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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To think the novelty of WFH has well and truly worn off?

57 replies

NickingBentCoppers · 16/07/2021 15:46

For a while working from home was pretty great (once the kids were back at school obvs, when they were off it was hell). It solved all childcare woes, and the mad morning and evening rush.

But now I am so over it. So over seeing my partner all day every day (it's not natural!). So over looking at the same walls, and not getting the natural exercise that comes from working out of the home- on a busy work day I am like a potato sitting at my desk all day.
And very much over trying to work with the kids there after school- it's the most stressful 2-3 hours of the day.

This afternoon, older child is having a playdate and they are playing hide and seek loudly. Younger child is bothering older child and friend. Loudly. I can't distract younger child by playing with them. It's hot. I'm bothered.

Dreaming of an air conditioned office, gossiping with work colleagues, walking back in the sun from the bus stop. I'm just suddenly very bored and pissed off with the whole thing.

Anyone else?

OP posts:

Uramaki · 16/07/2021 15:51

I thought this so went back into the office and it was also horrible as everyone has to stand apart from each other, wear masks and talk to each other using zoom.

Was good to have space from OH though.

TheKeatingFive · 16/07/2021 15:56

Totally. I’m back 50% and it’s been great. I hated wfh full time.

bananaboats · 16/07/2021 15:57

Too be honest I live working from home and am dreading going back to the office. Unfortunately my work are not considering offering home work or any flexibility long term.

ChristmasJumpers · 16/07/2021 15:59

I am still very much enjoying working from home but I'm lucky as I'm child free (not through choice but I can imagine it helps not to have children at home while working).
I also have an 80 mile round trip to get to the office so I'm saving so much time by skipping the commute.
My DH does do my head in by regularly "visiting" me in the room I'm working from, but only in a light hearted way really. We're fortunate that we have two spare rooms so an office to work from each.

Under your circumstances OP I think I'd be back to the office in a flash, but for me I'm glad to have been told my home working is permanent

LadyCatStark · 16/07/2021 15:59

We had a full team meeting on Teams the other day and every single person looked completely and utterly done (and about 10 years older than the last time we’d Sen each other!)

suckingonchillidogs · 16/07/2021 15:59

I know what you mean - I went into the office yesterday and clocked up over 17,000 steps. Today WFH - 1,400.

StarryStarrySocks · 16/07/2021 16:03

Nope, I still love it. I have told my boss to please put me at the bottom of the list for going back to the office. (Limited space so they were asking people what they'd prefer to do).

Vanillaradio · 16/07/2021 16:07

I've booked in 3 days in the office in August as they've increased the numbers allowed in and now allowing people to come in for "wellbeing" reasons instead of just essential work ones. Never would have believed a couple of years ago I'd be so excited about going into the office!

Original poster

NickingBentCoppers · 16/07/2021 16:07

Tbf I'll probably find office life/commuting really annoying when I do go back!

OP posts:

Merryoldgoat · 16/07/2021 16:07

I don’t like it all the time but I like the option (which I had before) for specific projects and at certain times of the year.

I’m back most of the time and will be 100% from September and I’m really pleased.

IamThrough · 16/07/2021 16:11

I've worked from home for over a decade. I'd say the novelty wore off after about year 2 LOL
Since covid my role has changed - and once allowed I will be back working from an office again. On top of a bit of covid anxiety I'm terrified of the whole thing. I have no "office clothes" as haven't even been to a face to face meeting for years ..... All the public transport routes have changed in the 10 years I've been WFH so I haven't a clue how I'm getting there...... How on earth will I make time for the commute??? I don't yet know any of the people I'll be working with (apart from some meetings we've had over Zoom). I'm having palpitations just thinking about it

AnnaSW1 · 16/07/2021 16:12

I'm still loving it!

30scrisis · 16/07/2021 16:14

I'm in my first job in years, I was looking for ages but couldn't find anything to suit as a single parent to three. WFH has allowed me to work and be mum and I'm about to buy my first home. As much as I'd love to even be able to pop into the office and work alongside my colleagues, most of whom I've never met!, WFH has allowed me to come off benefits and give me and my children a way of life I never thought would be possible. I hope my organisation, no plans to, never goes back to full time working in the office as it would be a nightmare for me.

Squirrelblanket · 16/07/2021 16:15

I've been doing odd days in the office and it's been a nice change and much easier to get my steps in. However like another poster said, we are still having to do the whole farce of social distancing and wearing masks, so the actual office bit isn't enjoyable to me.

On the whole I really enjoy home working and have loved being at home. But equally I'm happy to go in the office a couple of days a week once we've dropped all the restrictions.

Deloresmessi · 16/07/2021 16:17

You're an idiot frankly for having a play date while you're working. I don't have play dates at my house full stop. I like my own kids. Not other peoples.

MostlyMaple · 16/07/2021 16:17

It took me a while to get used to it but I'm now really happy WFH. However I don't have children (I imagine having kids makes WFH difficult!)

I'm getting loads more exercise, a better work/life balance. It's great

Megan2018 · 16/07/2021 16:18

No, the lack of commute is bliss, as is working out in the garden on sunny days. But DD is in nursery and it’s lovely and quiet at home.
I am dreading office days, but hoping to reduce to 2 days a week long term.

MaryGubbins · 16/07/2021 16:21

My kids are still in childcare if I’m WFH.

Devondonkey · 16/07/2021 16:21

Wake up. Work. Sleep. Wake up. Work. Sleep. I genuinely find it weird that anyone would think that was a reasonable way to live.

SquashMinusIsShit · 16/07/2021 16:23

A bit of both is my preference, I like the air con/chat etc but it's pointless going in unless there are other people in too.

'sitting like a potato' made me chuckle

Megan2018 · 16/07/2021 16:26

@Devondonkey

Wake up. Work. Sleep. Wake up. Work. Sleep. I genuinely find it weird that anyone would think that was a reasonable way to live.

Do you not go out the house? I still leave the house plenty of times a day! Get up- take DD to nursery Work Lunch - walk Work Evening - look after horse and ride (obviously not everyone does this but most people have some interest/hobby?) Sleep

HappyTimeTunnelDinosaur · 16/07/2021 16:28

I prefer it, better than getting up early to rush into a traffic jam. I think a hybrid and flexible approach is probably the best way going forwards.

gillysSong · 16/07/2021 16:30

You need childcare like you would if you were in the office.
Surely, you can't do a proper job with kids around the place.
What childcare issues has it solved?

Flibbitygibbit · 16/07/2021 16:31

@bananaboats

Too be honest I live working from home and am dreading going back to the office. Unfortunately my work are not considering offering home work or any flexibility long term.

Me too

EssentialHummus · 16/07/2021 16:32

I was WFH pre covid and wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m funny in that I hate working in proximity to other people, but also need to be active / change locations frequently to stay motivated - so covid work conditions and my job have provided the perfect work environment. My DH however is losing his mind wfh.

OP, are your kids normally fine at home during that 2-3h? Is it just the playdate? Presumably if you were in the office they’d be in an after school club?

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