The First Day at My New “Desk” Job
Due to my relocation “up north,” I’m working from home. It is a new experience for me as I’ve never done anything like this before. I’m already looking forward to saving 400 miles a week on my car (my the gas savings!!) And not to mention getting up a little later.
However, I know I will miss the comraderie, the impromptu conversations with co-workers and just the “popping in” people do. While it may steal time from you, many times those conversations are more than just “Did you hear..?” You are keeping tabs on the current culture and keeping up with the newest fall-outs, or partnerships. Why is that so important? It is the political game you have to play while working. I know, you say you don’t need to play games while at work and everyone must just do their job. That’s fine, but that just means someone (or several people) are playing you. So a part of me worries that eventually I’ll lose touch with my colleagues and I won’t be “in the know” like I have been for the past seven years.
The time passed at it always did today and I’m pretty sure I can handle my new desk job, as long as my cat entertains me when I need to gossip about something.
If you work at home and have any suggestions – I’d love to hear them!!
Michelle, I just moved from my office in the city to a workspace here in the house. I’ve worked under both conditions and can honestly say I like working from home the best. Aside from the savings in rent and gas, there’s the savings in time I think you’ll appreciate most. You can use that extra time for work, or play. Either way it’s a sense of freedom that you now have more control over your schedule. Be advised, for a workaholic like you, it’s darned hard to get away from work now though. Good luck.
Thanks Mike! I’m sure just like anything, it takes a little getting used to. At least I have a kitty to keep me company LOL!
Don’t over rely on email to stay in touch. Pick up the phone and call the office so you can stay connected. And see if your company will pay for you to travel back to HQ when important meetings are occurring. That will help you stay in the loop. The rest of working at home is discipline so you don’t work too much or accomplish too little.
I appreciate that, Tammy. I am worried about the work I’ll accomplish. I already have a difficult time getting approvals etc b/c our office is spread out over the US. So it maybe it won’t make any difference – or maybe It will take more time. Either way, I’m trying to stay positive on it!
Congrats on the move, Michelle! Hope it’s going great for you.
I’ve worked from home on and off for most of the last 18 years, and I really dig it. (I’ve actually been working from my camper for the last two weeks, while I hunt property down here in Texas.) But it is a big change for folks who haven’t done it before.
First, I’ll second what Tammy suggested. Use the phone instead of email from time to time. It’s a much better connection to individuals, and you can actually hear someone smile (or frown). You lose a lot in email… a sad truth that many folks in the newer generations don’t even recognize.
The other important tip is to remember to STOP WORKING at some point in the day. The house is also now your office, and you need to create some separation.
When I first started working from home, I found myself putting in crazy long days without even realizing. It’s always the little things… I’ll just check email for a minute after dinner, or I just thought of a way to make this presentation even better… and before you know it, you’re working all the time. That may be good for your boss, but it will add up on your personal life.
Step outside. Go visit with a friend, or take your husband to a movie. Go water the garden. Anything but work.
In the long run, if you find balance, you’ll find that you don’t miss working in the office at all.
it is that “balance” I’m struggling with…thanks for the advice Phillip!