I Worked from Home for 1 Day-Here’s What I Noticed
As a teacher, I have been in person at work again for an entire year. When I was teaching virtually, the world was a heavy place. I was working to integrate new technologies into my work as well as maintain a semblance of normalcy for the students. By the time we moved back to in-person learning, I was thrilled. I missed people. I wanted to be with my colleagues and students again. I wanted to laugh, talk, and experience the world connected to others.
I had the opportunity this week, however, to again work from home. We had parent conferences via Zoom, and we were permitted to connect from home. At the last minute, I decided I would stay in my home office just for a change of pace. What I experienced really surprised me.
Having read over and over again how employees love working from home, I wanted to see what a day working from home would be like from my own perspective. I have been curious as I read about this new world of work. Would I be distracted? Would I accomplish much? Would I be able to manage my time effectively?
Although I could have slept for an extra hour, I kept my typical morning routine to experience what my day would be like if I worked daily from home. I rose at 5:30 and started my personal writing by 5:45 with a cup of coffee nearby. Without a commute, my morning was much calmer.
For over two hours, I was able to write my blogs, read news, and social media uninterrupted. I was truly able to do deep work. I began my official work day at 8:30 and prior to that I accomplished two blogs and researched ideas for a few more. I completed my social media posts for the day, and I was also able to tackle cleaning my kitchen. On a regular work day, I must leave the house by 7:20 and have time for only an hour of writing if I am lucky. And, the kitchen is never cleaned before I pack up and head to the car.
My schedule for the morning was pre-established with five minute Zoom meetings with parents. I had no control over when I would be free or for how long. All totaled, I had about 60 minutes of unblocked time. Some of these minutes, however, were in 5 minute blocks and it was impossible to accomplish much. However, even with this sporadic time, I was able to create two slideshow presentation frameworks, connect via Zoom with two colleagues to problem-solve, and complete several conference follow-up emails.
By noon, I had effectively crossed every item from my to-do list in addition to my parent conferences. I was shocked. As I reflected on the day, I recognized several features enabled my productivity.
- Time for deep work and thought
Having two hours to work on my own projects during my morning routine was luxurious. Because I was not stressed about all of the details to prepare for leaving for work, I was less distracted and pressured. I could truly dive into my writing and focus on my thoughts.
At school, I have very little ability to dive into my work. I am constantly interrupted by students, colleagues, or just the loud and hectic environment. Working from home was more comfortable and quieter. I was better able to focus intently on each task as I completed it.
On this particular day, I was also not distracted by emails. Because we were conferencing, very few emails were even sent. On a typical work day when we are in person, we must constantly read emails to learn of last minute schedule changes, student issues, and urgent announcements. Switching back and forth from project to email is a time suck and prohibits deep work.
2. More productive
At work, I am very social. I enjoy being with people, and I have great conversations. Working in a school, however, allows for constant distractions. Not only am I constantly problem-solving with colleagues, but I have many unplanned conversations with students throughout my day.
With all of these distractions eliminated, I was surprised at how productive I could be. Of course, many of these interactions are part of my job as well, yet I felt liberated without having to manage so many.
3. Less stressed, no hectic pace
From the time I awoke to the end of my work day, I felt less stressed. Although conversing on Zoom can be hectic, the rest of my day was not nearly as chaotic as usual. I was not concerned about gathering my work supplies, packing food, or leaving home in time to miss rush hour traffic.
I usually have to stop my writing promptly at 6:45am to get ready for my work day. I am often in deep thought and have to interrupt my ideas and writing and switch gears quickly to get out the door. On this morning, I was not pressured to stop my writing, and I was able to stop when I had completed my thoughts and ideas. I started my day calmly without any pressure of traffic, weather, or forgetfulness.
Despite being a people person, I enjoyed working from home. I completely understand why a movement is afoot.
If we can have a better work and life balance, why would we choose anything else?