Wednesday, March 08, 2023

Working from Home



View of my desk.  Shelves on the left.  Open laptop and Mac with Time screensaver
My desk at home

As a software engineer living in rural Aberdeenshire, I've been working from home since the pandemic started, and I must say it's been a game-changer. Here are some ways that working from home has improved my life:

1. More time with my family: I used to spend a lot of time commuting to work, but now I can enjoy breakfast with my family and help my kids with their homework after school. I also attend more of their extracurricular activities, like sports games and dance recitals.


2. Saving money: I used to spend a lot of money on diesel for my truck, but since I don't have to commute anymore, I haven't filled up since October! I also save money by making my lunch at home instead of buying it out, and I don't have to worry about paying for parking or other work-related expenses.


3. Better work-life balance: Working from home allows me to achieve a better work-life balance. I have more control over my schedule, which means I can take breaks when I need them and adjust my work hours to fit my personal needs. This has helped me feel less stressed and more productive during the day.


4. Reduced stress: I used to dread the daily commute to and from work, but now I no longer have to deal with rush hour traffic or other stressors associated with the traditional office environment. I can work in a quiet, comfortable environment that I've tailored to my needs, which has significantly reduced my stress levels.


5. Increased productivity: Working from home has allowed me to be more productive. I can focus on my work without distractions from coworkers or the office environment. I've also found that I'm more motivated to get things done since I have more control over my workday.

View of a open laptop computer in summer house with log stove in background
My desk in the Megaden

In conclusion, working from home has been a fantastic change for me as a software engineer living in rural Aberdeenshire. I enjoy more time with my family, save money on expenses, achieve a better work-life balance, reduce stress, and be more productive. I'm grateful for the opportunity to work from home and hope to continue doing so in the future.