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“Work From Home Can Easily Become Live At Work”: 30 People Share The Biggest Downsides Of Working From Home That Aren’t Talked About Enough
Over the recent years, working from home has become the new norm for millions of people around the world. It has some upsides; for some people, it allowed them to save precious time on commuting back and forth and minimized certain expenses, such as money spent on gas or lunch-break outings. Not to mention the additional hour of sleep in the mornings or the comfort of working in your sweatpants. However, every coin has two sides and working from home (also referred to as WFH) is in no way an exception.
Some of the drawbacks of such an arrangement were discussed by the ‘Ask Reddit’ community members. The user TheBruceDickenson asked them what is an unfortunate reality with WFH nobody talks about, and the redditors poured their hearts out. Their answers cover everything from a disturbed work-life balance, to missing wearing pencil skirts, so scroll down to find the disadvantages of working from home and see if you can relate to any of them.
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#1
Why do I feel like this is some "WFH bad!" propaganda? A lot of people saying they feel like they're jailed. What? Really? Just f*****g go outside and do something. Go to the gym. Play with your kids. You feel more jailed at home than you do in a s****y cubicle at work with your boss breathing down your neck? The f**k is wrong with you people?
Kurtz Frausun 2 years ago
UPVOTE THIS :) Hell yes. I only go into the office about once every 2 months now for just a day. And when I do, with the 45 minute commute one way, I think...I was an idiot for doing this everyday. WTH kind of system do we have here?
Roester 2 years ago
Both my wife and I work from home. We live on a boat and frequently will go outside, sit, talk and stare at the water. Neither of us feel jailed, just the opposite we feel free to be together, go on short walks, trim the herb garden, etc. do we work hard, meet goals, etc., yes but without the stress of commuting and wasted time in an office.
LovingKnuckle 2 years ago
This depends on your stage of your life. Many “experts” have spoken of the value of working from an office when you are young. Of you are older, married and especially have kids then WFH is ideal. But I moved to NY from Austin for my first job out of college and knew one person, my roommate there. I met all of my friends one way or another from work. I think going to an office when you are young not only helps with making connections and learning business communications as well as yes discipline.
Brenda 2 years ago
Some people (myself included) perform better in some settings. In college, I did WAY better in actual classes on campus than online classes. Personally, I'd do better in the office as that forces me to be invested and accountable (just like in college). I need interaction with actual people (not emails, texts, Zoom meetings, etc) on a fairly regular basis. Not necessarily everyday, but more often than most. I also understand that many people don't like going to an office. I say give employees a choice. They will do better in different situations and then the company benefits.
MonicaChicagoGal 2 years ago
I've been remote since 2019 I NEVER want to go back into an office! I save about $300 a month in gas alone. I had about a one hour commute each way. If there's a blizzard can't make it to the office, stalled car on the side of the expressway your late. I can go on and on with reasons to never go back...
Thegoodboi 2 years ago
My sister works from home, before covid it was hard for her to clean her big house. Now every time I go there, it's spotless and everything is just so satisfyingly neat and organized. I'm so jealous...
RELATED:
#2
When you work from home people assume you have the day off. "Can you do...."
No, I'm working. Just because I'm here working on the computer doesn't mean I can do your thing. Pay no attention to the fact that I'm browsing reddit, it's part of my process.
Shark Lady 2 years ago
My daughter has this problem with her in-laws, they think she can go to there's to let the dog out or go shopping for them. She tells them she can do it on her lunch break but they want it done the minute they text her.
#3
I was extremely disappointed to find that when I worked from home, stealing office supplies just didn't give the same thrill.
Doodles1983 2 years ago
Really? I stole my office chair and a screen from the office to work from home. It was THE biggest thrill!
Christof Irran 2 years ago
Same here - loaded the chair and my monitors from the office into my car one Sunday afternoon in 2020, and a couple days later got the email that we should take our chairs and monitors home if we wanted to. A real disappointment; here I thought I was getting away with this great heist...
Load More Replies... Christof Irran 2 years ago
LOL. Also, a real bummer is to have to drink your own coffee. And I really miss paying $5.25 in bridge toll every day when driving over the Tacoma Narrows Bridge to the park-and-ride. NOT.
#4
I'm missing out on a lot of "accidental" exercise.
I used to walk to the train station, then from the station at the far end to the office. Have a wander around at lunch.
Now, I walk from my bed to the shower, and from the shower to my office/man cave. If I had a Fitbit, it may get as high as 50 steps by lunch.
Robert T 2 years ago
You need to drink more coffee. Think of all those lovely steps to and from the kitchen. ;-)
Laugh or not 2 years ago
I got an up-and-down desk so I spend half my time standing on a balance cushion - balance board would be better, but I am afraid of the cat putting her paws or tail below and getting hurt. I also do some exercises during long meetings when I am not the one talking.
Rob Williams 2 years ago
I suppose you could get up at your usual time, get ready, and walk to the station and then come back home. Also, the lock down is over. There's nothing to stop you going for a wander at lunch time.
HangryHangryHippo 2 years ago
I was able to buy a standing/sitting desk and a secondhand walking treadmill. Best investment ever! Highly recommend 😊 I'm averaging 10km per day, spend less than 1/4 of the day sitting, and my back has never been happier!
Sami-Jo Ross 2 years ago
This is also a downside of going from retail to receptionist. I used to be on my feet 9 hours straight...now I'm on my butt almost 9 hours straight, save for brief trips to deliver paperwork next door.
Christof Irran 2 years ago
My office (prior to working from home) used to be on the 8th floor, and I virtually never used the elevator. D@mn, I was in great shape then.
The Cute Cat 2 years ago
Simple.. Have sex with your wife.. That is 100 calories.. For pleasure or not, it still count
#5
Work From Home can easily become Live at Work.
devotedtodreams 2 years ago
Only if you don't "turn off" work like you'd do at the office. When I work from home, I shut down the business laptop with the same discipline as I do in the office.
