Five years ago today, I went to work like any other day. I arrived at the office at 8:30 AM. I got back home at 7pm.
If I slept for eight hours that day, that means I spent five and a half hours of my day for my own time (mostly family time).
Today, I sat down at my desk at 8am. I'll go downstairs for dinner at 5pm. Between those two times, I'll spend an hour having lunch with my wife and daughter, and a few five minute breaks here and there where I can chat with my wife, help around the house, and whatnot.
But, I'll also more work than I would have in the office (fewer people dropping by my desk), and I'll still spend some time collaborating with my colleagues (more effectively over Zoom, each at our own computers, than crowded around one person's).
This is why I work from home, and won't ever go back to an office.
Since the weather has finally become more fall-like this weekend (highs in the low 70s°F), I decided to work outside t this morning.
It was wonderful. Nice, cool breeze, fresh air. Sure, I didn't take my external keyboard or two extra monitors with me, but I did fine without them.
But, after working in a lawn chair for four hours, instead of my usual desk chair, my back is aching really badly.
I'm one of those software engineers. Thankfully, my current job is a fully remote company: there isn't an office to bring is back to.
I've thought a lot lately about whether or not I miss working in the office. There are a few things that I miss about going to work. Not the commute itself, but the time to myself, the time that is just mine. I miss that a bit.
But I don't need an office job for that. I can go for a drive, or a bike ride to get that.
And I absolutely don't miss being in the office to work. I haven't lost out on anything. I still socialize with my coworkers, even if less. I still collaborate on work, via Zoom, and I do that more effectively than I did in the office.
For me, there is nothing better about being in the office.