After three years mostly working from home, I have switched jobs and now have to go into an office on a regular basis. I offer this handy guide for those facing a similar situation.
[ul]
[li] Your commute will increase exponentially. Plan accordingly.[/li][li] Pants: mandatory.[/li][li] Showering frequency will increase.[/li][li] People will appear in your workspace and start speaking to you. Don’t be alarmed.[/li][li] Lunch will now require going outside, and may in fact be a social occasion. [/li][li] Music / TV is discouraged. You will need to set recordings for shows airing during the workday.[/li][li] Farting and burping should be kept in check.[/li][li] Try to avoid talking to yourself.[/li][li] You are going to be at the mercy of the weather - suggest layers / umbrellas / shoes and socks. You will also not control the thermostat.[/li][li] Internet surfing / computer games may get noticed by other people.[/li][li] Bathroom availability may be an issue - don’t wait until the last minute. Keep it short; no reading material.[/li][li] While others will share the coffee making duties, you are at the mercy of their brands and brewing schedules.[/li][li] There are no laundry facilities. Plan ahead.[/li][li] Heads-up: that’s a SHARED printer.[/li][li] You have the ability to leave your workspace and talk to other people. While this may take some getting used to, it is usually faster than email. Additionally, people may find it odd that you are emailing them when they’re five feet away.[/li][li] Your pets will not come when you call them. They are not present.[/li][/ul]
More updates as events warrant.