The Great Observo (sees nowt) 2 years ago
Yeah, the laptop and the job mobile get switched off at 1630 prompt and don't go on again until the following morning
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Nacho Man Sandy Ravage 2 years ago
I felt like this during the start of COVID lockdown but after buying a WiFi extender and working out in the garden made it so much more palatable
Christof Irran 2 years ago
A friend of mine worked in medical billing for major hospitals in the Seattle metro area, mainly from home. However, at least once a week, and later every other week she was forced to go into the office and work from there because they noticed that too many employees working from home just never stooped working and started to burn out. They hoped they could put a stop to that by making them all come in every so often.
MonicaChicagoGal 2 years ago
BS I start at 8am I'm off at 5pmm unless I'm working on a project just like I would in the office.
#6
WFH is freaking awesome, the only downside for me is less physical activity since I'm not walking around the office but that's easily remedied by increasing my workouts. No dealing with blabbermouth coworkers, not being forced to pretend I'm busy just to appease the boss, saving tons of money and time on commuting, I'll never go back to the office. The less connection I have to my company the happier I am and WFH is perfect for that. I can get my stuff done and disappear, that's how it should be.
My “in my head” Voice 2 years ago
OMG. We're doing hybrid, and there is a woman who does all her Teams meetings with no headphones and no attempt to be quiet. In fact I think she talks louder because she doesn't trust technology. Just shoot me.
#7
I have to buy all my own toilet paper
Rob Williams 2 years ago
This is the most relatable! I remember a former colleague who used to wait to go to the toilet in work because "it feels like I'm being paid to have a poo AND there's free toilet paper!"
Headless Roach 2 years ago
At least the abrasion grade is little more subtle for my precious a--
#8
Worked from home since last year, I find less reasons to go out and gained some weight too (realized early, already lost it thankfully). Lead me to barely take care of myself, since no reason to go out as I mentionned, and as someone who's already depressed, I was just "drowning" in my loneliness, no one to share a coffee during breaks, no one to chat with, no one to directly you ask you for something with a sense of actual purpose, etc...
Headless Roach 2 years ago (edited)
I'm a walking (exo?)skeleton after years of wfh. Great company with my every cup of coffee, too. Call me lucky then.
Arctic Remi 2 years ago
I had the same experience, but I feel like it's just because it's new for me. I had to study and work on set whole life, no wonder now I need some time and effort to adjust
#9
The good part is you get up at 7 and you’re in the office at 705. The bad news is you are still in the office at 705pm.
troufaki13 2 years ago
My work hours are 07.45 - 15.15 so 15.15.01 I just turn my computer off.
Nacho Man Sandy Ravage 2 years ago
Hours in office used to be standard Mon-Fri 9-5. Since working from home, the unofficial rule is to make sure your 35 hours are done so an extra half hour here and there means early finish on a Fri plus no commute either
Rob Williams 2 years ago
Only if you choose to be! Turn off your work computer and pick up your own, personal one.
Headless Roach 2 years ago
The most tricky part is to wake up before 9.30am to make it for that 8am call 🙃
#10
It's lonely. While I may occasionally be irked by a colleague here or there, I have a good group of supportive colleagues that I'm close friends with, and who help me get through the days that just seem to drag on. WFH you miss out on that socialisation and support.
Noya Bynes 2 years ago
This is the absolute BEST part of working from home. I save my social energy to spend with my friends and family instead of being socially exhausted from having to be social at work with meaningless chit chat and having no energy left for the relationships that really matter!
Vedette Aecus 2 years ago
And not to mention all the lost focus and productivity from people dropping by to chat.
Load More Replies... Arctic Remi 2 years ago
I don't find it a problem, I mean we have so many messangers and you can just Skype/Discord and talk while working with anyone if you want to
Tobias Reaper 2 years ago
this is the thing for me the loneliness i talk to people all day but it is very lonely job i sometimes prefer it but at times its tough
RedCorvette 2 years ago
For an introvert like me I don’t have to feel like I need downtime because I’ve been with people all day.
#11
I just had to fire my MIL from watching my Toddler while I was working from home. MIL would be in the living room watching my toddler and would make snide comments about me saying I do nothing ALL day but sit infront of the computer, not cleaning the toddlers mess, even though I clean the house every morning. She would compare herself when on how she was a hard worker when she was young as a managing the fruit Isle. She would say I don't know how you can sit there when it's so nice outside. She called me LAZY. She would go up to be during important meetings asking me this and that and get angry and call me rude of If shuush her because I am in a meeting. Fired her and never looked back. Some people think sitting Infront of the computer is not really working. I am a finance manager so it's a very high stress job.
Robert T 2 years ago
Those that don't use computers regularly really don't understand that the computer does not do all the work. I develop software for a living, and whilst I may be sat at a computer all day, my brain will be working overtime trying to solve some complex problem, probably more so as I work alone, so don't have anyone to bounce ideas off. The annoying part is when it is still wrestling with it and comes up with a solution at 3am.
Helena 2 years ago
The worst is when inspiration strikes while you're driving and you're sure you're going to forget the finer details by the time you can hit the keyboard.
Load More Replies... Wintermute 2 years ago
I got this a lot when working night shift. Sleep past noon and suddenly everyone thinks you're just being lazy. As though you'd been sleeping for more than 3 hours and hadn't spent the whole time they were at sleep working your a*s off.
Sonja 2 years ago (edited)
Yeah, I feel ya. I had my in laws complain that I sleep all day and don't do housework. I was a baker. I came nome around 1pm and then I'd have a long shower and did something so my brain wouldn't turn into mush like reading or going on walks,then started cooking.so food would be finished when my husband came home from work. Then we'd eat, then I'd go to sleep. At night I'd get up at 11:30pm to be at work at 1am. And that Monday till Friday with the odd day off in between. Every single Saturday my work would start at 0:30am and last till 12 am. So on Fridays my husband would cook so I could eat as soon as I got home and then shower and go to sleep. I again went to sleep at Saturday as soon as I came home so we could have a somewhat normal sunday. Except for cooking, my husband would do most chores. My in laws though as the woman I should do chores since I was home most of the day. They just didn't count the hours I was at work at night and that despite my fil working night shifts too!
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#12
Using your own heating and electricity.
Robert T 2 years ago
They may get tax relief on this. I run my own company from home and there is an amount I can claim for using my residence as an office, which covers heating, lighting, electricty etc. Even if you don't get paid for it, you will still save on the cost of commuting to/from work, which you can't claim for under UK tax law.
