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I started my career from the comfort of my own home in December of 2020. This is definitely not what 15-year-old me would have imagined for myself when thinking about my future. Fifteen-year-old me also thought I would be touring the world as a solo pop artist, so we all don’t always get what we want, right?
When looking for internships while still in college, I always ignored any positions listed as “remote.” I thought, “How will I ever learn if I’m sitting at home on a computer?” Boy was I clueless. Starting a career from home was an adjustment for both myself and my workplace. I was the first person hired at AG Marketing Solutions that would be trained at home since the pandemic hit in March of 2020. Navigating my new position through a bunch of “I’ll Skype yous” and “let me share my screens” was a little confusing at first, but I quickly learned my way around my 5-year-old MacBook Air, slow Wi-Fi connection, and working with a bunch of people I had never seen in person. Yes, I did have the occasional face to face meeting with my team and leadership, but there was a whole other side to my company that I only knew through a screen!
Now that I am back in the office on a hybrid working schedule (three days in the office and two at home), I can confidently say there are pros to both options, which is what makes my hybrid schedule so great. Below are just a few things I enjoy about working remotely and in an office.
What I love about working in the office:
- As a person who gets major FOMO (fear of missing out), I love knowing that as long as I am present in the office, I’m not missing out on any office news or fun things that happen in person!
- I’m a visual learner. This makes learning through a screen difficult because you can’t see all the behind-the-scenes action.
- I’m a hands-on teacher. If I’m training a coworker or showing them something on their computer, sometimes I just need to grab the mouse and take control. Bad habit, I know. Sorry!
- I get to meet clients that come through the office, even if I don’t necessarily have a meeting with them, so I can put a face to a name
- In person, you can see someone’s body language and make eye contact. This is huge when connecting with a coworker or client!
- Things can get lost in translation over video call or through email. Sometimes you just need to express yourself in person!
- I’m never bored. There’s always someone to talk to!
- Two monitors – something I never knew I needed until I had it.
- No waiting for an answer or a call back. You know if someone’s on the phone, in a meeting, or busy because you can see them!
- In an office setting, there are so many more opportunities to learn. Sometimes, our President just walks by and drops a nugget of wisdom for no apparent reason other than to teach us a lesson for the day.
What I love about working at home:
- No commute. Traffic is a real bummer.
- Decreased spending (gas, food, etc.)
- Healthier eating. When I work from home, I’m more likely to make myself a meal or eat leftovers rather than pull a frozen meal out of the fridge and run out the door in the morning.
- Comfy clothes!
- No uncomfortable shoes (or any shoes at all) needed.
- I never have to worry about forgetting my lunch.
- No distractions. Sometimes, the busyness of the office can be distracting.
- I can hang out with my dog all day. She was definitely spoiled when my whole family was home from work at the start of the pandemic!
- I am an introvert. Sometimes my home environment is what makes me the most comfortable!
- More flexibility. Because I save time that I would’ve otherwise spent commuting, working at home allows me to run an errand in my hometown if need be.
If you are hesitant about working remotely, in the office, or having a hybrid schedule but you are able to give it a try – go for it! You never know what might work the best for you.
