Work From Home Sucks: Here’s What I Did To Make It Suck Less.
By April, my company had to let me go because they needed to reduce staff size. Clearly, I wasn’t on their important list, so they handed me over to another company, but it is based in the United States and has no office in my host country. So, I am back to working from home. A — -gain.
I started working from home, which I thought was the best setup for me starting from the pandemic onwards until February 2022. I returned to an office setting after 2 years — not exactly a full office setting but a hybrid one. I only went to the physical office twice a week for reporting. When I got transferred here, it became every day.
I realize that working from home does not suit me. It does, but only for four hours tops.
Now, personally, these are the issues with working from home that I have been wanting to address, and also how I addressed them.
- The Infinite Abyss of Distractions:
In the sanctuary of our homes, distractions lurk around every corner. From the siren call of the TV to the enticing whispers of social media, the struggle to resist these temptations becomes a daily battle. The home, once a haven, transforms into a minefield of diversions that threaten to derail even the most disciplined work routine.
At least when I’m working with people, they serve as my CCTVs. My boss is like a hawk, searing his eyes to see if I’m really putting in the effort.
How I Beat It:
- I bought a cheap, second-hand iPhone 6s that only has 32GB. It will only contain enough of the apps that I need like for E-mail apps, Skype, and some of few.
- Pomodoro:
2. The Erosion of Boundaries:
Work-from-home blurs the once-clear lines between professional and personal life. The absence of a physical office often means the absence of a clear delineation between work hours and leisure time. The laptop that was once neatly shut at the end of the day now lingers on the kitchen table, a constant reminder of looming tasks. This gradual erosion of boundaries can lead to burnout as the distinction between work and life becomes increasingly nebulous.
In an office setting, if you’re asked something, you answer immediately. When it’s via messaging, it’s more difficult because you feel more anxious replying than you would speaking face-to-face. You could just claim after 48 hours that you didn’t notice the messages, which messes with how you communicate, and it’s just downright bad. Communication, obviously, is not a lock but a key.
How I Beat It:
I set strict work hours and made a conscious effort to “clock out” at the end of the day, just as I would in a physical office. I also established a separate space for work to maintain a clear physical boundary. To improve communication, I prioritized regular check-ins and made use of video calls when possible, ensuring that messages were addressed promptly and effectively without the added anxiety of delayed responses.
3. The Loneliness Quagmire:
While the hum of the office provided a background symphony, working from home often plunges us into a disconcerting silence. The camaraderie of colleagues, the spontaneous brainstorming sessions, and the shared coffee breaks are replaced by the solitude of our home offices. The isolation, at times, can dampen motivation and hinder the collaborative spirit, impacting both the quality and efficiency of work.
- How I Beat It:
To combat the loneliness, I scheduled regular virtual coffee breaks and informal video chats with colleagues to recreate the sense of community we had in the office. I also joined online professional groups and communities to stay connected with others in my field, fostering a sense of belonging and keeping the collaborative spirit alive. Additionally, I made it a point to step outside during breaks to refresh my mind and avoid the feeling of being trapped in isolation.