Load More Replies... Kurtz Frausun 2 years ago
And you are saving on gas/vehicle maintenance (or public transportation), eating out, etc. My gas bill for driving weekly dropped from $80 a week to $10 a week.
shawna Reich 2 years ago
US doesnt give 2 hoots about their employees never pays a livable wage unless your doctor
Doodles1983 2 years ago
Offset by cheaper car and home insurance. Less mileage and less public parking. More time at home reduces break in risk. Plus tax refund for wfh.
Tucker Cahooter 2 years ago
In Australia you can claim a tax deduction for WFH (simplest method to use is 62c per hour)
#13
Sitting all day has absolutely destroyed my core. Without needing to constantly get up and walk over to talk to someone or any of the other million little things I walked around at the office for, my body has slowly wasted away without my notice
shawna Reich 2 years ago
get up and jog in onee place, jumping jacks push ups, there is no excuse
Vedette Aecus 2 years ago
Set of small dumbells next to the desk, use along with walking in place during camera-less online meetings and phone calls
Arctic Remi 2 years ago
I want to try the working some time while standing but I need to set up the working table for that. Also tea/coffee? Maybe quick or not so much run to a local store for a snack/coffee to go? Depends on where one lives of course
CanadianDimes 2 years ago
I am up and down so much more at home than I am in the office. At the end of a day in the office I really notice how stiff and tired I am.
#14
That if you're someone who has a different "head space" at home vs at work, it can be xtremely difficult working from home. Some people can literally work from home and "dial in" if you will to the same level of attention or better than in an office setting. Others (like myself) have difficulty focusing on work at home. Even when I know I have work to do, when I'm at home, that part of my brain just shuts off and I have a very hard time staying focused. My fiancé would often mock me, but I would dress as if I were going to the office even when at home. Something about the routine of it, putting myself in the position as if I were physically "at work", put me in the right head space to focus better on my work.
Brenda 2 years ago (edited)
I just posted this very thing! I need the accountability and structure being in a certain setting requires. In college, I struggled with online classes, but excelled in actual classrooms. It's different for everyone
Anna Heath 2 years ago
In college I scheduled online classes between regular classes or they didn’t get done.
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Demongrrrrl 2 years ago
Interview coaches tell you to dress professionally and stand up when you are interviewing for a job.
Vicki Cunningham 2 years ago
I got to where I didn't even change out of my pajamas. Got up, made coffee, went into the room where the office was. We only did it for 9 or so months during Covid. I was glad to get back to the actual office.
shawna Reich 2 years ago
thats the way to do it whether its silly or not, its effective, jokes on her
#15
When you and your partner both work from home, you miss that natural separation of your lives. Suddenly you have much less to talk about, because you're living your lives together more than previously, and then takes more active effort to maintain individuality and not regress into the singular relationship entity in all aspects of life which isn't healthy for anyone.
Jan Rosier 2 years ago (edited)
Meh... did this for nine months during lockdown. She (56) is a history teacher to kids on the autismspectrum between 13 and 16 and I (56m) work in international shipping. Couldn't be much further apart career-wise. Still feel we grew even closer, even after 25 years of marriage, in these nine months.
Mav Mav 2 years ago
many couples took the time to become reacquainted, literally
Load More Replies... Roester 2 years ago
Being together 24/7 works for my wife and I. We both work from home, same field, same company same boss. We eat lunch together and after work we sit outside and talk, have never run out of things to talk about. It may not be for everyone but it is great for us. I guess we are the odd ones.
Hey! 2 years ago
I guess we're odd too. My husband and I are together 24/7 since he retired (and during COVID). We do volunteer work together. If silence is part of the day, it's intended, like I'm reading my Kindle and he's checking the news. We've never been alone before the children left the house so this is great for us, even after almost 35 years.
Load More Replies... Kurtz Frausun 2 years ago
My wife and I both work from home. My office is upstairs and hers is downstairs. Been doing that for 2 years now. I eventually turned my office into a mini apartment: futon bed, mini fridge, microwave. Have everything I need except a bathroom. Every couple of days, I sleep up there alone or just spend more time away, with the Xbox so no complaints. :) Works great for us. And we've grown even closer with the healthy distance. Sometimes she jokes "can I stay at your place tonight?" Helps a lot.
Arctic Remi 2 years ago
I think this one is either the habit thing, meaning it just needs time to adjust and establish a comfortable routine. Or is just a personality mismatch. WFH gives you more time and energy to pursue new hobbies, maybe that can be a cool thing for both partners and will make relationships better?
D. Pitbull 2 years ago
Yeeeah... when I married my partner, I was already f/t Work from Home so... made zero difference. I agree you need some 'time apart' - soo... we just MAKE time apart... he wants to go out, he goes out - his computer/chill space is in a completely different part of the house...
#16
I miss wearing my nice work outfits. The only reason I leave home is to pick up groceries, go to the gym, or go to church, so 80% of my wardrobe is going unworn.
But I do NOT miss my 2+ hour round-trip commute, so I would never wear a pencil skirt again if it meant I had to go back to that traffic hell.
Lemaire 2 years ago
Why not wear decent clothes to run errands? In fact, at least here in the States, I've always been disappointed with how most people go around in public like they just got out of bed or about to go muck out the stables. Have some self respect and respect for others when you are out in public.
Hey! 2 years ago
I was brought up to do this. I'm in Canada but my mother was American. My father also did this and so did my husband's parents.
Load More Replies... Headless Roach 2 years ago (edited)
I still wear the upper half of my best outfits 🙃 Don't miss stilettos that much, I really don't. Imagine a tall thin cockroach on heels - utterly ridiculous anyway.
MonicaChicagoGal 2 years ago
I get up every morning shower, dress, makeup my face just like I'm going to the office just no shoes.
Christof Irran 2 years ago
I spend a good deal of my day (~3hrs) in meetings (Zoom and MSTeams) with the camera on, and every day I make sure I look like I came straight from Pitti Uomo.
D'oh Rae is Me 2 years ago
I work in a "professional" environment and haven't had a formal business dresscode since 2017. We can wear whatever ad long as we're not too sloppy (i.e. torn shirts, track pants, crocs, etc) and wear business atire to conferences and business meetings. Total game changer when you're comfy at work. I'm a little old school so I still try to wear dress pants and blouses, but I'm glad I dont have to if I'm not feeling it.
