What are we all doing for a living? - Teh Forum

<body> <div id="header"> <span class="left"> <span class="back"><a href="lthread_list.php?webtag=DEFAULT"><span class="image mobile_back" title="Back"></span></a></span> <span class="image mobile_logo" title="Beehive Forum Logo"></span> </span> <ul> <li> <a class="reply_all" href="lpost.php?webtag=DEFAULT&reply_to=42608.0&return_msg=42608.81"> <span class="image mobile_reply_all"></span><span class="text">Reply to All</span> </a> </li> <li> <a class="navigation" href="#"> <span class="image mobile_navigation"></span><span class="text">Show messages</span> </a> </li> <li> <a class="main" href="#"><span class="image mobile_menu" title="Menu"></span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="menu main"> <ul> <li><a href="lthread_list.php?webtag=DEFAULT">Messages</a></li> <li><a href="lpm.php?webtag=DEFAULT">Inbox</a></li> <li><a href="lsearch.php?webtag=DEFAULT">Search</a></li> <li><a href="llogon.php?webtag=DEFAULT">Login</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="menu navigation"><a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=42608.1">1–10</a>…<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=42608.61">61–70</a><a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=42608.71">71–80</a><a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=42608.81">81–90</a><a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=42608.91">91–100</a>…<a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=42608.181">181–183</a></div> <div id="page_content"> <h3 class="thread_title"><a href="index.php?webtag=DEFAULT&amp;msg=42608.81">What are we all doing for a living?</a> </h3> <div id="messages" data-navigation="42608_81_183_10"> <a name="a42608_81"></a><div class="message" id="message_42608_81"> <div class="message_header"> <div class="message_from"> From: graphitone<span class="message_time">23 Jun 2020 13:04</span> <div class="clearer"></div> </div><div class="message_to">To: ANT_THOMAS <span><span class="image post_read" title="Read: 23 Jun 2020 13:05"></span></span> <span class="message_count">81 of 183</span><div class="clearer"></div> </div> </div> <div class="message_links"> <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=42608.81">42608.81</a> In reply to <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=42608.79">42608.79</a></div> <div class="message_body"> I feel exactly the same way. <br /> <br /> While working from home is convenient, and I'm actually more productive (cos of less distractions), I'm missing people and though we have meetings over Teams every day, you don't get the same experience as being in a room with other people. It's difficult to gauge reactions, whether people are actually listening etc... <br /> <br /> I didn't think I ever would, but I'm missing the commute into work. A 10 minute walk to the station, 20min journey and another 15min walk to get to the office offers a bit of mental space, some thinking and contemplation time, while also being able to zone out and just listen to some music. <br /> <br /> Sounds like you CEO is cut from the same mould as ours. He's said that though the offices are open, only come back when you're ready to, we're still formulating a plan on seating and the number of people that can be safely accommodated on each floor. <br /> <br /> I've got asthma, so am trying to leave this as long as possible to mitigate any chance of infection, but also don't want to become a hermit. It's scary though how quickly I've got used to hardly moving all day. I've got my work stuff set up on a desk in the room I use as a drawing room and it's entirely possible I could stay in here all day. <span class="emoticon e_csad" title=":C"><span class="e__">:C</span></span></div> <div class="message_footer"> <div class="message_footer_links"><a href="lpost.php?webtag=DEFAULT&reply_to=42608.81&return_msg=42608.81" class="reply"><span class="image post"></span>Reply</a></div> <div class="message_vote_form" data-msg="42608.81"> <span class="rating">0/0</span> <span class="image vote vote_down vote_down_off" title="Vote Down"></span> <span class="image vote vote_up vote_up_off" title="Vote Up"></span> </div> </div> </div><a name="a42608_82"></a><div class="message" id="message_42608_82"> <div class="message_header"> <div class="message_from"> From: ANT_THOMAS<span class="message_time">23 Jun 2020 13:16</span> <div class="clearer"></div> </div><div class="message_to">To: milko <span><span class="image post_read" title="Read: 23 Jun 2020 18:48"></span></span> <span class="message_count">82 of 183</span><div class="clearer"></div> </div> </div> <div class="message_links"> <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=42608.82">42608.82</a> In reply to <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=42608.80">42608.80</a></div> <div class="message_body"> That sounds utterly shit. I can only hope they are being pressured from above on their sides, but it is often the case they just have no consideration for the people down the chain.