Pandemic Remote Is Not Normal Remote
Normal remote work is making a comeback. You might be thinking, "What? I've been working remotely all year!" Yes, you've been working remotely, but it's been far from normal.
You've been working from home during a pandemic. This means that many common perks from working remotely were ripped away: having the freedom to travel, go out with family and friends, do hobbies, and many more. If you worked remotely pre-COVID, you know exactly what I'm talking about. Typically, working from home would leave you feeling free, not stifled.
With vaccine distribution accelerating, we're finally seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. However, it's been a year. That's more than enough time to get stuck in your ways, even when they aren't working for you. Let's take a look at some small steps you can take to welcome back normal remote work:
MAKE THE MOST OF THE FLEXIBILITY
One of the huge advantages of working remotely is being able to avoid the rush hour crowds, and I’m not just talking about the commute. Try hitting up stores, like groceries, outside of the typical work crowd hours. You'll avoid the trouble of finding parking and waiting in excessive lines.
Do you hate not getting good seats at the movie theater? Or dealing with a noisy audience? Try out seeing a showing in the middle of the day. Also, you can find some great early happy hour deals at restaurants and get in without waiting. Look for one small way you can take advantage of the flexibility.
PICK YOUR COWORKERS
You might have felt isolated this past year if you were working alone. Or maybe you felt like your young children haven't been the best work companions. Good news! You're finally getting back the ability to pick your coworkers.
Your home is going to feel totally different now that everyone isn't stuck inside. However, if you're craving more interaction, consider forming a coworking group with like-minded peers or joining a coworking space. For a smaller step, schedule some lunches out with friends.
BLOW OFF SOME STEAM
We've previously discussed how you can design your own commute. The opportunity to expand your ritual with outside the house experiences is back!
Instead of closing your work email and logging into Netflix, head out. Enjoy hobbies, entertainment, nightlife, whatever makes you happy. Combine this with making the most of the flexibility and go to all of the events that you were never able to before: gaming conventions, concerts, conferences, etc. Go create some new experiences.
Other Ideas:
Try out nomad life by booking a week-long trip and working from somewhere new. This could be an entirely different country or a city within driving distance.
Go for a morning swim at a local pool or attend an exercise class at the gym. This was more than likely a very sedentary year for you. Bring back some movement.
Upgrade your office. You’ve probably received official word by now if your position is moving permanently remote. Stop treating it like a temporary space and get the upgrades needed to make your work experience better.
A year is a long time to do something in one way. Try not to fall into the trap of thinking this way of working is your only option. Normal remote work is making a comeback. Keep the things you've loved, and change anything that hasn't been working for you. Experiment with any of these small steps to get the ball rolling on a work experience that you will thrive in.
