Years ago, one of my colleagues’ status (on her chat window) read “WFH”. I did not know what it meant and asked around. Once I learnt that it meant that the person was working from home, I was envious. This select band of people did not have to tear out of the house at a given hour (or given minute), jostle for place in public transport or drive in crazy traffic, and suffer road fatigue to get to their desk or cubicle. They just had to open their laptop, log in, and they were ready to work! Right in the comfort of their homes. Wow! The new age was indeed here. I was part of it. How thrilling!
Cut to the present – I work from home. Not on two days of the week or anything like that. I run my own company and I work from home. Home, or rather, one room at home, is office. It affords the luxury of flexibility and it does feel good to work from the comfort of home. But, it’s not all silky and smooth. Just when I’m all set to take a client’s call on Skype, the twins suspect that I’m home and come banging on my door. And then they start hollering. Can I hear the client? Well, what do you think?
Worse. I've logged into a call and am straining to hear the client’s requirements. In the middle of this important discussion, I realize that I am talking to myself - the electricity has gone kaput. I’m chasing a deadline and my babysitters can’t come in that day. There is no backup – all supportive and kind-hearted people don’t mind having one fellow to look after. But two? They have the go take a hike look written all over their faces.
Balancing career and family makes for fine conversations, but I find that the practicality of day-to-day jobs is so much of a challenge.
Bottom line? If your office affords the luxury of WFH, do avail of it when you need it. If you can negotiate to WFH on say two days of the week, even better. But otherwise, my sense is that office has its own set of upsides – where else can you gossip about work in air-conditioned comfort with a hot cuppa chai in hand? Or for that matter, take your mind off work with a quick game of table tennis or snooker?
Cut to the present – I work from home. Not on two days of the week or anything like that. I run my own company and I work from home. Home, or rather, one room at home, is office. It affords the luxury of flexibility and it does feel good to work from the comfort of home. But, it’s not all silky and smooth. Just when I’m all set to take a client’s call on Skype, the twins suspect that I’m home and come banging on my door. And then they start hollering. Can I hear the client? Well, what do you think?
Worse. I've logged into a call and am straining to hear the client’s requirements. In the middle of this important discussion, I realize that I am talking to myself - the electricity has gone kaput. I’m chasing a deadline and my babysitters can’t come in that day. There is no backup – all supportive and kind-hearted people don’t mind having one fellow to look after. But two? They have the go take a hike look written all over their faces.
Balancing career and family makes for fine conversations, but I find that the practicality of day-to-day jobs is so much of a challenge.
Bottom line? If your office affords the luxury of WFH, do avail of it when you need it. If you can negotiate to WFH on say two days of the week, even better. But otherwise, my sense is that office has its own set of upsides – where else can you gossip about work in air-conditioned comfort with a hot cuppa chai in hand? Or for that matter, take your mind off work with a quick game of table tennis or snooker?
