2. Comparing Grass

Remote work is different, and it’s easy to forget that the grass is always greener after a while of being so lucky as to work remote. You’ve heard of first world problems, right? Things like, “Ugh, I have to make sangria without any honey crisp apples?” Every so often you’ll have someone show you what they’re doing at work, and realizing that your remote job doesn’t have the same opportunities, you may get a jealous ache.

Here are a few “office only” perks:

Office Parties: I’m not just talking about Xmas, though that’s always a big one. There’s also simple celebrations for launches, birthdays, or even the annual mini-golf tournament. Company functions seem effortless and fun.

Office Food: Not everyone is lucky enough, but some offices provide free food, snacks, and deluxe coffee and tea. There’s also the occasional provided breakfast/lunch/dinner.

Office Equipment: Need a jump drive? Need to print something? Need a foosball table? Offices are replete with professional equipment, and even some not-so-professional equipment. When you work from home, it doesn’t make sense to have a photocopier and a dart board. Your space is limited, while an office has the extra room to spare.

The Office Door: When you walk in, you’re “at work”. I’ve seen people applauded for their “hard work” because they come in early, and leave late (or immediately after the boss leaves). Ignoring the fact that those people watched videos all day at their desk, they were perceived as working. When they left “late”, they were expected to stop working. For remote workers, you’re only visible as much as you’re actually working, and it’s surprisingly hard to stop working when the office is part of your house and you haven’t delivered what you wanted to for that day.

Solution

So how do you combat this? It’s important to remember that though an office has its perks, they come with strings attached… or more like ropes attached. That office party is popular because people are eager to do anything different in their workday. It’s like recess or taking off a tight pair of shoes. Office food sounds terrific until you’re trying to find out where you can fit your lunch in the shared fridge or today’s the day they’re out of breakfast bars. Office equipment is perfect for that time you need to print thirty pages for your buddy instead of having him pay the $4 at Office Depot. Ask anyone playing table-tennis at work if they’d rather go play the same thing at that cool hangout, and I’m sure they’ll say yes. It’s up to you now, and that’s as terrifying as it is empowering. The key is to remember you’re in control and not all that glitters is not gold. The grass is always greener when you cherrypick the good parts.