#17
Probably not very healthy to have even LESS physical activity throughout the day.
Kelly Kenrick 2 years ago
I WFH and do 15,000 steps a day. Take a walk in the morning for half an hour, then once every hour walk a couple rounds up and down the hall, at lunch go for a half hour walk. It’s not hard
Anna Heath 2 years ago
I had an alarm that went off every 40 minutes. I got up, walked away, had coffee, hit the bathroom, sent a text not work related and then went back
shawna Reich 2 years ago
jumping jacks, push ups jogging in place stretches, all in your own home but should be encouraged to go outside
Roester 2 years ago
Maybe I just have a great boss…I go to the gym midday for an hour or so and just log in early or log out a little late. I’m a productive worker so that may help. In a former WFH job, my dad got sick and I went to be with him, told my boss where I was, his answer “you could be in Belize working and I wouldn’t care, you get your work done “ great guy.
#18
You feel jailed, like you work in your house, you clean the house, you cook for the family in the house and when everybody gets home from school/work you are the only one who did not get to go outside. nobdy want's to come outside with you because they were outside all day.
Dan 2 years ago
This is how I feel. I have no work/life balance because my job is ALWAYS right there. Even with my laptop closed it doesn't feel like I'm away from work. The thought that I have to do this for 20-30 more years is so depressing.
Doodles1983 2 years ago
This. I once went to get a coffee for a change of scene. Got home. Cried on the driveway as didn’t want to go back to house jail.
Sheila Carty 2 years ago
Have you tried a coworking space? I rent a desk in a great place. When I want to put my head down & work, I can, when I need to speak to a human, they're right there
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Sandra Libertad 2 years ago
I totally feel this, I was becoming depressed, going to bed at 6 pm because I felt sad and lonely. Luckily my husband realized this and we are working on it, hanging out on weekdays and making more outside activities on the weekends
Anna Heath 2 years ago
Schedule breaks and lunch just like at work. Leave the house for lunch, leave the house after your scheduled work time, take a walk or drive just like at work.
Arctic Remi 2 years ago
I am so sorry that is your experience. But to be honest, I'm more sorry my previous bosses had the same and made everyone go back to the office. I'm super happy WFH and I hope soon we'll be able to choose the most comfortable format without company pushing employees alltogether to the one selected format
#19
The crippling loneliness. I rarely speak with anyone during my work day. My wife works two jobs, and my daughter is in a school sport as well as having a job. Most days of the week I am home, alone, and only see my family for about 30 minutes if that. At least when I worked at the office I would see other people for eight hours a day.
Anna Drever 2 years ago
I’m assuming that this commenter is an extrovert. As an introvert being by myself is rarely an issue.
#20
Omg yes. When I started WFH due to pregnancy struggles, I noticed that we would have a lot of people knocking on the door. I take calls so I’m not just lounging around. I would let the door go unanswered and then I would see my MIL calling me and sending me messages that so and so will be stopping by for x thing. I told her I’m busy working and cannot leave my desk. Another thing that would happen would be her aunt who was living with us at the time would come to the living room to watch TV and videos on her phone. The fact that I had to tell her more than once that I am WORKING so she needs to watch TV in another room baffled me. I also had to explain that I have access to people’s medical information and how would she feel if she called her doctor’s office and the person she was having a conversation with was discussing her private information in front of others.
#21
It’s veeeerrry easy to start drinking too early in the day. 3:00 is ALMOST quitting time, might as well have a drink.
Christof Irran 2 years ago
I don't know... If this were really a problem, then the problem is much deeper rooted and was already there before working from home. - Trust me, I know! That's why I checked myself into rehab 16 years ago and haven't touched alcohol since then.
Paul Scheermeijer 2 years ago
As soon as I THINK of work I need a drink. No matter what the hour
#22
Theres something to be said for the drive home. It separates work life from home life and gives you time to transition. Working from home there's a blurred line that makes it hard to separate work and home.
Robert T 2 years ago
Yeah, it gives you a nice bout of roadrage to separate the two. When I worked in an office only a couple of miles away down country roads, it was a pleasant change. When the office moved into the city centre it was a right royal pain in the jacksie. As I said above, if you can create an area for work, separate from the rest of your home life, you can more easily say to yourself "I am working/I am not working".
Jennifer_Crowley_Luci 2 years ago
I've changed that by going outside and tending to plants for about an hour. That was my normal commute, so I'm still outdoors and looking at nature, just more interactive and my yard is happier! :)
Jeremy Klaxon 2 years ago
I don't feel that at all. 17:00 I'm an employee, 17:01 I'm chilling at home.
Hey! 2 years ago
I saw this on Pinterest and thought it was hilarious, but then, the guy is keeping his marbles too. WFH-Travel...a514ac.jpg 
Tucker Cahooter 2 years ago
I'm happy I only have to deal with Canberra's rude and impatient drivers for the one day of the week when I have to front up at the office
#23
My wife works from home and it seems like a very sedentary lifestyle. Sometimes, she doesn't even have to get dressed.
I don't know, it just seems like if you're already anxious or depressed, you can accidentally become a shut-in.
James016 2 years ago
I found not getting dressed a step too far. Getting washed and dressed helps me feel fresher
Roester 2 years ago
I agree we both WFH, my wife showers, does makeup and dresses well, says she needs to to keep feeling feminine, no complaints from me. I shave shower, jeans and polo shirt ( sometimes around noon), it works for us. Some of this is people being lazy, not an excuse in my opinion.
Load More Replies... #24
I love working from home but it can give you an everybody is just a stranger vibes. Loss of connection to the outside world is real.
#25
No one seems to understand that you're really properly working. People will come into your room and ask you unimportant questions and you seem rude telling them you're working and sending them away.
Brenda 2 years ago
When hubby was working from home, he took over my crafting table for his office area. All my materials were in that room. But it wasn't really that hard to get things together and take them to our bedroom. I could craft, watch TV, talk on the phone, etc. When he was working, he got that room. He was still working, regardless of where he was doing it.
