Working from home is now becoming the norm for many people
WORKING FROM HOME BECOMES THE NEW NORMAL FOR MANY PEOPLE
NAGGING children, barking dogs, persistent doorbells, maths homework!
Ever since the lockdown kicked in and many people were told to work from home for the foreseeable future, we have all had to adapt to a new way of doing things; sometimes there are benefits, but it doesn’t come without challenges too.
So, what are the pros and cons of WFH?!
Niamh Cassidy and her fiance Danny Sutherland moved their office home from the respective jobs in the financial sector in Dublin on Mrach 12th and look set to stay there until at least the end of July.
“We are both every lucky that our companies have been very supportive, and supplied us with screens and anything else we need to be comfortable,” says Niamh, daughter of Colette and Gerard Cassidy from Drogheda. “We’ve both set up on the kitchen table and it’s fine compared to others, as we’re able to carry on business as usual, working regular hours from 8.30am to around 5.30pm.”
She says starting and sticking to a routine from day one has been key to making it work.
“What’s good is that we both have daily calls from work – me at 8.30am and Danny at 9am – and that’s the motivation you need to be at the desk on time,” she says from her Termonfeckin home/office.
The massive plus for the couple is the lack of the grueling daily commute to the capital, which swallowed up so much of their spare time.
“We’ve both been commuting to Dublin for years, and it’s only when you stop, that you see how much of the week was gone from sitting in traffic in your car,” she explains. “It would be great to make it long term, as we worked out we spend 17 full days a year commuting, which is such a waste of time!”
The couple doesn’t have children, so find those extra hours have been perfect for getting fit!
“We have much more quality time, and the day feel so much longer,” says Niamh. “We took up running and get up early to exercise before being at our desk, where before we wouldn’t do anything until we got home, and even then, you might be too tired. You were always stressed and watching the clock, so we’re both really enjoying that.”
So far, it sounds like the ideal situation, with very little challenges for the couple.
“Well we only got engaged at Christmas, so living and working together 24/7 certainly has been a baptism of fire,” she says with a laugh. “I think it’s easier to get distracted at home, and I hope we haven’t been getting on each other’s nerves although I do miss a bit of social chat in the office and I think there are times Danny steps out of the room to ‘ take a call’ just to get away from my talking!”
So the burning question is whether they work in their pyjamas?
“I have got into the routine of dressing for work as usual, even with a bit of make-up especially with the daily Zoom calls,” she says with a laugh. “I don’t think I’d like to make working from home a permanent thing, but maybe being able to split it for two days would be ideal.”