Working remotely is not for everyone — nor is being in an office.

Some folks thrive in an office environment; they value the things it provides — a regular schedule, a reason to get up and about, a chance to socialize, and to be out in the world. It comes at the cost of time and a bit of freedom; you don’t really get to choose the hours nor where this happens, nor the folks you interact with.

Others prefer working remotely; they cherish being able to set their own schedule, and being able to manage their level of interaction with others. Remote work does not have to be work from home either, and the freedom this gives can be quite liberating.

There is also somewhat of divide between introverts and extroverts as to which they prefer, but of course — there are many in either camp leaning the other way too, e.g. introverts with a love of a bustling office.

You just have to find what works for you — and that means trying both, or a mix, and seeing which one suits you best.

Where it gets rather frustrating for folks is when they are not given a choice — some companies, or leaders, can’t wait to have everyone back in an office even after three or so years of being (mostly? somewhat?) productive during the pandemic, and this is where frictions arise. Other companies are entirely remote, and for those who thrive in an office environment, they will struggle greatly.

I’d love to see more managers, leaders, and employees recognize that individuals have preferences, and accommodating them to get the best out of their teams rather than imposing their own preferences on others.