Work from Home Surprises

If you follow my Instagram Stories, you’re probably aware that I work from home; by myself. As an extrovert, it can be tough for me to work alone at home. But there are also some unexpected surprises that have been a result of working at home! Before I worked at home, I had expectations and ideas of what it would be like to work at home. I had imagined I would never get distracted, tired, or bored. I face all three of those things on a daily basis! I always have plenty to do, but sometimes the motivation just isn’t there. Isn’t it crazy how we have expectations for just about everything in our life and it rarely plays out the way we expected it to be? I find that so fascinating! I feel like this should be a new blog post in the future—“Dealing with Unmet Expectations”— stay tuned! Since some of my expectations of working from home were not met, I thought I would share some things I didn’t expect to be my reality—but definitely are!

It’s hard to find motivation to get dressed and ready

I have recently been trying really hard to get out of this habit, but there have been multiple consecutive days where I don’t get dressed. I will work out, shower, and put workout clothes on again. They’re so comfortable! But, I end the day feeling foggy, disappointed in my appearance, and unhappy with my productivity. I have recently started to get dressed and put make up on after I shower, and I am amazed by how much it has boosted my morale for the day. I never imagined I would have to make time for this or have to push myself to get ready. But, I definitely have to remind myself that I need to get dressed and “get ready” for work. Sometimes I even put shoes on to make it feel like I am going to work.

The laundry, dishes, and messes still pile up, if not more

I love a clean house, kitchen, and bathroom. When I started working at home, I was so excited that it would be easier to stay on top of the dishes, chores, and laundry. If you work from home, you probably just spit your coffee out. Because that it far from the truth! At this moment, I have a pile of laundry in my hallway, clean sheets in the dryer needing to be folded, dishes in the sink, a very dirty bathroom and unmade bed. Nothing like airing you dirty laundry (pun intended), right? Needless to say, I was not expecting to fall even more behind on my chores!

You have to buy more toilet paper

I know this seems silly, but it is so true! When I used to go to work at school, I used the restroom in public most of the day. Now, I rarely use public restrooms! Which means that I have to buy toilet paper more frequently than I do before. Something I never thought about but it is definitely true!

You will start talking to yourself

This was definitely unexpected for me! I never thought I would be one to talk myself through a to-do list. But, I definitely do that now! I am a verbal processor and since I don’t have co-workers or office mates, I need to process through some of my ideas and tasks! I don’t mind talking to myself, I just never expected it!

Candles and fresh flowers will become your best friend

I have always loved fresh flowers and new candles, but when you work at home, they become so much more important. They elevate a space from a work space, to a studio. At least that’s how I feel about them. I dream of having a garden someday soon where I can pick fresh flowers every week.

Netflix binge might become one of your part time hobbies

I don’t do this all the time, but when I am editing a lot of photos or packaging a lot of orders (mindless work), I will put on a show. Gilmore Girls was my binge last year. This year I haven’t been able to binge as much, but I am currently keeping up with the Bachelorette instead of Netflix binging. I go through phases!

Another unexpected surprise from working at home? Starting Happy Hour at whatever time you want! Cheers to 4 o’clock cocktails!