I think staying connected when working from home is a matter of quality vs. quantity! In a physical office, you do have the opportunity to talk with a lot more people, but it depends on the environment. I've worked in offices where the workers do not want to get together during lunch or after work...they are purposefully trying to get away with work (and all things, and people, associated with it!). Just being in the office, however, does lend itself to talking with more people in a "quantity" statement.
However, working from home, provides the opportunity for more quality relationships. You can choose to keep in touch with those people who bring you joy and laughter in your life, and keep out the people who are "always" in bad mood or are just altogether toxic. (I've talked about my experience dealing with a bully that I worked with!). I find it enjoyable to work when I want to work, and put my attention into my projects....then, when I want to talk with someone on the phone, send a thoughtful email or meet them for coffee/lunch/drink, then I can focus 100% of my attention on our conversation (and not pretend to be working!).
I have also tried the social networking thing, but it still seems more impersonal to me. I'm old!
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I think staying connected when working from home is a matter of quality vs. quantity! In a physical office, you do have the opportunity to talk with a lot more people, but it depends on the environment. I've worked in offices where the workers do not want to get together during lunch or after work...they are purposefully trying to get away with work (and all things, and people, associated with it!). Just being in the office, however, does lend itself to talking with more people in a "quantity" statement.
However, working from home, provides the opportunity for more quality relationships. You can choose to keep in touch with those people who bring you joy and laughter in your life, and keep out the people who are "always" in bad mood or are just altogether toxic. (I've talked about my experience dealing with a bully that I worked with!). I find it enjoyable to work when I want to work, and put my attention into my projects....then, when I want to talk with someone on the phone, send a thoughtful email or meet them for coffee/lunch/drink, then I can focus 100% of my attention on our conversation (and not pretend to be working!).
I have also tried the social networking thing, but it still seems more impersonal to me. I'm old!
December 30, 2008 - 2:14pmThis Comment
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