<br /> <br /> I think returning for a couple of days a week might be a good balance, but currently I've said if it is encouraged or does happen then I'd want to move back to our old office in a different part of the building so there's at least some isolation/separation across teams/site.</div> <div class="message_footer"> <div class="message_footer_links"><a href="lpost.php?webtag=DEFAULT&reply_to=42608.82&return_msg=42608.81" class="reply"><span class="image post"></span>Reply</a></div> <div class="message_vote_form" data-msg="42608.82"> <span class="rating">0/0</span> <span class="image vote vote_down vote_down_off" title="Vote Down"></span> <span class="image vote vote_up vote_up_off" title="Vote Up"></span> </div> </div> </div><a name="a42608_83"></a><div class="message" id="message_42608_83"> <div class="message_header"> <div class="message_from"> From: CHYRON (DSMITHHFX)<span class="message_time">23 Jun 2020 13:27</span> <div class="clearer"></div> </div><div class="message_to">To: graphitone <span><span class="image post_read" title="Read: 23 Jun 2020 13:42"></span></span> <span class="message_count">83 of 183</span><div class="clearer"></div> </div> </div> <div class="message_links"> <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=42608.83">42608.83</a> In reply to <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=42608.81#a42608_81" target="_self">42608.81</a></div> <div class="message_body"> <div class="quote"><b>quote:</b> <a href="messages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=42608.81">graphitone</a>I didn't think I ever would, but I'm missing the commute into work. A 10 minute walk to the station, 20min journey and another 15min walk to get to the office offers a bit of mental space, some thinking and contemplation time, while also being able to zone out and just listen to some music.</div> <p>I kind of miss it, though more from being tired of only seeing my little suburban neighborhood and missing the bustle of down town. OTOH I have a splendid balcony to relax on, which I do quite often throughout the day -- that's something I don't have at the office, and will sorely miss once it all starts back up.</p> <div class="edit_text">EDITED: 23 Jun 2020 13:36 by DSMITHHFX</div> </div> <div class="message_footer"> <div class="message_footer_links"><a href="lpost.php?webtag=DEFAULT&reply_to=42608.83&return_msg=42608.81" class="reply"><span class="image post"></span>Reply</a></div> <div class="message_vote_form" data-msg="42608.83"> <span class="rating">0/0</span> <span class="image vote vote_down vote_down_off" title="Vote Down"></span> <span class="image vote vote_up vote_up_off" title="Vote Up"></span> </div> </div> </div><a name="a42608_84"></a><div class="message" id="message_42608_84"> <div class="message_header"> <div class="message_from"> From: ANT_THOMAS<span class="message_time">23 Jun 2020 13:27</span> <div class="clearer"></div> </div><div class="message_to">To: graphitone <span><span class="image post_read" title="Read: 23 Jun 2020 13:42"></span></span> <span class="message_count">84 of 183</span><div class="clearer"></div> </div> </div> <div class="message_links"> <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=42608.84">42608.84</a> In reply to <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=42608.81#a42608_81" target="_self">42608.81</a></div> <div class="message_body"> I was definitely having that issue of my home office being my "workshop" or whatever I'd want to call it, so my work day became my hobbies and I'd be in the same room for most of the day.<br /> <br /> Can't remember if I mentioned on here, but at the end of April I changed my isolation location to my (relatively new) girlfriend's house. Made a "bubble" before it was allowed I guess. She's furloughed and was living alone, I was WFH and living alone. My mental health was definitely suffering being on my own with effectively no human contact at all. There's a chance she may return to work next month after today's announcements (at a guess) so I'll move back home at that point then return to the seeing each other like we had before that.