The Working Reality

 First, before you read this post and assume I am complaining, I am fortunate to be able to work remotely. It has been a true blessing to our family, as we hit a few bumps in the road. What I mean by bumps, is off-roading, need an ATV, mountains to get over. A question I get sooo many times- how do I get your job? I want to work from home and sit around all day!

What people don't often realize is the reality of working remotely. Although this doesn't cover it all, it's probably the top reasons I hear from people who want to work from home.

You get to wear pajamas all day! This is totally true. I do get to wear more comfortable clothes than skirts and heels. After almost eight years in an office five days a week, I didn't have ANY "normal" clothes to wear besides business attire. Now you're probably thinking, I wear my fancy yoga pants and corresponding tee. To be honest, it's usually my pajamas from the night before, and I don't ever match. You can bet there is some sort of ink and/or coffee stain. I hardly ever "get ready", and when I do, my husband or mother says, "Wow! you put on real pants today!"

Can you do me a favor? Run an errand, pick this up, etc? No, no I can't. Do you know why? I have a REAL job and things to do. Yes, I work remotely, but that doesn't mean I have any less of a workload or job. Most days I am lucky to even feed myself. In office, I was more apt to walk away and take a real lunch or break. I still have deadlines conference calls, resumes to review, and emails to answer.

You don't have to deal with coworkers. Well, this is also true. I don't have to make awkward chit chat and ask about your weekend wasting twenty minutes of time. Without this distraction, I am able to be a lot more productive. On the flip side, the majority of the time there is very little interaction beyond a brief call or email. There's days I crave real human interaction. My husband works nights, so our scheduling doesn't allow a lot of time for full conversations. I'm usually waiting to talk to him when he comes home, at which point he stares blankly because he just worked a 12 hour shift, and it's 6AM. I sometimes chat with the cats, but they are never interested in what I have to say.

You get to work whenever you want!  I still work a standard work week- Monday through Friday 8AM-5PM. I think the hardest part of working from home is learning to clock-out. I struggled with this for the longest time, but doing better. In my job, your work is never done There's always one more place to source, one more candidate to contact, one more resume to review. Supporting managers across the world, also means I am working in literally every time zone.Before or after my work schedule, I catch myself thinking, "Well, I'll just hop on a moment." Or, "Let me answer this email really quick." Two hours later, I'm still working. 

So, yes, working remotely does have both pros and cons. Believe me when I say it takes an incredibly organized, self-motivated, and dedicated person. Why would you like to work from home?

You Can't Reread a Phone Call.

When's the last time you put a stamp on something that was not a bill?

When's the last time you received a letter in the mail that wasn't a bill?

I have always been fascinated with letter writing and handwritten notes. I attribute this to my late grandmother who no matter what sent a handwritten card or letter for every holiday or occasion. She had the most ornate, beautiful handwriting.When I was younger, every letter I received I would sit and practice tracing the letters hoping my writing would be as gorgeous one day. I remember thinking about how I would never receive another handwritten card from her, and it really broke my heart.

That same year after she passed, I headed to the mail box to grab what I thought would be sales papers and mostly bills. The corner of a mauve colored envelop caught my eye, and I was excited to receive a card in the mail. While standing at the mailbox, I flipped it over to see who was the sender. That same ornate handwriting I had tried to perfect for so long was beautifully spread across the front of the envelope. I dropped to my knees an cried tears of loss but also joy. To this day, I have this card framed and in my office to admire. 

I truly believe we have lost the true value and art of letter writing. There are so few people who actually take the time to practice such an art. When did "Thnx" become more preferred than "Sincerely Yours"? I've made it a personal mission to recapture the art of letter writing and share the joy with those closest in my life. I keep a huge box of blank cards an thank you notes to send whenever needed.

But why you ask? Think about it.
Someone took the time to sit down and put a pen to paper expressing their personal thoughts to you. It's incredibly personal. It is probably one of the most inexpensive ways to brighten someone's day ($0.49!) They can be reread and kept forever.

My goal this year is to send as many handwritten cards and notes as I can! So far, I am 2 for 2 with birthdays on my calendar! Want to be added to my handwritten mail list?! Know someone who would enjoy a handwritten note? Please contact me for details!

I challenge you to take the time and send a handwritten letter to just one person. I promise the joy and return is worth the $0.49!