Long time back, maybe 2017-18 BC (Before Corona), my wife was working on an assignment and had the flexibility of working from home from time to time. While my wife enjoyed this opportunity, I used to be very envious of her as I would drag myself to the office beating the traffic, heat, rain and pot holes each and every day. I remember this very clearly as very often we would get into fights when I brought this up.

Well! I have the opportunity now. It's the new norm. Now more than six months I am WFH. The first month was amazing, filled with fun, experiencing the opportunity. It was like the smell of a new car or like having the forbidden fruit. There are no worries about traffic or getting late. Often enjoyed the long and extended naps. But like having something in abundance, you soon forget to appreciate the things that you take for granted. Days passed by and now even months passed by. WFH never ends.

These days my schedule has totally changed. Wake up late, boot up the PC and then the daily usual routine begins. The whole day whether I am working or taking a small break, I am in front of the workstation. I won't complain about my cool workspace that I have created for myself but when I shut shop, I see that I have clocked almost more than 11-12 hours almost every day. My coffee/tea breaks are cut short. No usual chit chats but I am available online with one eye completely stuck to the PC for notifications. But even then, I somehow feel that I am not productive enough. My brains are bored, asking for interactions. Also taking long breaks somehow questions your conscience. What would your manager or team think. The green light should always glow in your communicator. Right?

The thing I wished before now bites me. Many of my friends and colleagues still cherish this WFH. My wife included. Me on the other hand is missing the traffic. The extended coffee breaks with my colleagues. After office movie shows. Lunch parties. And mostly the office work space.

The change is already here and not sure for how long. My work has now invaded my home and I have started hating my home. I look around and it's not just me. The stories are similar with my friends too. The big question now (atleast) for me is WFH? Really? What's gonna happen when we get back to office (if we ever)? Will we miss WFH?