Work from home is convenient, but far from easy. Many have struggled defining when work begins and ends when there's no physical boundary to help draw the line and say "I already clocked out", which is something that working in an office provides. Yet working at home saves us money and commute-time, but then office work provides more human interaction. There are so many pros and cons, the list goes on.

Before munching in to the topic, let's first address this situation we are currently in. It's been 2 years into the pandemic and we've all adjusted in our own personal ways despite the deep, deep yearning for "normal". Things are still far from the clearing but it's something to be grateful for that more people are getting vaccinated and restrictions have lifted, allowing face-to-face get-togethers and travelling again. Many who had transitioned to a work-from-home setup are now being called back to the office too. Yayyy! or is it Nooo?

It's a bittersweet return to the old normal, there are some things to miss, and not, in working from home. But are we really eager to go back to working at the office? Is the new normal more convenient now? Let's discuss certain "work elements" and the advantages and disadvantages of both working from home and working in the office.

Work Space

If you've worked from home, you relate to the struggles of finding the perfect spot at home for a zoom backdrop, and finding a suitable work "desk" which happens to change from time to time.

Along with finding the perfect work space at home, stability is an issue we've had to struggle with not because we're picky with the work space we end up with, but because we sometimes need a change of scenery so we migrate to another part of the house.

Workmates

There’s a level of motivation and productivity added when you know you have fellow people working with you or just beside you. It's the general vibe that gets you in the zone. At home you work around others: someone cooking, watching tv, the dogs barking, cats meowing, kids shouting and whatever god forsaken sounds the house can produce during a meeting.

On the other hand, there are quiet moments at home, like when you work the night, there's a stretch of peace for ultimate focus which isn't something you can replicate in an office what with all the impromptu meetings and tasks, and your sprinkle of chikahan. 

Commute

There's no pros and cons here, commuting to work cannot topple over not having to at all. It saves time, effort and adds to your sanity not going through the daily 2-3 experience.

Daily Expenses