Work it

I sit here in front of my computer screen typing an I notice something out of the corner of my eye.

OMG, a leaf is falling from my tree...and then another, and another. From no leaves falling to a bunch. That was quick. Sorta like the weather. First day of fall and the temps were 102, the next day, the high was 79, now I'm sitting here in my house wondering if I should turn the heat on.

I work from home. It is wonderful. No complaints...well ok some complaints. I don't like to heat the house and spend so much money and energy for just me. This results in me freezing most of the winter. I do wear extra cloths and I take breaks and sit in the sun, but my house stays pretty cold. But overall, working from home has more perks then not.

• First meeting of the day requires no specific dress code. Roll out of bed, fuzzy slippers on, sweats on, heat tea, turn on computer, ready for meeting.


• Breaks during the day can be to take a shower, practice weave pole entries, do a load of laundry, or take a dog on a walk.


• If I have late meetings, the middle of the day can be a nice break and many household things can get accomplished.


• My co-workers are mostly well manners and good company all be it a bit hairy. They all have their spots, usually crowded under my feet. Disgruntled co-workers bark their disagreements, however, it is easy to win an argument, just bring out come cookies and they are eating out of my hands.


• Last meeting of the day requires no specific dress code. Same old slippers, same old sweats, who needs a shower, and I'm ready.

It isn't all wonderful. There are a few negatives:

• I never get away from work. There it is, always waiting for me. Even when I turn off the computer, I am tempted to go back to it in the evening.


• I work with people all over the world and have meetings as early as 5 am and as late as 9pm (I draw the line there - yesterday I got invited to a meeting at 1am; I declined).


• When you don't work face to face with someone, it is difficult to develop a true relationship with them. I'm learning to do it, and seem to be successful, but it isn't as strong as the relationships I have developed working side by side with someone.


• People ring my doorbell during important conference calls and it is embarrassing when four dogs bark (fortunately I have a mute button and I'm not afraid to use it).


• When my internet goes down, I'm screwed.


• My personal computer sits here next to my work computer calling to me to procrastinate.

Overall the perks of working from home FAR outweigh the negatives for me. I enjoy the flexibility and truly love working with the dogs here as my company.