I really love this article, and I totally get where you're coming from. I feel like I'm a bit of an anomaly - I've been doing contract software work for a number of years now (therapy work don't pay the bills just yet) and, if I'm brutally honest, I so much prefer working from home over being in an office.
I think it's important to recognise what energises us, as you've very clearly done, and gravitate towards that. For me, I work better when I've got space to get on without interruption, and as a massive introvert, I get energy from cracking on under my own steam without people around.
One of the dangers of this, however, is that sometimes I forget about the social interaction with friends (which is sometimes sorely needed), and that can slip by the wayside. So I need to be mindful and check in with myself to make sure I'm not getting too stuck in my "fortress of solitude".
"I work better when I've got space to get on without interruption" as do I and I get nothing done in the office if I didn't sit in the focus area with my noise cancelling headphones on!
I'm 100% remote and I'm finding it hard. In my old job I was mostly remote but also had the option of going in to the office. This really helped because I knew if I was feeling unmotivated I could go in and get an energy boost from being around people, even if they weren't in my team.
It's a big challenge for me now... so I need to work out how I can charge up.
However that will never happen after her Family tragedy. She has stated that she will no longer perform in Public again. Understandable but so sad for her & the general public. An amazing performer. Xx H.
Having others around can be a plus or a minus. I work better at the office where face to face interaction is usually better than over govteams. Dont need the small talk however 😀
I’ve been thinking thru our teams return to the office and planning my own schedule.
Tested it last week and whilst we can easily justify getting stuff done without distractions of others (WFH) it was so uplifting being back in the office especially in the “all team meeting” vs sitting on the screen from home. All my interactions with the team even if just a social chat were uplifting and valuable and feeding off others success’s or workshopping others challenges was so rewarding. It’s what I’ve been missing and a real reminder of this energy you talk about Ben. 👏
My pleasure Trevor. Have you read Paul Graham’s “Makers v Managers schedule” blog? It helped me identity the type of work I’m about to do, so I can pick the best environment to do the work. But overall I think WFH isn’t great you have a good noise cancelling headphones and cheap parking at work lol
Great blog Ben! I feel the same with studying uni online, it's just not the same as having peers you see in class. Over the weekend while I worked on my assignment I was brainstorming with Chat GPT for the company and someone to bounce ideas with. Outside of the assessable discussion boards there is no interaction with fellow class mates and for one of my subjects there's basically no engagement from the lecturer with the students.
I feel I'm going to really test myself once I finish up my full time clinic and persue full time online study. It'll be during this time that I think connection with friends and my community will be crucial.
I've been reflecting on my enjoyment of time to myself and not feeling lonely even though I live alone and I think my connections with my patients has been filling the void that a significant other would otherwise fill.
Thanks Clare! I know what you mean because before the pandemic hit, I was really enjoying my computing studies at ANU. But during lockdown tutors were only available for one hour per day to answer coding questions. So I would wait in a virtual queue to get help, but often the hour would pas, and they would log off before I had the chance to speak to them! Frustrating! Wish I had ChatGPT then as it's an awesome as a coding tutor!!!!
I agree, I like being on my own but the presence of others is important. Food has become an issue fir me as well. I just don’t seem to be able to create the habits I used to. Big game v reds this week.
I really love this article, and I totally get where you're coming from. I feel like I'm a bit of an anomaly - I've been doing contract software work for a number of years now (therapy work don't pay the bills just yet) and, if I'm brutally honest, I so much prefer working from home over being in an office.
I think it's important to recognise what energises us, as you've very clearly done, and gravitate towards that. For me, I work better when I've got space to get on without interruption, and as a massive introvert, I get energy from cracking on under my own steam without people around.
One of the dangers of this, however, is that sometimes I forget about the social interaction with friends (which is sometimes sorely needed), and that can slip by the wayside. So I need to be mindful and check in with myself to make sure I'm not getting too stuck in my "fortress of solitude".