Christof Irran 2 years ago (edited)
Had that very thing happen earlier today. Pulled my hair, looked at her and said "OK what the fork was I just doing? Remind me and then get out!"
#26
Overall, I love WFH. Don't have to dress up, don't have to commute, and I'm so much more productive without all the normal office interruptions that I'm working fewer hours and accomplishing more. My car insurance is a lot cheaper (because I changed to one of those pay by the mile plans), and I'm not spending money on gas. I cook for myself now, so I'm not paying for daily lunch. The only issue that I've really noticed is that leaving the house has become an Event. I don't just go hop in the car and go somewhere anymore. I left my house once (?) last week, and it took actual planning to do. I don't FEEL lonely, but I'm sure the many, many hours I spend at home by myself is taking some kind of mental toll.
Jennifer_Crowley_Luci 2 years ago
I feel this! I don't want to go anywhere ever anymore. BUT, I love my little home! I never really was a huge person about going out and doing things. I do hang out with friends on the weekend, but not every weekend and I think I'm doing okay. My cat still seems to think so as well :D And the outdoor birds get to eat more feed as well!
#27
Loud neighbours.
#28
Every discussion needs to be intentional. Forget about chance meetings in the hallway. Forget about casual lunches where you build relationships. Forget about contact with anyone outside of your immediate team. None of that will happen without you making an effort to set up time. If you don't take the time to manage things, long term WFH kills networking, culture and comraderie.
Robert T 2 years ago
Depends upon how your work is organised. I used to work closely with a colleague (and friend) and we would regularly fire up an online meeting just to bounce ideas off one another and talk about non-work stuff. It was quite funny that his family got to thinking of me being there, and would say hi. I could also tell when the kids got home as I could hear the fridge door open. LOL
Vedette Aecus 2 years ago
Not at all. I work with people all across the country, and we were always able to establish relationships without ever seeing one another in person. WFH made no change whatsoever.
Sonja 2 years ago
I just set my slack status on open zoom whenever I work on something that's not too complicated or sensitive and then open my zoom room. Then people flock in to work together. Most are newer colleagues who like to have someone close by to ask questions, but every other day colleagues log in for a quick chat. My company also has open zoom rooms ready during lunchtime where people can mog in during lunch for chats. I really don't feel lonely while working from home
zovjraar me 2 years ago
nah, i often send emails to my co-workers like, why is today so slow?! or... omg is it time to go yet?!?
#29
Don't know about work from home but I have grown to absolutely despise online schooling like classes through Zoom. There is little to no social interaction with your peers and your ability to learn and retain information is significantly hindered. Also, in cases of students who have little to no social life outside of school, it can lead to a great increase in anxiety and depression.
Vicki Cunningham 2 years ago
Numerous studies from 2019 on have shown that for all ages, comprehension is definitely better when reading from print vs. computer screen. I personally feel student's use of computers 100% in schools is detrimental to learning.
Con O Cuinn 2 years ago
Online college nearly made me drop out. A zoom screen is much smaller than a whiteboard so if you're someone who can't take notes at a fast pace, you miss half of what's being written. No matter the effort on the lecturer's behalf, there is never going to be the same level of interaction as there is in person. Since you're not interacting, the imposter syndrome is insane since it feels like you're the only one having a problem. Couple that with the isolation and I'm honestly surprised I didn't unalive myself. I never had close to a panic attack before this. I don't think it's a surprise that so many of my course ended up deferring until colleges were open again.
#30
•Depending on your company, you may need to pay for your own office setup if you want to work efficiently •Less reason to go out •Decreased social interaction •Decreased work life balance. Some people may have a harder time shutting the computer and logging off for the day With all that said, I would easily take the downs mentioned above if it meant not coming into the office
Christof Irran 2 years ago
We got a $600 stipend from our company to set up our home office. Mine paid for mesh wifi, a webcam, a ring light, a better chair, and small stuff. GTRacing-6...8c2183.jpg 
alex cosgrove 2 years ago
I started my first WFH job Feb 2022 and training was hard. I now work 2 days in the office and 3 days at home. What I love about WFH is that I never really settled into my rental.. it always felt like a bed and a roof - not a home. Recently I decided to paint the office wall behind my desk, decorate, add plants, and make it a whole vintage vibe. I love it. For the first time I'm 10 years of renting here I feel like it's my home. I also have had dogs that I walk daily, we stop to talk to neighbors and I have a good community around me. If I could, I'd work from home full time.
#32
This happens in our house. I don't work. So, I hang out , water my plants, smoke weed. Maybe do a jigsaw puzzle. It's usually a pretty laid back day. My husband, on the other hand, works very hard upstairs in his office. I can hear him on calls where he's getting all fired up and then he gets off the call, comes out of his office and tells me the same stuff I just heard, just with more f-bombs. I am still thankful for everything!!
#33
For me, it’s the fact that nobody seems to understand or respect the fact that I don’t like working from home. Everybody treats it like it’s the future of work and companies are terrible if they don’t embrace full WFH policies. Since our company switched to a hybrid schedule (you can take a few wfh days a week), my coworkers think I’m nuts for being in office most days. We all work differently and need different environments to be productive. If you find wfh to be best, that’s great - I just wish there was a little more acceptance that some of us (from my experience, a small minority lol) prefer to be in the office.
Christof Irran 2 years ago
I live on an island near Seattle, and the way electricity is delivered to the 2000 households here hasn't been utilized in the more civilized parts of the world since the last century. Hence frequent power outages during the windy season (autumn), and I would love to have an office to go to on such electricity-free days.
#34
Having stress from work now be inside your home. I hate that my bedroom (where my desk resides) is now a trigger for work anxiety. Once my boss called me to yell at me about something and it all happened in my own home. I liked leaving the stress of work behind at the office at the end of day...now it's always with me. Also, work-life balance has been demolished. My company was eventually like "Well, you work from home, why aren't you working earlier and later? Why aren't you logging in on weekends? Let's schedule meetings from 11am-3pm, eff your lunch."
Doodles1983 2 years ago
Yup. Stress, or even just one bad day, invades home life and becomes inescapable. Shift it all out of a room that’s meant to be a relaxing space. Bedroom is the worst place to be set up.
#35
The heating/cooling bills. It'll be on all day because the house is always occupied.
