When COVID-19 hit the US in earnest in March 2020, I, like many others became full time remote. Here we are in late December and I still have not been back to the office other than to pick up something. My employer is dropping hints that some teams will not be asked to come back and will remain full time remote. I've been thinking about all of the ways my life has improved by full time remote work.
Background info:
I live in the suburbs of Birmingham, AL about 26 miles from the office. I live in a relatively high-traffic area so I choose to work 7-4 rather than 8-5 in hopes of both minimizing my time in the car and maximize my time with my family. That being said, I leave the house around 6am and get home around 5pm daily. That's 11 hours!
- Now that I'm WFH I work 8-5. I shower at night and set the coffee pot to brew ahead of time so I don't get up until 0730 so I get at a minimum 90 minutes extra sleep every day! This alone has changed my life for the better.
- My productivity has increased due to the ability to focus on projects without interruption.
- I have a dedicated office in my basement but when the family is home, I have instant access. I can quickly answer a homework question, toss a load of laundry in the dryer etc.
- Beginning day 1 I have exercised nearly every single day at lunch.
- With access to my kitchen I eat a much healthier breakfast and lunch.
- Car related savings: fuel, insurance, oil changes and other maintenance costs are way down.
- Potentially extending the life of my car by years.
- By not commuting I have extra time and energy at the end of the day. I've used this to work various side-gigs that have increased my skillset, improved my personal brand in my field, earned extra money that has increased my emergency fund and allowed me to help a relative.
- Began and maintained a meditation practice.
- My mental health has greatly improved for all of the above reasons.
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