"I work better when I've got space to get on without interruption" as do I and I get nothing done in the office if I didn't sit in the focus area with my noise cancelling headphones on!
I'm 100% remote and I'm finding it hard. In my old job I was mostly remote but also had the option of going in to the office. This really helped because I knew if I was feeling unmotivated I could go in and get an energy boost from being around people, even if they weren't in my team.
It's a big challenge for me now... so I need to work out how I can charge up.
Have you looked into getting a desking in a co-working space? You should speak to Dom because he's got a desk in Belco and loves it.
Could be a good investment, maybe 1 day a month to recharge the batteries!
Bennie your Rugby days were always the ‘team’ concept. So I imagine that feeling would be irreplaceable.
Cannot imagine the thrill of running out into “Wembley stadium” with the 0000’s there to cheer you & the Team ON to Victory would feel like!
However I doubt you would ever forget it??
So it’s very normal that you are successful surrounded in your current role when others are with you. Don’t put too much emphasis on this.
You are a success because your committed to the role you are now involved in.
Don’t undo what you have achieved. As “Tina Turner” sang “your simply the best” (wrong code lol) 😊👏👩🏼🦰 Helen
Thank you Helen and if only World Rugby could get Tina to Paris in Oct to sing during the world cup finals!
However that will never happen after her Family tragedy. She has stated that she will no longer perform in Public again. Understandable but so sad for her & the general public. An amazing performer. Xx H.
Having others around can be a plus or a minus. I work better at the office where face to face interaction is usually better than over govteams. Dont need the small talk however 😀
Agreed. I work in the focus section with noise cancelling headphones. Too easy to get caught up in pointless chat
Great to read this and so timely for me.
I’ve been thinking thru our teams return to the office and planning my own schedule.
Tested it last week and whilst we can easily justify getting stuff done without distractions of others (WFH) it was so uplifting being back in the office especially in the “all team meeting” vs sitting on the screen from home. All my interactions with the team even if just a social chat were uplifting and valuable and feeding off others success’s or workshopping others challenges was so rewarding. It’s what I’ve been missing and a real reminder of this energy you talk about Ben. 👏
My pleasure Trevor. Have you read Paul Graham’s “Makers v Managers schedule” blog? It helped me identity the type of work I’m about to do, so I can pick the best environment to do the work. But overall I think WFH isn’t great you have a good noise cancelling headphones and cheap parking at work lol
Great blog Ben! I feel the same with studying uni online, it's just not the same as having peers you see in class. Over the weekend while I worked on my assignment I was brainstorming with Chat GPT for the company and someone to bounce ideas with. Outside of the assessable discussion boards there is no interaction with fellow class mates and for one of my subjects there's basically no engagement from the lecturer with the students.
I feel I'm going to really test myself once I finish up my full time clinic and persue full time online study. It'll be during this time that I think connection with friends and my community will be crucial.
I've been reflecting on my enjoyment of time to myself and not feeling lonely even though I live alone and I think my connections with my patients has been filling the void that a significant other would otherwise fill.
Thanks Clare! I know what you mean because before the pandemic hit, I was really enjoying my computing studies at ANU. But during lockdown tutors were only available for one hour per day to answer coding questions. So I would wait in a virtual queue to get help, but often the hour would pas, and they would log off before I had the chance to speak to them! Frustrating! Wish I had ChatGPT then as it's an awesome as a coding tutor!!!!
no I haven't Benny. thanks for the link. Is Harry Wilson unlucky?
Not sure as I haven't watched him closely enough. But Robbie V would be my 8 hands down.
I agree, I like being on my own but the presence of others is important. Food has become an issue fir me as well. I just don’t seem to be able to create the habits I used to. Big game v reds this week.
Thanks Radar and habit formation is tough. Have you read Atomic Habits by James Clear? Best book on habits I've read. https://amzn.asia/d/fDO2Rm0
Big game and hoping we keep momentum going. But a desperate Reds at home will be tough.
Agree! Atomic habits is a great resource :)