Doodles1983 2 years ago
Offset by reduced driving fuel bills. Also check for car and home insurance discount
#36
As it turned out, many people don't really like their kids.
#37
I’ve been WFH in solitary confinement for 2 years. Just laid off. Now I have to go from indoor cat that hides under the bed to outdoor feral, dodging cars and finding my own mice.
Christof Irran 2 years ago
My cats have been WFH since early 2014. They reliably show up for work every day. Their work, since I became WFH, consist mainly of making me listen to them snore, engendering envy in my soul.
#38
Lack of hygiene routine. Bad posture. Working harder to prove to your bosses rhst you don't want to go back to the office
#39
When I'm done work I often just wait for an appropriate time to go to bed.
I have more time than when I commuted. Yet I do nothing. How.
#40
Lack of motivation. Why get up earlier than needed? Why get dressed in the morning if no one's going to see me? Why brush my teeth? Why do anything? Lack of boundaries. Nothing is stopping me from doing my laundry while I'm supposed to be working. But nothing's stopping my boss from asking me to grab him some files while I'm supposed to be off. Lack of interaction. It's lonely and does a number on my social skills. The confinement. My supervisors are pretty laid back so I had a LOT of freedom in the office. A lot of my tasks were also away from the computer and I basically had to stop doing those entirely when I was working from home. Aside from illicit laundry breaks, I had no "legitimate" reason to get up and do things. Not to mention giving up my roomy workspace at the office in favor of a small, cluttered desk. WFH became more of an insult as stuff was opening back up, too, since I could finally get away from my house but was required to stay in for 40 hours of my waking time. Also? I personally enjoy my commute. It's 10 minutes through a nice area of town. Traffic is never bad unless I leave late. It feels like the beginning of an adventure, even if it's not.
#41
No boundary between home and office, your time and work time.
You don't need to get dressed. You don't get the commute to get mentally ready for day at work and to decompress after said day.
Full Name 2 years ago
Those problems are easily solved. e.g. Do 30 mins of yoga before and after work. Or read BP for 30 mins after work to decompress.
Roester 2 years ago
I agree, set some goals folks, make your bed, brush your teeth, make coffee, etc. after work go for a walk, go to the gym for your otherwise commute time. It’s easy to say whoa is me, but it is all solvable. Waiting for my first down vote
Load More Replies...
#42
I thought I hated my job because I was forced to commute 40 minutes each way and forced to be physically present in the office even when my work was already finished. After I started working from home I realized it was the job itself I hated, not the commute or any other part of it.
#43
I've been working remotely for the better part of 5 years and love it. If I had to say anything negative , I would say internet connectivity is more vital , but even that isn't even much of a unfortunately reality because I live in NYC and there's Strong connectivity nearly everywhere I've been.
#44
Its depressing as hell. Been WFH 100% of the time for the entire pandemic. Same with my wife. We see each other all day every day which isn't great for our relationship, and since we had a baby during the pandemic, we don't really have the ability to get out much outside of work hours which makes the issue worse. Every day begins to feel the same, like groundhogs day. My hygiene has gotten kind of bad because showering isn't as necessary when you don't leave the house. I used to shower every day, now its maybe 2-3 times a week. Some days I barely move. I basically only go from the bedroom to the office, to the kitchen to eat, and then it's back to sitting down. Thankfully, I haven't really gained weight, but I feel weak as hell. It doesn't help its the heart of January so its 10 degrees outside, as I used to take walks during the day. What was once my man cave and my place of rest is now my office so I have lost the feeling of peace from being in this room. I used to play a lot of PC games, but I rarely spend any time in my office outside of working because it feels like my work place and I can't relax there anymore. I have reverted back into a console player so I can play games on my TV in the living room, although I only beat one video game in 2021 compared to about 20 in 2020, mostly due to being a new father. We moved away from the city to get a bigger place and pay less for rent, but I would absolutely kill to go back to 2019 when I used to walk a mile to the train station only to cram myself into a train with 100 other people. I miss going out to lunch with people at work, being taken to dinner by my vendors, or even just having a reason to go somewhere. I miss having a relationship with anyone other than my wife, and looking at anything other than a handful of screens all day.
#45
As a recent grad, it’s so much harder to learn job responsibilities. Can’t walk over to a desk to ask and I’m not the best learner on zoom. Also I feel like I barely know my coworkers
#46
Due to the realities of Zoom meetings, over time, you'll wear your nice shirts a lot more often than your pants. This is the modern mullet. Business on the top, party pants on the bottom. If I was a smart man, I'd invest heavily in companies that make sweat pants and comfy socks.
#47
I have to think and plan what I want to eat for lunch everyday. When I go to the office I usually go to the work canteen or a nearby restaurant for lunch, now that I still mostly work from home I rarely go to restaurants for lunch and cook myself. On the positive side I learned some new recipes.
#48
If I use annual leave I just come back to all the work the day after. I work in a large college and honestly I haven't got the slightest idea how the other departments are doing, I seem to be completely left out of any discussions regarding my role and just get emails telling me the extra tasks that now magically been assigned to me. I now go into the office twice a week which is perfect for me. Thankfully I have permission to do my work on my home computer but I feel sorry for my colleagues who have to use the college laptops. They are so s**t they don't even have an ethernet port!
#52
All the stupid house and kid c**p falls on me because my workday is flexible. Rotating laundry, picking up the kids, caring for them if they are sick, letting in the repair people, etc. Plus my mom and sister who don't work always act like I'm rude if I don't go to their two-hour lunch outings.
#53
I’m f*****g bored out of my mind working from home. Say what you want about workplaces being sterile, blah blah blah, at least there’s human interaction. Everything over the phone, on video and on the computer is a pretty f****d up version of reality. I’m now at the point where our office is closed for the public, but I can go in a few days a week. Even though my commute is about an hour and a half total, I’d rather do that. Can’t wait until I can retire in just under six years, but who’s counting?
Vicki Cunningham 2 years ago
And retirement would be better? I'm nervous to retire, because it might become a rut like WFH. Got to find a part time job, or volunteering or something to get out of the house.
#54
I’ve found it has really exacerbated my social anxiety. I’ve been 100% WFH for almost two years now and at this point I’m so used to only seeing my wife and kids that basically running into anyone else I know kind of triggers me. I guess the moderate amount of interaction I used to have on a day to day basis was good for me.
