Figuring it out
Wrapping my arms around the working world again and beginning to realize all that working remote for an energetic, growing hydration company entails. For those of you that work from home, perhaps you can relate (or maybe you have forgotten) the adjustment to the home office. It seems ideal, setting your own schedule, having the flexibility to train in the afternoon and work out of the 8-5 norm, padding down to the computer in your pajamas and sipping an oversized mug of joe (or Chai in my case). It is wonderful, but it is an adjustment.
No one told me about the lonely factor; I didn’t realize how much I need/enjoy the work environment. Sure I can complain with the best of them about office politics and drama in the workplace, but those interactions are human, they are social and they are validating. It is a weird sensation to go through the day and not hear your own (or another) human voice till well in the afternoon.
Resolving this issue was easy once I identified what was bothering me. Waking up each morning I now set intention for the day (where before it was set for me – got to be to the office by 8, so better get up early to get in my run). Even if this intention is as simple as making it to the 6:30am yoga class at my gym so that I’m back to the computer by 8, it is intention and motivation to be excited about the day. Before going to bed making a list of work projects that I need to/would like to accomplish, complete with check boxes so I can check items off as I progress. Spicing up the work day by heading to a coffee shop for a change of scenery and to feel other human energy. Planning to meet a friend for lunch, a bike ride or trail run to break up the day. Planning dinner parties, walks and movie dates so that I can enjoy some social interaction after a day of solitude. Making these adjustments help significantly, in fact it is all quite wonderful really.
Then, just as I get into a groove of “working from home,” work sends me out on the road. Fly, drive, meetings, presentations, email, run… breath? So I guess the lesson for me is learning to enjoy each moment for what it is, be ready for the next change and challenge, and stay in tune with what I need to stay happy and balanced.
No one told me about the lonely factor; I didn’t realize how much I need/enjoy the work environment. Sure I can complain with the best of them about office politics and drama in the workplace, but those interactions are human, they are social and they are validating. It is a weird sensation to go through the day and not hear your own (or another) human voice till well in the afternoon.
Resolving this issue was easy once I identified what was bothering me. Waking up each morning I now set intention for the day (where before it was set for me – got to be to the office by 8, so better get up early to get in my run). Even if this intention is as simple as making it to the 6:30am yoga class at my gym so that I’m back to the computer by 8, it is intention and motivation to be excited about the day. Before going to bed making a list of work projects that I need to/would like to accomplish, complete with check boxes so I can check items off as I progress. Spicing up the work day by heading to a coffee shop for a change of scenery and to feel other human energy. Planning to meet a friend for lunch, a bike ride or trail run to break up the day. Planning dinner parties, walks and movie dates so that I can enjoy some social interaction after a day of solitude. Making these adjustments help significantly, in fact it is all quite wonderful really.
Then, just as I get into a groove of “working from home,” work sends me out on the road. Fly, drive, meetings, presentations, email, run… breath? So I guess the lesson for me is learning to enjoy each moment for what it is, be ready for the next change and challenge, and stay in tune with what I need to stay happy and balanced.
Subscribe to Krissy's RSS Feed
3 Comments:
Krissy, your post made me laugh out loud! A few years ago I left my big corporate job to start my own financial consulting business all from home. More time with my family, peace and quiet to get my work done, no meeting and no commuting. I quickly found out I was boring! I got tired of being by myself so much I would drive to the office to run at lunch with my friends. It wasn't until a client wanted me in the office all day to attend meetings and such that I realized just how nice it was to make I own schedule. I too had to learn to go with the flow and enjoy the moments because they change all to often.
Ronda
It sure is different working from home. I do that from time to time and just did it for the last two weeks. yea - VERY strange to not hear your own or someone elses voice sometimes not until after lunch. I have said something out loud to myself before just to hear something!
I also love chai. Thai iced tea is also very good. I brought back tons of that from my trip!
It's a very different vibe when you are working from home. I just need noise, so I will get some podcasts or some music playing in the background. I set my coffee pot to brew around 6, eat some breakfast, fire off some emails, then get outside for a run, bike, or maybe hit the gym for weights or a pool workout. I like it because by the time I have my first call with team members in the morning, I've already racked up some training time and they barely have the sleep out of their eyes! :)
Post a Comment
<< Home