This morning I left my house, climbed into my car, and this photo is what I saw. The view represents the end of an era, at least for me. It was the day I returned to the office.
I had a good run.
Months ago, a national election brought attention to teleworkers, most of the attention negative. I get it. Plummers, waitresses, workers in retail couldn't stay home and keep their jobs. No, they have to leave their homes every shift so that the rest of us can enjoy the services they offer. Me? Well, I'm a public servant and decisions were made in the spring of 2020 to send us home. I had been working from home for a couple of years before this decision was made so no change for me.
Our bosses decided a few months ago it was time to bring us back into the office. I get it. It makes sense on some levels, but not so much on others. Still, I can complain all day long...it won't change my new reality.
I can go on and on (and have done so...) about the benefits of working from home--benefits not just for me, but for others. I know these benefits because I've worked under them for the past eight years...almost a third of my entire career. Working from home was great, an answer to prayers, actually.
This morning I began working at a new location--my sixth with this organization. It took exactly thirty minutes to drive there. Turns out the drive was the most pleasant experience today. When I arrived, I had to set up my work station. The way I set up my equipment is very important to me. It allows me to be the most efficient with my work. Change disrupts this organization. I was able to get into the programs I used, but the word processing program I use would not comply. The most frustrating thing for me is that I had the same issue with that computer program a few months back. I KNOW the fix is simple, but for the life of me, I can't remember how I fixed it.
When the appropriate time came, I moved my keyboard, mouse, and headset to the side so that the worker with whom I share the cubicle half the work week can use his keyboard, mouse, and headset. I powered down the computer, picked up my stuff, descended the stairs and left the building.
All in all, there were frustrations, and yet, at the same time, I realized I am blessed. I am now required to go into the office twice a week. I still have my job, just at a different location...
A different perspective.
One day back. Here's to many more.
