So, after enjoying two and a half glorious months of working from home — where pants are optional and the coffee is just the way I like it — the inevitable happened: we were called back to the office. Not permanently (thank goodness), but for around three weeks of in-person training for a new skill.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I understand why it has to happen. Some things are just easier to learn face-to-face. But man, the adjustment is real.
Let me paint you a picture.
When I was working from home, my routine was a breeze. Wake up an hour before work, shower (if I felt like it), grab a quick breakfast or coffee, and slide into my “home office” (aka the dining table where the internet is strongest). I’d start the day calm, in house clothes, maybe even with another laptop opened for movies as a background. I could take breaks with the family or even do chores in between tasks. It felt… balanced.
But now? Now I’m back to waking up three hours earlier.
Yep. THREE. Because I have to shower properly, eat breakfast/dinner before I leave, and brave the always-unpredictable commute. Add to that the time spent preparing everything I need to bring, making sure I’m dressed appropriately (no more tsinelas and sando), and the mental prep of switching back into “office mode.” It’s exhausting, and I haven’t even reached the office yet.
I forgot how tiring it is to be out all night, deal with traffic, and interact in-person with coworkers all day long. I mean, they’re great people… but small talk before 9 PM? Whew. That hits different when you’re used to peace and quiet.
Also, let’s not forget the cost. Parking, gas, lunch, coffee breaks — these little expenses start piling up real quick. When I was at home, lunch was leftovers or a quick sandwich. Now, I’m suddenly budgeting again for meals out and the occasional impulse coffee.
Honestly, I just really miss being home. I miss hearing the family laughing in the background, being able to step outside for a quick breather, or having my wife just a few steps away. The house may be noisy sometimes, but it’s the kind of noise I love.
I know this is temporary — just three weeks (I hope!) — but it already feels like a lifetime. I’m counting down the days until I can return to my little home setup, my comfy chair, and the luxury of wearing shorts while sending emails.
For now, I’ll power through. Because that’s what dads do. But you better believe the moment I’m allowed to work from home again, I’m diving back into it like a kid into a ball pit.
Remote life > Office life. Always.
How about you? Are you team WFH or team office?
This is too real! As a fellow WFH dad, I felt every word. The sudden shift from slow mornings and family-filled breaks to early alarms and traffic stress is jarring. It’s not just about logistics — it’s about the emotional whiplash of leaving behind the little moments that made working from home so fulfilling. Hearing the kids laugh in the next room or sneaking in hugs between meetings? Nothing in the office compares. Props to all dads navigating this transition — it’s not easy, but we power through because we love our families.