to my husband. This is a big benefit to my employer.

2)      When I get really annoyed at people, I can just pet my dogs and my blood pressure lowers immediately.

3)      I don’t spend as much money on food because everything is in my fridge or pantry. I make my meals depending on my mood and I eat healthier. When I am at work, even if I bring my food from home, I tend to spend more money because I want a snack and I go and get it. Or I’ve run out of water so I have to go get some. 

Even though there are a lot of great things about working from home, there is one major drawback – socialization. I don’t get to meet with other people (except my husband) or have a walk with old co-workers. Those are the things I like about going to work. But for me, working from home has more advantages than disadvantages. I think the daily commute can be stressful even if I usually use it to read books, which I find relaxing. If I don’t get a seat on the train though, it’s impossible to read leaning on a pole.