Those four words (“Back to the Office”) instill horror in the hearts of those who have embraced the workation and the Bleisure Living culture.
Recent data indicates that as many as 90% of companies will require workers to return to an office by the end of 2024.
“Hell no…I won’t go!” is how many people feel about that decision.
Sites like Indeed publish lists of companies that continue to embrace remote work.
But if you love your company and your job and have accepted the fact that you need to be in the office at least some of the time, here are some ways you can continue to enjoy wanderlust, even if you have to return to the brick-and-mortar 9 to 5.
- If you don’t have to be in the office full-time, negotiate your work-from-home time around days that you want to be free to travel. Even if you can’t take long weekends, perhaps you can turn midweek into your new weekend and escape for a couple of days.
- When time and budget don’t allow you to travel far, consider a staycation on the days you “work from home.” Firing up your laptop in a hotel lobby or poolside (if you happen to live in a warm climate) can feel like an escape. Just make sure the noise level and wifi are conducive to your job.
- Research industry conferences or in-person classes that will enable you to leave the office for a day or two while you build your skill set.
Above all, prove to the people you work with that you can be productive from wherever you are and put in enough “face time” to show your commitment to your company and colleagues.
Many people love the social environment and collaboration that comes from being around others at work.
Others feel like commuting to the same workplace and sitting behind the same desk every day is hell on earth.
And some of you may enjoy that sweet blend of work and play, mixing up your environment and scenery, but knowing you have the comfort of a familiar space when you get back from travels.
Your needs may change over time, depending on your living situation, parenting obligations, and other factors.
But be honest with yourself and the people you work for about how and where you like to work and see if your job can meet your needs.
You may need to make a choice to stay or go, but remember that no job is ever perfect!
