There was a time when working from home was frowned upon and most companies insisted on employees being in the office. But when the pandemic hit back in 2020, many of us were told we had to work from home. And even now things have more or less gone back to 'normal', working from home has become much more accepted.
It's not for everyone, but here are my 5 favourite things about working from home...
No commuting
No fighting for a seat on the 07:32 train to London, no need to defrost the car and then getting stuck at temporary traffic lights for forever. My commute from my bedroom to my ‘office’ when working from home takes a maximum of 30 seconds.
The problems only come when my husband is working from home at the same time and I have to queue for the bathroom! Think of all the ways you can use your usual commuting time to do something productive…go for a run, bake a cake, clean the oven…the list is endless.
Getting the washing done
I tend to do all my washing at the weekends, but during the winter I often run out of space to hang it out to dry. Being able to put a wash on mid-week means I can literally spread the load. And, when the weather's good and I'm able to hang it outside, it's dry by the time I clock off, meaning that’s one less chore I have to do at the weekend...winner!
Keeping up the beauty regime
As a mum of 2, I have very little time to myself. So, I've learnt to use my time effectively. What’s stopping you from sticking on a face mask while you have a Zoom call with Steve from the Marketing team? Just make sure you don’t hit the video button! I’ve also been known to get my nails done at my local nail bar on my lunch break, and I’ve even had my hairdresser come to my house to colour and cut my hair while I sat on a conference call about fundraising. Let’s face it, it can get a bit boring sat in the chair at the hairdresser's while you wait for your colour to take. This way I’m being productive while getting rid of my greys – multitasking at its finest!
Proper lunches
It’s much more exciting (and appetising) to make something fresh in your own kitchen, rather than having a stale sandwich you made the night before, or a £5 ham & cheese toastie from the cafe near the office.
Not being in the office
There’s always at least one person in the office that really grates on you - whether it’s their awful jokes, their bad personal hygiene or their really annoying constant cough. Speaking to them virtually from the comfort of your own home is much more bearable than being in the office with them.
Want to work with me? I'd love to hear from you.