Embracing Change and Growth: Rediscovering the Value of Human Interaction

I have spent 16 years working in an office environment, but my life took a sudden turn three years ago. In the blink of an eye, I found myself transitioning from the office to my home, with my work equipment occupying the sunroom of my apartment, accompanied by a collection of plants. Meanwhile, my husband set up a makeshift desk in the corner of our room.

The world as we knew it came to a halt, and the streets grew empty. Each day, I woke up to the familiar sound of Zoom calls, as if time stood still. This continued for another year until my small town slowly began to reopen.

Throughout the pandemic, I found myself changing jobs multiple times. While working at the gaming studio, I was confined to my home due to the game being under a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). Thus, I returned to my sunroom (albeit with relocated plants bidding their farewell - goodbye). A year later, I joined a SaaS company where I could work remotely. This time, I invested in standing desks and transformed a designated space for both my husband and me. No longer confined to the sunroom, we got some new plants and began our journey.

Strangely enough, the years blended with each other, the passage of time melting into a blur.

Recently, my company started encouraging us to return to the office. A few months ago, I had the opportunity to meet my colleagues in person, an experience that brought me immense joy and a renewed sense of connection.

This prompted me to venture outside and work from a Starbucks, aiming to establish a cost-effective means of fostering community engagement and making new acquaintances. Originally, I intended to spend only an hour or two there each day.

I relished the chance to reconnect with the community, indulging in beverages, engaging in conversations with strangers, and exchanging smiles. After spending 16 years in an office environment, I had grown accustomed to the convenience of a coffee station and the sense of support it provided when I could grab a cup of coffee and carry on with my tasks. I soon realized how exhausting it had been to constantly attend to my pet's needs within the confines of my home. Getting help with pet care proved beneficial, and the opportunity to listen to my own thoughts actually improved my focus at work. I felt alive, realizing the profound impact that round-the-clock remote work had on me.

To facilitate my absence from home, I enlisted my mother's help in caring for my pet—a surprising development. Additionally, I noticed that I needed more time than usual to prepare for the day. Even the simple task of selecting an outfit became surprisingly challenging after three years. Also, the cool air conditioning at Starbucks reminded me to remember to bring a sweater always. These minor adjustments are ones I can acclimate to given sufficient time.

The experience has enlightened me to the extent of my need for real-life human interaction. Simply hearing someone's voice and engaging with them in person revitalized my spirit and fostered a sense of reconnection.

I am aware that many companies are now inviting their employees to return to the office. As someone who has spent 16 out of 19 years working in an office environment, I initially faced some obstacles during this transition. However, if I could successfully adapt to a full-time office setup in the past, I am confident that I can adjust my life accordingly once again—because the rewards are worthwhile. I miss the interpersonal interactions and the relationships that flourish in an office setting.

Having fulfilled my responsibilities during the pandemic, I now find myself ready to bid farewell to working from my house. Over the Summer, I will visit my family in Toronto, seizing the opportunity to work from the Toronto office for a few days. Excitement brews within me as I anticipate the chance to meet co-workers face-to-face and immerse myself in a new environment. Simultaneously, I will continue my Starbucks ritual, dedicating 1-2 hours each day to work in a vibrant atmosphere. Moreover, I eagerly await the opening of co-working spaces in the city, offering yet another avenue for exploration.

The past three years have presented unprecedented challenges and transformative experiences. As I embrace the evolving landscape of work, I have come to realize the irreplaceable value of genuine human interaction. The pandemic compelled us to adapt and find new ways to connect, and now, as we navigate the path forward, I am excited to seize the opportunities that lie ahead. With a blend of nostalgia for my years in the office and newfound perspectives from working remotely, I eagerly embrace this chapter of change and growth.

Wynne