sent home, to work

There was a big local downsizing last week. The entire office is being closed, the remaining four occupied floors from an office built in 2008. ah the brand new building, the high tech kiss of death. I guess it was to be our contribution to an overall 40% global RIF.

A fraction of the locals, around 10%, were told they will be working from home in January after the office closes. I was among that group. Statistically at least it was a bit of a surprise. Although it's more like still in the running for January rather than a lock. There's new management scheduled to come in early November so who knows what decisions they will make. At this point the plan is to start work from home in January.

In some ways I'm looking forward to it. I won't miss the commute in winter. To think about it, how much time and money has been wasted on commuting over the years. I know some people who work from home and they speak well of it. In some ways work from home has executive perks including

• work location chosen to optimize your commute
• private office
• personal printer
• private bathroom
• own coffee machine
• comfortable high backed manager's chair (go for it)

The company has been pretty good about it helping to get the space set up. That will still take some thinking where to fit the new desk at my place. Overall I see it as a positive change. Some things will be different and a bit harder but overall to me it seems like it's the same work so why not do it from home.