<br /> <br /> She's had the threat of redundancy which obviously isn't good at all. I think the first couple of months have been as okay as they can be for her as we knew it wouldn't be over quickly so she concentrated on hobbies and enjoying the sun, but with the potential redundancy and the lack of clarity on her place reopening (she works at a National Trust site which is on the last phase for reopening) it's made the recent couple of weeks more difficult.<br /> <br /> We have a daily video call for the office staff/management team. Then after that my team have have a smaller video call. Definitely getting similar feelings as you from some colleagues, one said basically the same with regards to just being able to get in his car and drive to work, misses that. Also the days when WFH can extend more than they should.<br /> <br /> Still don't envy anyone doing this with young kids.</div> <div class="message_footer"> <div class="message_footer_links"><a href="lpost.php?webtag=DEFAULT&reply_to=42608.84&return_msg=42608.81" class="reply"><span class="image post"></span>Reply</a></div> <div class="message_vote_form" data-msg="42608.84"> <span class="rating">0/0</span> <span class="image vote vote_down vote_down_off" title="Vote Down"></span> <span class="image vote vote_up vote_up_off" title="Vote Up"></span> </div> </div> </div><a name="a42608_85"></a><div class="message" id="message_42608_85"> <div class="message_header"> <div class="message_from"> From: graphitone<span class="message_time">23 Jun 2020 14:03</span> <div class="clearer"></div> </div><div class="message_to">To: ANT_THOMAS <span><span class="image post_read" title="Read: 23 Jun 2020 14:35"></span></span> <span class="message_count">85 of 183</span><div class="clearer"></div> </div> </div> <div class="message_links"> <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=42608.85">42608.85</a> In reply to <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=42608.81#a42608_84" target="_self">42608.84</a></div> <div class="message_body"> <span class="emoticon e_hug" title="(hug)"><span class="e__">(hug)</span></span><br /> <br /> Aye, I've got two kids running around the house. <br /> <br /> I'm pretty sure they're mine. <span class="emoticon e_plain" title=":|"><span class="e__">:|</span></span><br /> <br /> Getting them to do any school work is tricky, when I'm at home with them. I can't really get away from my desk for any length of time during the working day, a lot of what I do relies on being on the phone. <br /> <br /> It has been easier over the past few weeks, Clare's a teacher and has only been in 2 days a week, so they've been able to catch up with work when she's been at home, but she's back to work full time now. I really don't want to send the kids to school (even though we've both got key worker status), for their sake and mine. So we're going to give them work to do during the day, but once they finish it, they kinda have to slob around until we both finish work. </div> <div class="message_footer"> <div class="message_footer_links"><a href="lpost.php?webtag=DEFAULT&reply_to=42608.85&return_msg=42608.81" class="reply"><span class="image post"></span>Reply</a></div> <div class="message_vote_form" data-msg="42608.85"> <span class="rating">0/0</span> <span class="image vote vote_down vote_down_off" title="Vote Down"></span> <span class="image vote vote_up vote_up_off" title="Vote Up"></span> </div> </div> </div><a name="a42608_86"></a><div class="message" id="message_42608_86"> <div class="message_header"> <div class="message_from"> From: patch<span class="message_time">24 Jun 2020 08:00</span> <div class="clearer"></div> </div><div class="message_to">To: ANT_THOMAS <span><span class="image post_read" title="Read: 24 Jun 2020 08:20"></span></span> <span class="message_count">86 of 183</span><div class="clearer"></div> </div> </div> <div class="message_links"> <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=42608.86">42608.86</a> In reply to <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=42608.79">42608.79</a></div> <div class="message_body"> We've technically stopped the whole bubble thing over here - our Level 1 precautions mean life is back to normal but the borders are closed to non-residents/citizens, and anyone who does fly in is isolated in a hotel for 2 weeks. There's been a big shouting match recently because it turns out people were allowed to leave the isolation early (on compassionate grounds, mainly, but sometimes just for the hell of it, it seems), and a lot of those people weren't tested before or even during their government-mandated hotel stay. They've put the army in charge of it now, and things seem to be running much more to plan.