#55
That I’m actually not working. Instead of surfing the net, chatting to colleagues and sitting in unimportant meetings scrolling through social media, I’m now cleaning and doing my washing while pushing through a new series marathon. I literally then sit down, and complete all my work in 3 hours or less just before a deadline.
Tucker Cahooter 2 years ago
Sounds great! You get chores done during the week instead of having to do them all on the weekend, and you have more time to enjoy the social side of the internet
#56
The isolation/loneliness wouldnt be such an issue during pre covid times. The combination of working from home, Living alone and quarantine (immunity issues make me high risk) can be difficult though.
#57
A lot of Cafe's and small shops in Cities are going bankrupt. It's unfortunate but unavoidable.
James016 2 years ago
The flipside is that local cafes and small shops are getting more business.
Doodles1983 2 years ago
I.e. local businesses boosted, instead of chains busted. Unfortunately. Chains employ more people.
Load More Replies... Christof Irran 2 years ago
A lot of downtown real estate can be converted from office space to residential units. This is likely wishful thinking on my part, and I don't know whether this is actually happening. It would sure ameliorate the housing shortage in Seattle, maybe even generate low-income housing and housing for our hordes of homeless people here. Sigh...
#58
Depending on your living situation, your room can become your workspace and it feels real bad. I work in my room, it feels like my space is now not my owns,. I have had my clients see my room and it sucks
#59
Not everyone lives in a 3000sqft house with a yard in the middle of nowhere, even if they work from home. Sometimes you have to be in a city (either your partner has a job where they have to be in person, or maybe you just like cities...), and that often means smaller places, and noisier environments. If you live in 1 bedroom and both you and your partner are in meetings at the same time, it can be tough to not pick each other's audio. Those soundproof booths are becoming pretty popular. In the same vein, noise ordinances in cities really assume you're not at home during the day. Dealing with construction across the street all day while trying to have a Zoom meeting is rough.
#61
People assume that working from home means not working, no, I can't go deliver s**t..I'M WORKING You have no right to lunch time since "you can eat alongside the computer" You have no right to an exit time "you don't have to travel back home so keep working for a few more hours" You sleep and eat where you work, psychologically speaking, you never leave the office You live in a family that likes to fight? Then good f*****g luck
#62
I have to be quiet when my roommate are working when I'm home too. Basically I'm hanging out at my friend's work.
#63
Families don't grow close when they spend so much time together. They end up finding reasons to dislike each other more.
#64
The depression that comes with it. When my fiance was working from home while with a call center he hated the fact that "work" was less than 5 feet from his bed. He ended up quitting because he found it depressing how he couldn't ever really feel like he was getting away from work/terrible customers (anyone that's ever worked a call center know how bad the customers can be)
#65
My Zoom calls starts at 8.30 AM and ends around 9 PM (not all days, but most). I would still trade in work from home to going to office any day. At least I can turn off the video and not have to see people I don't like.
#66
Also, in cases of students who have little to no social life outside of school, it can lead to a great increase in anxiety and depression.
#67
You never feel like you leave work behind.
Jennifer_Crowley_Luci 2 years ago
I'm okay with it since I was lucky enough to not have to put my office in my bedroom. And the way its set up, I don't even think about it even though its in the living room. Just a computer. :) But, I can understand the sentiment for sure! I do live alone as well, so the cat doesn't mind my working.
Tucker Cahooter 2 years ago
When I was younger I had that problem of not being able to shut off from work. Now that I am older I find that work disappears from my mind the minute I switch off the laptop
#68
I'm not taking regular breaks. In office, there is regular chats, time to get cups of tea, little breaks from time to time. All because there are people about. At home, I work solidly from 8:30am to 12 lunchtime before I realise I need to stop and take a break. Then I work from 1pm to probably 4pm before realising I should take another break possibly. I don't finish until 5:30 and the last hour I'm just a bit dead inside. I am super tired from I WFH.
Doodles1983 2 years ago
Schedule desk breaks into your calendar and have them pop up on your screen.
#70
All of these comments are the reasons I went back into the office after about two months of working from home. There are only a few people working in the office so it still gets lonely at times, but not to the extent that it does when I’m at home alone in my apartment 24/7.
#71
If you're not married and you die no one's gonna miss you for like...4-5 days. Having to take a s**t in my own toilet and use my own plumbing and toilet paper Being isolated from co-workers and have no social interaction with them. Constant temptations to be less productive like your bed and Netflix The feeling that you "didn't do anything" because you never left the house. Complete dependence on a good internet connection.
What do you think ?
Lydia Languish 2 years ago
The fact that so many people want to go to the office to socialize is the reason I want to keep working from home.
Ali H M Salehuddin 2 years ago
I agree with this one. The fact that I meet them only during zoom meetings is liberating. I do not need outside-of-work-related-matter socialization. I am totally fine of not speaking to anyone from the office for the whole day.
Load More Replies... D. Pitbull 2 years ago
Yeah... the only downside I find for wfh is the decrease in physical activity. The rest of these seem to be from those who didn't figure out the basics of wfh and suffered for it. Basics like, you set your boundaries the same as you would an office job - workday ends, you don't log onto that workplace VPN again (or even better, you use a workplace-provided computer/laptop - that thing is turned OFF and set aside until the next day) and from the get-go, you treat people "popping in because you're just working from home" the same way you'd treat someone strolling into your office at work. "I'm at work, is there an emergency? No? Okay, that's good. I'm at work, bye now." I've found more than anything people aren't liking that they're learning more about their 'housemates' (kids/partners) than they want to (the stories... the stories...)
Jake stenhouse 2 years ago
I agree, the posts in this article are pretty pitiful reasons not to work from home
Load More Replies...
Victoria 2 years ago
A lot of the comments above seem like people need to set boundaries. When I started WFM my habit was wake up, make coffee, turn on computer. Then I'd sit there, set up all my systems and chat via Zoom with co workers, grab more coffee and back to chatting. Next thing I know I start my actual work in 5 minutes aaaaand I haven't eaten, showered ect.... DO NOT DO THIS! Wake up, enjoy your coffee AWAY from your work set up. Definitely try to set up your "office" away from your bed or places you tend to hang out. If not possible get a cheap blanket or something to throw over the work station when you turn your computer off (that's right, you're off, computer is off). Maybe outta sight, outta mind will help. Get dressed.... or at least change clothes. Even if it's from PJs A to PJs B...
