[aphextron]

People talking about going "stir crazy" is just bewildering to me. Working from home has been a dream come true. I am happier, less stressed, and easily 2x more efficient and productive. The ability to sit quietly in my apartment alone for extended periods of time is literally the only thing in the world I have ever wanted.

[Sharlin]

The gap between the extremes of introversion and extraversion is wide. Most people, of course, sit somewhere in the middle. Though there seems to be another axis at play here—what if you were forced to stay at home but not alone? For many people the office is a more peaceful place to work than home. And even people who like solitude do not often like being forced to stay inside, without being able to go for a walk, without access to nature and so on.

[closeparen]

The dichotomy is oversimplified sometimes. What I see is a need to control my level of social interaction. Having lots of people around while I’m trying to code is distressing. Having no people around (or no meaningful connection with the people I’m around) during meals, evenings, and weekends is even worse.

[0xffff2]

>And even people who like solitude do not often like being forced to stay inside, without being able to go for a walk, without access to nature and so on.

Is that actually happening anywhere outside of China?

[Sharlin]

Well, it is for those who are ill and/or quarantined. Or disabled, or incarcerated… I was not only referring to this current situation. Plus the curfews in place in France and Italy are very close to being total lockdowns.

[eyelidlessness]

I also prefer to work from home, I tend to be less stressed and more productive as well. However, I also tend to benefit from some time out of the house in the world. I typically take at least one meal break out. It's a social experience, and a break from my day that helps my brain reset after a long stretch of work. I'm currently self-quarantined so even trips out for essentials are not happening, and it is definitely starting to wear on me.

Different people require different levels of social activity for their mental wellbeing. I think now is a good time for everyone to be aware of that. As a (mostly) introvert, we often feel overlooked in this regard. Now is a good time for us to show compassion for our extroverted friends and colleagues who are struggling with social isolation.

[TylerE]

This is true, but there is a huge difference psychologically between choosing not to go out and not being allowed to go out.

[watwut]

I am not alone. My ability to sit quietly and undisturbed went down.

[martindbp]

I just assumed people who say this have kids. I have a 2 year old and the past two weeks have been hell.

[bearing]

I agree with both you and parent. I have been working from home 2-3 days a week for the last year and its amazing how productive and refreshing it is to work in my home in silence.

Since schools, daycares and our offices have been shutdown last Friday, both my wife and I have been struggling to get any work done at home with a 3 & 6 year old around the house. The best we can do is have them play outside for an hour or two (if we're lucky) but they get tired of each other real quick. We're all a bit clueless about how to juggle this new situation. Keeping the kids occupied is key.

[bagacrap]

Working from home is great for me too. But I'm sure glad I don't have kids or roommates.