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

[NickingBentCoppers]

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?

My work are taking a very easy going approach to returning to the office. They've said if people want to go back they can, and from September they'd like people to do one or two days a week but they're not forcing anyone.

DH's employers are saying 3 days a week in the office from September, which doesn't work with season tickets (as 3 days costs the same as 5) :( However, he doesn't need to supervise anyone so might be able to just do two days a week in the office. He does want to go in from time to time.

I’ve worked at home for years but OH is now working at home permanently due to covid. We both love it. It’s much less stressful, no commute time, have the dogs with us all day, can take the kids to school and college. I go for a run most mornings and then we walk the dogs during the day so get plenty of exercise and fresh air.
But we have a big house so plenty of space which makes things easy. And our kids are 17 and 12 so very easy, don’t need entertaining.

I have often worked from home, but in established projects with a core team. I had time off over the past year and have now been wfh again since June. Apart from the IT hitches it was fine.
This week I had the opportunity to visit the office for the first time. I found it quite hard as everything was new and there just wasn't the "vibe". I also realised that, apart from our big boss, I am the only member of my team based at the particular location.
I am looking forward to wfh again next week, where I will, at least get lunch and not have to worry about the wifi connection!

And very much over trying to work with the kids there after school- it's the most stressful 2-3 hours of the day.

That's because this isn't how you are supposed to do it. You need to have whatever childcare in place you would have if you were at the office.

I am finding I have to change my whole approach. It's a different way of working and I need to reflect that. So now, I go for a run during the day each day and build that time in out of the time I've saved on my commute by starting work earlier. I build in informal teams chats with other colleagues who I've found feel the same way as me in terms of missing that social element. I also have teams lunches and my colleague and chat and swap recipes for quick & fun things to cook.

It does help that DH and I work in different rooms so we have space, and have a lunch date once a week or so.

Occasionally I miss the office but the pros definitely outweigh the cons for me

Really understand the appeal and desire to be back in the office that many people have, but I’m much happier wfh.

I still love it. Never gonna office again !

Hell no. I love it. Dreading going back.