I have been working from home for close to two years. Both by necessity and by choice.
There were times when I kind of doubted my decision.
See, I didn't have long-term friends in the place where I live. Not being able to work in an office where I was at least exposed to the casual semi-affection of my workmates left me feeling... lonely.
See, I was never an overly social person, to begin with. I don't go out to hang with friends... and yep, I can't think of any other social things a normal person does that I don't do. What this means, is that aside from very few birthday celebrations, company events, etc... I just don't get to interact with people a lot of the time. The constant chatter in our production floor, the incessant traffic of people passing by my station -- these may have annoyed me at times, but they also made me feel surrounded. Secured.
Included.
I know it sounds weird. But even though I'm not overly extroverted, I still need the company of another human being. I still like conversing with people. I just run out of social juice and need to recharge every now and then, so to speak.
This was a problem when I started working from home. Or so I thought.
THEN COVID-19 INVADED.
This lethal and highly contagious pandemic ravaged its way through countries, victimizing people from all walks of life. Major cities were locked down, travel was restricted, social activities were prohibited.
Parts of the world ground to a halt in a vain attempt to stop this lethal virus from pillaging its inhabitants' lives.
Many people had to take drastic steps in order to maintain their means of living in these disastrous times.
And here I am, secluded in my room, typing away at my laptop.
While others were trying to find things to do as they relish their newfound (unpaid) freedom...
Here I am still, secluded in my room, typing away at my laptop.
Acquaintances worried over having frequented places where COVID-19 positive persons were discovered.
Here I remained, secluded in my room, typing away at my laptop.
And lonely no more!
But thankful. Oh, so thankful.
I am as safe as anyone can be, in the midst of such a pandemic, still working full 8 hours a day, still bored out of my mind... still earning my full salary.
It sounds material, but it helps a great deal.
It makes my heart hurt reading about people losing their living because of enforced lockdowns and social distancing. I know not every job can be done remotely, with just electricity, laptop, internet, and a tolerably sufficient brain, but there are those that can and should be.
I wish companies who have the ability to provide their employees the means to do their jobs from home would stop hesitating already.
Save lives.
Promote remote working.