<br /> <br /> Since there's no official requirement for social distancing any more, work is also back to normal. We've been getting very mixed messages from our management - "You all did really well during lockdown and have proved that we can work remotely and still bring in new business" and "Everyone is encouraged to be back in the office, because face to face interaction is very important" and "Keep using our fantastic video conferencing technology to talk to your colleagues and customers, because we've proved we don't have to be in the same room to be effective and productive".<br /> <br /> Personally, I enjoyed working from home and not having to go and deal with people all the time, but at the same time I kind of missed the personal contact a little bit. I'm hoping that when management finally get round to making a formal decision on the company's new position on remote working, that I'll be able to spend half the week at home, and the other half of the week in the office reminding myself how much I despise my colleagues and how happy I am at home.<br /> <br /> Mind you, I'd also like it to go back to how quiet it was during lockdown. Especially given how close I live to a motorway at the moment.</div> <div class="message_footer"> <div class="message_footer_links"><a href="lpost.php?webtag=DEFAULT&reply_to=42608.86&return_msg=42608.81" class="reply"><span class="image post"></span>Reply</a></div> <div class="message_vote_form" data-msg="42608.86"> <span class="rating">0/0</span> <span class="image vote vote_down vote_down_off" title="Vote Down"></span> <span class="image vote vote_up vote_up_off" title="Vote Up"></span> </div> </div> </div><a name="a42608_87"></a><div class="message" id="message_42608_87"> <div class="message_header"> <div class="message_from"> From: Monsoir (PILOTDAN)<span class="message_time">30 Jun 2020 09:20</span> <div class="clearer"></div> </div><div class="message_to">To: ANT_THOMAS <span><span class="image post_read" title="Read: 30 Jun 2020 09:21"></span></span> <span class="message_count">87 of 183</span><div class="clearer"></div> </div> </div> <div class="message_links"> <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=42608.87">42608.87</a> In reply to <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=42608.81#a42608_84" target="_self">42608.84</a></div> <div class="message_body"> I've said this a few times over the years and I don't think people believe me, but WFH isn't all that for all people.<br /> <br /> I did a year of primary WFH back in 2016 and really didn't get on with it. I did it again last year, but with a proper office (Proper desk, multi monitors etc) and it was <em>better</em> but by the end I realised that I'm just more suited to being with people. Ironically, I was actually looking forward to getting a new contract which would likely be office based - then COVID happened.<br /> <br /> The option of WFH is great, not driving 90 minutes or something is great but I need the balance. You can do lots of things to improve WFH and for some/many people it might be enough.<div class="edit_text">EDITED: 30 Jun 2020 09:23 by PILOTDAN</div> </div> <div class="message_footer"> <div class="message_footer_links"><a href="lpost.php?webtag=DEFAULT&reply_to=42608.87&return_msg=42608.81" class="reply"><span class="image post"></span>Reply</a></div> <div class="message_vote_form" data-msg="42608.87"> <span class="rating">0/0</span> <span class="image vote vote_down vote_down_off" title="Vote Down"></span> <span class="image vote vote_up vote_up_off" title="Vote Up"></span> </div> </div> </div><a name="a42608_88"></a><div class="message" id="message_42608_88"> <div class="message_header"> <div class="message_from"> From: Manthorp<span class="message_time">30 Jun 2020 10:14</span> <div class="clearer"></div> </div><div class="message_to">To: Monsoir (PILOTDAN) <span><span class="image post_read" title="Read: 30 Jun 2020 13:13"></span></span> <span class="message_count">88 of 183</span><div class="clearer"></div> </div> </div> <div class="message_links"> <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=42608.88">42608.88</a> In reply to <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=42608.81#a42608_87" target="_self">42608.87</a></div> <div class="message_body"> I agree Dan. We're all very open and mutually supportive at my workplace and two of my colleagues are acknowledging real mental health issues with WFH. Both are, by nature, very gregarious, which I'm sure plays a part in their cases.