I changed jobs completely and went from working in a fast-paced, busy environment (a mainstream senior school) to working from home 4-5 days a week (in admissions for a university)! The big change was scary, but it was the best decision I could have made for many reasons.
Now that it’s been almost 8 months, I wanted to reflect on whether it’s still working well for me, and if I recommend it.
Illness and tiredness
I had quite a lot of days off in previous jobs due to illness. Granted, I worked in schools so I came into contact with a lot of people and children who may not have kept the best hygiene! Regardless, it’s a fact that I haven’t had a single day off as yet in my current role. If I’ve had a sleepless night (which happens often), I don’t need to worry. If I catch a cold (which is rarer now), I can manage to still work because I can reserve my energy levels, take a lunchtime nap, and sit in my PJs! I also don’t have to worry about infecting anyone else.
Win, win, win.
However, it is quite tiring working from home sometimes because, well, you’re at home! You’re relaxed. But I also know how tired I was in my other roles, so maybe this isn’t enough of a comparison. They were perhaps different types of tiredness. One from being busy, rushing around, and overwhelmed. The other from being potentially understimulated and too relaxed in a home environment.
Pick your poison?
Socialisation
My social needs were naturally met working in a school, as I interacted with many people every single day from the moment I stepped in the building. However, this was also socially exhausting. As an introvert, this drained my battery. It meant when the evenings and weekends rolled around, I wanted to hibernate to refuel rather than see family and friends.
Fast-forward to now and I actively seek out socialising! I want to see people. I have energy at the end of the day. I want to chat to my husband at length. I arrange to meet up with friends or do things with family. Because my social energy isn’t used up while at work, I have it left to use consciously. I get to choose to use it, instead of having it taken from me.
Ease
Had a bad night’s sleep? Didn’t wake up on time? Car broke down? It’s fine, because there’s no commute! Waiting on a delivery? House maintenance appointments? It’s fine, because you’re home to greet them! Child off sick? Family member need company? It’s fine, you’re home to help out.
Life is easier working from home, or rather, having the option to work from home.
Mental health
When working from home is done well, it can nurture one’s mental health. As I said above, it provides freedom and flexibility, thus removing some stress.
However, for some, the loneliness or mundanity of working from home can cause isolation and mental health decline. This was a fear I had in accepting this role. But it’s not something I’ve experienced myself just yet. We go into the office once a week, so I am able to socialise with colleagues and check in. We also talk on Teams and message in the chat regularly.
Activity levels
This is the worst part of working from home for me: I now don’t get naturally 10-12k steps a day! Working in a school meant I was always on my feet, walking around the school, going up and down three flights of stairs. This was incredibly good for my body and health. Now, I can easily get only 4k in a day and only because of walking the dog.
I now have to make an active effort to get my steps in for the day. I need to be conscious of what I eat, how often I move, and what exercise I get.
Pain
I have suffered from shoulder, arm and wrist pain on my right side for many years now. Working from home has meant this pain has gotten worse. Constantly performing the same action, in the same position, means my body gets stiff. Again, I have to make an conscious effort to move, stretch, and care of my pain.
Community
I enjoyed being part of a community in the schools I worked in. A group, a connection, a name. It felt wholesome. It felt good. I have lost that now in this role, which is quite sad. There’s not the same focus, togetherness, all hands on deck for the same goal sort of feeling.
So does working from home work?
Yes, it most definitely does!
I think every workplace would benefit from at least trying to find ways that this could work as an option for their employees. Not everyone wants to or could cope with working from home, but it should be an option given in this modern world we live it. It’s never been easier to make adjustments to support this model of working. I am happier, healthier, more clear-headed than ever before. I socialise because I want to. I have energy to work out and go out. I take midday walks with the dog at lunchtimes. I do yoga. I have the energy to write my novels.
As long as I keep making healthy choices (don’t sit all day, keep moving every 40 minutes, take longer walks, stretch, and see people often) then I know this is the best choice for my wellbeing and enjoyment while working.
Everyone should be afforded this option and luxury. Flexibility means less stress, it’s as simple as that.
Sincerely,
S. xx
S. R. Crawford 