Having the Freedom to Adjust

Work has gotten busier. This past week, I found myself clocking out later than usual — by at least two extra hours. My body was sore, the work taunted me, and whatever decisions I made at night made no sense in the morning. I was messing up, and it was unnecessary.

So by Thursday, I knew this unexpected schedule wouldn’t work for me in the long run. Not knowing how long my workload would stay this heavy, I decided to change my start time.

It wasn’t a hard choice — I need more time in the morning to work effectively and accurately. After making the decision, I felt a sense of relief. Had I been in an office, I most likely would’ve had a set start time. No flexibility. If I had to stay two hours later, I would have had no time to decompress and eat dinner.

Honestly, imagining two extra hours in an office made me grateful for my situation. I could break for dinner and get right back to work if needed. It’s one of the reasons working from home works out so well for me, supporting me in ways that an office didn’t.

Why Give Up That Freedom?

I remember what it was like working in an office. Wearing uncomfortable clothes for eight hours was irritating. The lights were too bright, and my coworkers were too loud. A handful of people claimed they were the most productive in an office setting. For me, it was all a sensory nightmare — a discomfort that I couldn’t understand for years.

All I wanted was to curl up in a ball and disappear. But I couldn’t. It was normal to be in a corporate setting with my coworkers — that’s how work “got done.”

For others.

Meanwhile, I’ve found myself the most productive in the comfort of my home, where sweatpants and cargos help me relax as I work. I control the lighting and temperature, and nothing disrupts my flow — nor my jazz playlist. Working from home allows me to be myself and to work however I need to. I refuse to give that up.

Good Reasons to Keep WFH

First, commuting isn’t just about getting in a car or taking transit. It’s about waking up at a good time to get dressed, groomed, and to eat breakfast. Then it’s beating traffic, rushing to the bus stop, or being on the platform on time. With that in mind, commuting took up 15 to 20 hours a week for me. Now that I don’t commute, I sleep in or wake up early to pour into my hobbies.

Second, I save money by not commuting, not buying lunch, and not buying new trousers when none of my old ones fit. Lunch is in my pantry, and I’m less likely to leave my space for a burger. Also, gone are the days when I iron a button-down the night before.

Third, my health comes first. By working from home, I can cook meals and store leftovers. My sleep schedule is constant, and I find myself well-rested more often than not. Also, I fit in 20- to 30-minute workouts into my schedule.

Fourth, creativity is alive. In the wee morning hours and at night, I’ve been writing or drawing. My hobbies are important for helping me decompress and work harder.

Finally, masking is not a thing in my home. I don’t have to perform for forty hours a week. I breathe better, and I’m much calmer. The energy I’d been using to mask now goes straight into my work. Once I left the office, I felt like myself — I’d only want to work in an environment where I’m allowed to.

In the End, I’m Happier

Ultimately, working from home makes me more well-rounded and full. More importantly, it has freed me of time constraints and unspoken rules. I make better choices for my growth and comfort.

The pacing and appearance are all mine. I work diligently to complete my tasks, legs crossed in my task chair, with a furry blanket wrapped around me. Nothing about how I choose to work hinders or slows me down. Who knew that clothes could disrupt workflow? Instead of following guidelines I’m “supposed” to already know, my routine is shaped around who I am.

My energy is looked after and protected. I take my time if needed, take a slow start if required, and finish early if the day allows it.

Returning to an office would cost me my peace of mind. Staying home gives me balance and regulation — those things will always be priceless.

Have a cozy workday, dear.