<br /> <br /> Suits me down to the ground, mind - one of my colleagues called me 'the Bear Grylls of isolation' because I'm temperamentally really comfortable with it. Which probably means I'm an antisocial bastard with lots of strategies for wasting time.</div> <div class="message_footer"> <div class="message_footer_links"><a href="lpost.php?webtag=DEFAULT&reply_to=42608.88&return_msg=42608.81" class="reply"><span class="image post"></span>Reply</a></div> <div class="message_vote_form" data-msg="42608.88"> <span class="rating">0/0</span> <span class="image vote vote_down vote_down_off" title="Vote Down"></span> <span class="image vote vote_up vote_up_off" title="Vote Up"></span> </div> </div> </div><a name="a42608_89"></a><div class="message" id="message_42608_89"> <div class="message_header"> <div class="message_from"> From: ANT_THOMAS<span class="message_time">30 Jun 2020 10:38</span> <div class="clearer"></div> </div><div class="message_to">To: Monsoir (PILOTDAN) <span><span class="image post_read" title="Read: 30 Jun 2020 13:13"></span></span> <span class="message_count">89 of 183</span><div class="clearer"></div> </div> </div> <div class="message_links"> <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=42608.89">42608.89</a> In reply to <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=42608.81#a42608_87" target="_self">42608.87</a></div> <div class="message_body"> For me daily video calls with my team are essential. My boss has returned to the office today, but won't be full time. I think he felt like he needed to show his face as a senior manager, rather than actually needing to be on site, possibly a bit of pressure from above.<br /> <br /> Similar to what Throb has said, he's a very outgoing and social person and has been struggling with the remote working to some extent.<br /> <br /> I think for me now with there being no formal return date it feels never ending to some extent, that I'm probably struggling with a bit. As the days go on I feel like I want to be in the office maybe a couple of days a week.<br /> <br /> Also, since I've moved my lockdown location I've only spent one night at home every 2 weeks for the past 2 months. I think that's getting to me a bit. </div> <div class="message_footer"> <div class="message_footer_links"><a href="lpost.php?webtag=DEFAULT&reply_to=42608.89&return_msg=42608.81" class="reply"><span class="image post"></span>Reply</a></div> <div class="message_vote_form" data-msg="42608.89"> <span class="rating">0/0</span> <span class="image vote vote_down vote_down_off" title="Vote Down"></span> <span class="image vote vote_up vote_up_off" title="Vote Up"></span> </div> </div> </div><a name="a42608_90"></a><div class="message" id="message_42608_90"> <div class="message_header"> <div class="message_from"> From: CHYRON (DSMITHHFX)<span class="message_time">30 Jun 2020 12:10</span> <div class="clearer"></div> </div><div class="message_to">To: Manthorp <span><span class="image post_read" title="Read: 30 Jun 2020 19:39"></span></span> <span class="message_count">90 of 183</span><div class="clearer"></div> </div> </div> <div class="message_links"> <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=42608.90">42608.90</a> In reply to <a href="lmessages.php?webtag=DEFAULT&msg=42608.81#a42608_88" target="_self">42608.88</a></div> <div class="message_body"> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0535/6917/products/sdphoto_grande.jpg?v=1585960435" style="width:600px;height:461px;" /></div> <div class="message_footer"> <div class="message_footer_links"><a href="lpost.php?webtag=DEFAULT&reply_to=42608.90&return_msg=42608.81" class="reply"><span class="image post"></span>Reply</a></div> <div class="message_vote_form" data-msg="42608.90"> <span class="rating">+1/1</span> <span class="image vote vote_down vote_down_off" title="Vote Down"></span> <span class="image vote vote_up vote_up_off" title="Vote Up"></span> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="message_page_footer"> <ul> <li class="right_col"><form accept-charset="utf-8" method="get" action="lmessages.php" target="_self"><input type="hidden" name="webtag" id="webtag" class="bhinputtext" value="DEFAULT" dir="ltr" /><input type="hidden" name="msg" id="msg" class="bhinputtext" value="42608.91" dir="ltr" /><input type="submit" name="submit" id="keep_reading" value="Keep reading…" class="button" /></form></li> </ul> </div> </div> </body>