I love mornings and tend to work during the same time of day everyone else does. I pound back coffee like it’s some magic elixir, shower, and dress in the morning. This sounds pretty typical, right? So, why would I want to work from home? Reason number one, I hate driving in traffic. The moment I climb behind the wheel ruins my entire day. Pulling out onto the highway just seals the deal as I dodge cars like I’m playing some battle-themed racing game.
Traffic isn’t the only reason. I have two work modes. One of them I can hear everything going on and respond in a reasonable amount of time to interruptions (phone calls, visits, etc.). The other I hear nothing except my thoughts and everyone around me ceases to exist. I transport off to my little world and am oblivious to everything around me including whether or not the building is burning to the ground. I do my best work in the latter, but it gives the impression I’m rude or aloof when people attempt to talk to me. I’m forced to work in the least efficient method when working on-site.
Aside from being more efficient, I’m also healthier. I fill my kitchen with fresh fruits and vegetables. I have a treadmill in the cool and quiet basement. No one is around to object to me returning to my desk after a half hour run. I would much rather use my lunch break to exercise and nibble while I work. Instead of nibbling on the standard candy bars, chips, and soda, I can conveniently grab a banana, energy bar, or a cup of coffee or tea. I have almond milk at home, and my coffee just isn’t as good without it. As far as tea goes, I have access to a large assortment of tea that isn’t even a little bitter. I’ve yet to find a cafeteria with a good selection of hot tea.
You probably think that I get interrupted at home too. I don’t. At least, not in the same way. If someone calls me and I don’t pick up, they assume it’s because I’m busy, which is true, and don’t come by my house to see if I’m sufficiently busy not to have taken their call. At the cubicle farm, they would likely get up out of their seat and walk over to interrupt me with significantly more fervor. Working from home, they leave a voicemail or email and politely wait until I can return their call. I do respond to their call, by the way. I stop every few hours to answer voicemails, emails and even pick up phone calls if they happen to come in during the time I’m checking in.
I work from home to eliminate the stress of the commute and inappropriate interruptions. When I’m not in the office, it forces communication formalities which significantly increase my work output and efficiency. Quick note — there’s also never a line at the microwave, coffee machine, or bathroom!