| I have no desire or plans to return to the office. Everyone's experience is different, but for me remote work is a net positive. - Instead of commuting for two or more hours a day to travel a mere sixteen miles, I use that time for weight training. I'm now stronger than I have ever been and no longer experience back, neck and shoulder pain. - I can keep my office at a temperature that is comfortable for me. Usually offices are far too warm in the winter and far too cool in the summer. - I can actually understand people in meetings. I am hearing impaired and in person meetings are difficult for me because many people mumble or are low talkers and I can't understand them. For some reason people always like to ask if I have hearing aids. Of course I do but they aren't like wearing glasses. It is fatiguing to use hearing aids and they are uncomfortable to wear even though they are fitted for your ears. - No more office drama. For years I was subjected to daily passive-agressive slack messages in the general channel about not leaving dishes in the sink. They were never mine. I always brought my own, but I had to hear about it nonetheless. For a while I had a co-worker who was apparently allergic to green bell peppers and had to do listen to an onslaught of complaints and warnings about not eating green bell peppers in the office. I didn't eat a green bell pepper for two years. I felt for them, but it was exhausting to hear about because even though I didn't do anything wrong I still had to hear about it. I really can't stand that kind of stuff. - I can actually get stuff done at home. Offices are places of non-stop distraction. One time my desk was by the restrooms and I was constantly distracted by a stream of people going to the bathroom. The air moved by the walking by also had the effect of blowing all the papers on my desk around. Some people had streams so forceful even I could hear them. For over a year the office above us was being renovated. Once the renovation was done the city started work on the street below. On the flip side, I don't have to worry about being a distraction to others. I have a loud voice and can't play the whispering game because I can't hear people when the whisper. If someone wants to have a conversation with me it has to be a full volume. - When I need to take a break I can take my dog for a walk. He's the real winner here. - I eat much better at home and have time to cook. There are some things I miss: - Quarterly all company meetings can sometimes be fun and informative. I would not mind attending those in person again. - Happy hours and team lunches are always fun. I don't buy in to the narrative that co-workers aren't really your friends any more than I buy into the narrative that they are your family and you need to see them every day. I don't see my family every day. I also have remained friends with plenty of former co-workers. |