To think remote working is shit

[Doodoodoodo]

I understand that lots of people like remote working for many reasons. However, AIBU to think it is shit? It's so hard when you start new places/teams and you never have a clue who anyone is or who to speak to about things.
I really feel that I'm missing out on some much with hybrid working and I worry for the younger graduates coming through right now.

It’s only shit if your workplace doesn’t do onboarding well.

Thats completely and utterly untrue.

There is simply no way you can get to know people, a company, the culture, the ways of working properly; the specific people to speak with and team up with, build relationships, get known yourself - make an impression, yada, yada, yada (the list goes on and on) as a new joiner remotely, as well as you can in person.

@Doodoodoodo There was another thread about this and people just won't have it that other people might not like it or can see negatives. As another poster said people are mega defensive about it.

I love it. No commute = I get back 2 hours of my time each day. My current workplace asked everyone to stop WFH and return to the office during my maternity leave (I've just returned to work), which means I'm now looking for a new job (either hybrid or completely remote) because I miss the work/life balance I had previously.

It's shit if you're renting a room in a flat and suddenly find yourself working & sleeping in just one room.

Calling one person for a chat isn't the same as spontaneous team banter. Plus, would you really call someone senior to you, just for a chat? I think many wouldn't be brave enough.

I can't decide whether I like it or hate it because there are no chitty chatty colleagues

I honestly change my mind every day.

I love it, but I started working at my company before we went into lockdown so I knew people etc. I'm sure it must be weird to start a new job remotely.

I don't miss the bantz 😂it's great if you work with people on the same wavelength but quite often you don't and it's painful and rife with petty grievances

@Doodoodoodo I just read your post about your role, you are in a similar position to me. I am finding it hard too, my team are amazing and lovely but I also at the same time don't know them and don't know how I will get to know them other than a pub night every few months. Also, I agree with another poster, certain roles you definitely learn a lot by osmosis an hearing other's problem solving and things like that.

Glad it works for so many though and improves their lives.

Yanbu it’s not for everyone

I didn't like that we had to convert two of our spare rooms into office space

It is quite incredible how defensive some people are about WFH, isn’t it?! Funny thing to be defensive about.

And I say this as someone who really loves it. Now that I’m older, established, a parent, etc…..

@Dillwyninthebath yes and its always people who had a 2 hr commute , well yes obviously wfh will give you a better work life balance then and often people who have a big house separate office, when your working at your coffee table or a desk squeezed in the bedroom it doesn't have quite the same appeal
Or if you haven't got a partner and lots of social friends it can be a bit of a time to see others and be with people

I no longer work, but loved working from home, I've worked from home (had a couple of long term permanent jobs) since 2008/9 before it really took off, I loved not having to commute, if circumstances were ever to change I'd only be looking for a homeworking job. Each to their own I guess

Overall I quite like it, but I worked in the office for a few years before moving away and switching to wfh. Not sure how I'd feel going straight into wfh, think I would find it a lot harder.

I love it because it allows me to keep a reasonably senior job after having a child (do nursery drop off etc, clean house before start due to no commute, not be exhausted).

However, I agree it is rubbish for younger people just starting out.

I love it. I've been at an in person event all week. Very lovely and generous by my company but exhausting and I'm so behind on my work.

I'm much more productive WFH

@worriedatthistime Yeah not quite as appealing on the rickety dining table unfortunately and dealing with RSI etc.

WFH is absolutely flipping tremendous

I think people get defensive about it because they think it will be taken away from them. I’ve had it written into my contract because I would hate to lose this balance I have found to my life. But I do appreciate why it’s not so great for some people.

I'm worried about what it means for women. A whole new track of "women's/mother's jobs", especially at lower pay levels. Where women are grateful for having the "flexibility" (see above) and end up doing bloody everything for low pay. Let's see what this all looks like in five years.

I absolutely love it. Like other posters have said, no commute, I'm way more productive due to no distractions. I miss bits of office life and some people but I'm more than happy permanently wfh.

Well I love it personally. No commute, can wear what I like. Have the temperature of the room how I like it. Swear loudly when i need to. No office politics. But I work for a small charity and know my team really well.

I'm not defensive about it as such (I don't have a choice, the company I work for request I work from home and my contract says that) but I think to generalise and say 'homeworking is shit' is a but rubbish for the many people (often women) and families it massively benefits. I was going to post on another thread today that I can work full time because my job is wfh so I can put the hours in but still be around for my kids. I'm a single parent and therefore it benefits all of us for me to be earning a full time wage. I'd much rather this than trade it for a bit of office chat.

I don’t think this is true. I work for a large professional services firm and the men have embraced working from home just as much as the women. All very well paid.

Older people are not always keen either. Dh’s friend, single, in his 50s, enjoyed office life. Overnight he went from working in a very sociable large office to permanent wfh. Furthermore this (household name) company has asked for everyone’s social media account info incl. Whatsapp groups to ensure no one bad mouths or discusses a colleague or the company. Back in real life times you could moan about Linda’s halitosis or Sarah’s interminable presentations by the water cooler but now Big Brother is insisting on watching you…..

Actually Dh too at his company was asked for social media info. If you are wfh this is basically strangling any chance to chat or comment privately.