Only Introverts Enjoy Remote Working!!

No Labels- Only Perspective

Perspective

This view could be from an office building where the viewer is catching up and collaborating. On the other hand, it could be from the balcony of the viewer’s home where they are working from home-catching up and collaborating!

Don’t you miss seeing everyone and being able to catch up? It’s more productive to collaborate in person! I can’t wait to get back in the office and see everybody!! Only Introverts enjoy remote work!

In March 2020 my company decided that we should “work remote 100%” due to the pandemic. This is a global organization. Therefore navigating response to the pandemic while ensuring the safety of 1000s of employees all over the world has not been easy. We are still working 100% remotely (June 2021). The latest advisement is to expect to return to the office in September 2021 with everyone working from home 3 days per week. However, my direct reports were already working from home 3 days per week prior to Covid. The “pandemic protocol” was not as big of a deal for them as for some in the organization.

My round trip to the office is 3 hours and that’s a good traffic day! There are many of us with this experience and we are often told, “Well you chose to live way out there”. Excuse me? What? Yes, there are many factors that one considers when choosing where to live and build one’s life.

The Universe Prepared Me By Working Through My Subconscious

I realize now that for the majority of my adult life and especially after the birth of our oldest, the need for distance from my professional space has been subconscious compartmentalization. The Universe whispered “intention”. Be intentional actions and choices without always understanding the consequences. As a result, I have been led here — today — where I find fulfillment beyond a paycheck. Yes, I live 1.5 hours away from the office and my personal space fuels my creativity!

Watercooler Chat

With the advancement of technology, we can see each other any time we want. As far as “catching up” I am so relieved that I am allowed to be in an authentic space. Let me explain. “Water cooler chat” is just that. You happen to run into someone and politely “chat”. Is this person someone who is in your authentic orbit? In other words, do you really care what they did over the weekend? I now know who authentically cares and wants to hear about my weekend or how my family is doing because they are not bound by office politics and politeness. I no longer see the unconscious sigh or roll of the eyes as I begin “water cooler chat”. The text, instant message, actual phone call, voice mail, email, etc. - All of these take a lot more effort and for me are much more authentic.

The more I praised not having the commute the more I began to hear the word “introvert” in response. I know many people who consider themselves introverts. However, the one thing I have experienced is they don’t make time for anything they don’t want to do. PERIOD. I’m not sure that’s a bad thing!

My 100% remote experience

1. Professional Productivity It is a fact that I have been much more productive working remotely. I am more focused and the previous commute time is often used to finish up that “one last thing” or “let me get a jump on this before everybody else logs in”. I struggle to make sure that I use more of the previous commute time for self-care. It is also a time when the Universe speaks to me and feeds my creativity. I may not finish an entire piece but I record the idea as a draft. As I finish this article, I have 5 drafts on deck.
2. Creativity — I don’t miss the 3-hour commute. I quickly became aware and heard the whisper from the Universe, “remember what you have wanted to do for decades”? I responded by launching my social media platform -Take 5 With Fanae 5 on my 55th birthday in 2020.
3. Disappearing Boundaries / Benefits -For example, I spent a lot of years and energy attempting to make sure my communication met corporate communication guidelines. Nevertheless, I was often coached to be more clear, more concise, etc. There’s nothing like an email back from your director with lots of highlights and red font. While I still adhere to business communication styles, the requirement nor instances of constructive criticism pierce my spirit now. I have found freedom on this and other platforms to write freely from both my heart and my head. Further, as a leader in a global organization, I am expected to coach and mentor others for their corporate success. I have found the freedom to share my experiences and advisement on various platforms with people who really want it and to know the difference. Finally, I’ve also realized that what I have to offer has value. It is ok to be compensated for my personal time and experience!
4. Commitment. Once I committed to “it”, the Universe sent people, tools, and ideas to move forward. As I write this article I have 5 unfinished drafts on deck. My relationship to the Universe in this context is like an invite to a party. The Universe introduces me to everyone, dances with me, and may leave my side —but never leaves the space. The Universe whispers — look, listen, stop, start over, go forward and I remain open to “it”. The “it” is separating the personal from the professional and not allowing either to give me a false sense of success or failure.
5. Self Care I am exercising, decompressing, reconnecting. I have always had the same 24 hours as everyone else. Yet, it seems that the hours are more in my control. Perhaps my perception of control increased. I’ve given myself permission and accept the good feelings gained without feeling guilty!

I reject labels. I enjoy working from home and find that I am more focused, productive, and creative. Again, I thank the Universe for the whispers. I thank the Universe for creating the space for me to be the best me both professionally and personally. I thank God for grace and mercy!