Over the past couple of days I helped former co-workers gain remote access to their respective offices. I was upset with them for asking. Not because it put me out or was very difficult but the fact that they were trying to be able to work from home.
And they were both very happy about this. Why?
The reasons I was given were: “I can work undisturbed”, “I can smoke while I’m working”, “I can work in my pajamas and be comfortable”, etc.
The ‘working undisturbed’ is about the only one I can rationalize. It seems to me that you go home to get away from work. I haven’t always adhered to this philosophy so I hope I don’t come off as a hypocrite. In my position(s), I have always needed remote access to the office but I never really wanted it.
I recall many years ago having a conversation that went something like this:
Them: “Hey, can I borrow the company laptop?”
Me: “Sure. What for?”
Them: “I’m going on vacation and I want to be able to do my work”
Excuse me… what?! That makes NO sense whatsoever. Why go on vacation if all you’re going to do is work? I think we, as Americans, work too hard. I don’t think we’re working efficiently enough, though. I can’t tell you how many times I ran up against somebody’s way of doing something only to have them say “that’s the way we’ve always done it”.
My question is always “Is there a better, more efficient way of doing it?” Sometimes the answer is just ‘No’ due to the nature of the beast. But when it’s ‘Yes’ and they STILL don’t want to do it quicker – it just mystifies me.
I realize that some people are set in their ways but there is a point at which it becomes ridiculous. Why spent 30 minutes on something that only takes 5 just because the 30 minute way is the only way you know how to do it? Senseless, idiotic…
… and mostly what I run across.
I am still trying to find work. I am still trying to find love. I am still trying.
And they were both very happy about this. Why?
The reasons I was given were: “I can work undisturbed”, “I can smoke while I’m working”, “I can work in my pajamas and be comfortable”, etc.
The ‘working undisturbed’ is about the only one I can rationalize. It seems to me that you go home to get away from work. I haven’t always adhered to this philosophy so I hope I don’t come off as a hypocrite. In my position(s), I have always needed remote access to the office but I never really wanted it.
I recall many years ago having a conversation that went something like this:
Them: “Hey, can I borrow the company laptop?”
Me: “Sure. What for?”
Them: “I’m going on vacation and I want to be able to do my work”
Excuse me… what?! That makes NO sense whatsoever. Why go on vacation if all you’re going to do is work? I think we, as Americans, work too hard. I don’t think we’re working efficiently enough, though. I can’t tell you how many times I ran up against somebody’s way of doing something only to have them say “that’s the way we’ve always done it”.
My question is always “Is there a better, more efficient way of doing it?” Sometimes the answer is just ‘No’ due to the nature of the beast. But when it’s ‘Yes’ and they STILL don’t want to do it quicker – it just mystifies me.
I realize that some people are set in their ways but there is a point at which it becomes ridiculous. Why spent 30 minutes on something that only takes 5 just because the 30 minute way is the only way you know how to do it? Senseless, idiotic…
… and mostly what I run across.
I am still trying to find work. I am still trying to find love. I am still trying.