Missing My Old Job
I dreamt about this moment -- not having to go to an office everyday -- for such a long time. Years, literally. Being able to wake up, turn on the laptop, crank out articles, blogs, book proposals, you name it. To finally call myself a full-time writer without the distraction of a day would be pure bliss.
What I didn't realize, however, was working from home has its disadvantages, too, even as I'm branding my media stance and consulting on juicy projects.
Sure, I have tremendous flexibility and no office politics. I can work out in the afternoon. I figure out when I'm most productive and schedule conference calls during those times. Since I have no routine hours of the day kind of blur.
I miss the commute. It was my daily exercise and a ritual to officially begin and end the day. My daily three-mile walk helped me feel immersed and part of the work force as I pranced up and down Park Avenue. All gone.
I miss my co-workers, too. Conversations on Monday mornings with co-workers about their weekend or exchanging funny stories during the week or having buddies to grab some lunch with? Poof, non-existent. So, I've had to make arrangements like ensuring I walk and work out during the day and most of all, interact with people.
E-mails and phone calls only count halfway so I've been making a concerted effort to be with people at least once a day. I need consistency, too as I'm exploring various groups, both social and professional, which meet on a weekly basis.
As I planned a Recruiters Row Reunion last week I realized how much my co-workers were literally part of my life and how weird it is to only see them now every few months. If you haven't hugged a co-worker friend today or told them how much you appreciate them, please tell 'em Vivacious Vicki said it's ok to show some office lovin'!
Tory Johnson
Comments (3)
Hello, I was reading Linda"s article and i do know what is is like to be downsized,
However there is HOPE OUT THERE,even in this economy.
When You Believe In Yourself
Others Tend To Believe In You
— Posted by TB | July 18, 2009 6:51 PM | Comment Permalink
Vicki,
We spend more time at work than at home, really.
Like you, I also miss the day-to-day of the office. it is where I started off my days sharing coffee with my co-workers, where we celebrated birthdays and laughed over lunch, and where each day ended with someone to exchange stories and good-bye's with. As I tackled each project at work, there was a sense of accomplishment! Now that I am home, the bathroom IS much cleaner, and yes, I've organized the closets, but it's not the same. When my company down-sized me out of a job I was just devastated. It's been months, and I've yet to find work. While I try to keep positive, it's been a struggle. My hope seems to fade a little each day - along with my dwindling bank account. The few women that I know outside of work, have jobs. It's isolating being at home. I'm thinking of joining a group of some kind, or volunteering somne where to get me out of the house!
— Posted by Linda | July 15, 2009 6:16 PM | Comment Permalink
Vicki-
I so agree with your post. It is true for most everything in our lives, "you don't know what you've got until it's gone?" I too am busier than ever, writing blogs, connecting on Twitter, searching out freelance or employment situations, exercising when I want, running errands, and not working with a day-to-day team. I certainly miss my working buddies! With this economy, I'm not surprised that Social Networking on the Internet takes up so much time - what other way is there to stay in touch and still be working?
— Posted by Janine | July 14, 2009 4:48 PM | Comment Permalink