Back in the office

Back

Last week I visited the office where I work. I haven't been there for a year, maybe more. When the covid pandemic began, we moved to work from home (WFH). When vaccinations started, the company asked us to come for 2 days a week. I did that for a while but then I stopped. It wasn't the same. Working from home is working pretty good for me. I have my own home office. My food and coffee is nice but the best thing is the quite. Another thing is controlling your own time, or the appearance you control your own time - decide when to start, stop, when you're free to take calls and meetings, when to eat, etc.

The health situation kept changing and we moved again to WFH until a few weeks ago when things got back in control and then my visit. It was strange. It was like meeting an old friend that aged and looks so different. And you look at him and you ask yourself "so why are we still friends?". The office looked empty; even before the pandemic, most of the space was empty but now there are even less people than back then so it looks deserted. Not only that but some of the piping was falling apart; I mean the place looks bad.

During that day, I wasn't able to concentrate. Everything was so different than what I was used to so I just used the time for meetings and catching up with people I haven't interacted with for a long time. Chatting with people NOT about work was very refreshing; I don't do that when WFH at all, I don't know why, maybe because it's not structured.

Going back home was bittersweet; I want to remember my office fondly, like in my memories, with people who are - mostly - no longer working there. I hope the WFH will continue and that people will be fortunate enough to enjoy this paradigm change. Because I keep reminding myself that I'm very fortunate and have these privileges; they're related to the field I'm in (IT) and the specific company and role I'm in and I shouldn't take it for granted.