Snow_White 2 years ago
For anyone who's complaining about having to work from home, don't take those positions. There are more hybrid/office roles available so leave WFH to those who want it and don't s**t of on a very helpful work model.
Стеван Радоичић 2 years ago
I've always hated the office and the people in it (apart from a few) and I've been working from home since January 2020 and love every part of it! I hate commuting, I hate wearing "nice" clothes, I hate small talk, company meetings etc. I guess I'm a heavy-weight introvert after all!
Hey! 2 years ago (edited)
When my husband needs to record a video, he puts up a sign on the office door and tells me in advance. When the kids were at home, they respected this. During COVID, he had Zoom/Teams, etc. meetings. Once in a while, a reporter wants to ask questions for something that's going on in the world. I don't start singing! Something's wrong with today's world if people can't accept that sometimes you have to be quiet and not disturb people working.
A.M. Pierre 2 years ago
I love working from home and (if I can help it) will never go back to an office again. As far as the exercise thing goes, I honestly get far more exercise now - if I need a break and a moment to clear my head, I go hop on my bike and ride around the neighborhood for a half hour or so. Back at the office, the only place to get some alone time was in the bathroom.
ShayXie 2 years ago
I absolutely love working from home. It's quiet, and I'm not interrupted constantly by people that like to take laps around the building and chitchat. Even with letting my SIX dogs in and out constantly, they're less disruptive than being in my actual office. I'm so productive and take less refresh breaks, and yes- I do end up working longer hours because I don't have to stop in the middle of something when I'm on a roll. I have no problem turning off my computer when I'm done. Yeah. I love it. It took me months to re-settle after wfh for almost two years during Covid, and I'm still cranky that I was dragged back to the office. Everybody was so gd happy to see everybody else and I just kept my door shut most of the time until I could handle being around people without being a jerk.
Jo March's Red Fox 2 years ago
When I have to go into the office, I get NOTHING done because of the people who want to go in to socialize.
Monica Michelle 2 years ago
Work from home allowed a bunch of us from the disability community join the work force
Lydia Languish 2 years ago
The fact that so many people want to go to the office to socialize is the reason I want to keep working from home.
Ali H M Salehuddin 2 years ago
I agree with this one. The fact that I meet them only during zoom meetings is liberating. I do not need outside-of-work-related-matter socialization. I am totally fine of not speaking to anyone from the office for the whole day.
Load More Replies... D. Pitbull 2 years ago
Yeah... the only downside I find for wfh is the decrease in physical activity. The rest of these seem to be from those who didn't figure out the basics of wfh and suffered for it. Basics like, you set your boundaries the same as you would an office job - workday ends, you don't log onto that workplace VPN again (or even better, you use a workplace-provided computer/laptop - that thing is turned OFF and set aside until the next day) and from the get-go, you treat people "popping in because you're just working from home" the same way you'd treat someone strolling into your office at work. "I'm at work, is there an emergency? No? Okay, that's good. I'm at work, bye now." I've found more than anything people aren't liking that they're learning more about their 'housemates' (kids/partners) than they want to (the stories... the stories...)
Jake stenhouse 2 years ago
I agree, the posts in this article are pretty pitiful reasons not to work from home
Load More Replies... Victoria 2 years ago
A lot of the comments above seem like people need to set boundaries. When I started WFM my habit was wake up, make coffee, turn on computer. Then I'd sit there, set up all my systems and chat via Zoom with co workers, grab more coffee and back to chatting. Next thing I know I start my actual work in 5 minutes aaaaand I haven't eaten, showered ect.... DO NOT DO THIS! Wake up, enjoy your coffee AWAY from your work set up. Definitely try to set up your "office" away from your bed or places you tend to hang out. If not possible get a cheap blanket or something to throw over the work station when you turn your computer off (that's right, you're off, computer is off). Maybe outta sight, outta mind will help. Get dressed.... or at least change clothes. Even if it's from PJs A to PJs B...
Snow_White 2 years ago
For anyone who's complaining about having to work from home, don't take those positions. There are more hybrid/office roles available so leave WFH to those who want it and don't s**t of on a very helpful work model.
Стеван Радоичић 2 years ago
I've always hated the office and the people in it (apart from a few) and I've been working from home since January 2020 and love every part of it! I hate commuting, I hate wearing "nice" clothes, I hate small talk, company meetings etc. I guess I'm a heavy-weight introvert after all!
Hey! 2 years ago (edited)
When my husband needs to record a video, he puts up a sign on the office door and tells me in advance. When the kids were at home, they respected this. During COVID, he had Zoom/Teams, etc. meetings. Once in a while, a reporter wants to ask questions for something that's going on in the world. I don't start singing! Something's wrong with today's world if people can't accept that sometimes you have to be quiet and not disturb people working.
A.M. Pierre 2 years ago
I love working from home and (if I can help it) will never go back to an office again. As far as the exercise thing goes, I honestly get far more exercise now - if I need a break and a moment to clear my head, I go hop on my bike and ride around the neighborhood for a half hour or so. Back at the office, the only place to get some alone time was in the bathroom.
ShayXie 2 years ago
I absolutely love working from home. It's quiet, and I'm not interrupted constantly by people that like to take laps around the building and chitchat. Even with letting my SIX dogs in and out constantly, they're less disruptive than being in my actual office. I'm so productive and take less refresh breaks, and yes- I do end up working longer hours because I don't have to stop in the middle of something when I'm on a roll. I have no problem turning off my computer when I'm done. Yeah. I love it. It took me months to re-settle after wfh for almost two years during Covid, and I'm still cranky that I was dragged back to the office. Everybody was so gd happy to see everybody else and I just kept my door shut most of the time until I could handle being around people without being a jerk.
Jo March's Red Fox 2 years ago
When I have to go into the office, I get NOTHING done because of the people who want to go in to socialize.
Monica Michelle 2 years ago
Work from home allowed a bunch of us from the disability community join the work force
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