Working from home sounds like a dream at first—and to be honest, in many ways, it really is. No traffic, no office politics, no dress code. You wake up, grab a coffee, and dive straight into your tasks from your favorite chair (or your couch).
For the past five years, this has been my everyday reality. And while I wouldn’t trade it for a traditional 9-to-5 in a cubicle, there are definitely a few things I didn’t realize I’d end up missing.
The Small Talk and Human Connection
As much as I used to roll my eyes at small talk in the break room or the awkward birthday cupcakes in the office, now I kind of miss it. There’s something grounding about having face-to-face interactions, even casual ones.
Working from home can get quiet—too quiet sometimes—and the isolation does sneak in, especially on long, busy days when you realize you haven’t spoken to anyone outside of Slack.
The Structure of a “Real” Workday
When you work from home, you can technically start or end your day whenever you want, and that freedom is amazing… until it isn’t. Without the natural rhythm of an office, it’s easy to blur the lines between work and personal life.
I’ve had days where I realized I haven’t left my chair in hours, or nights where I was still answering emails at 11 PM. That classic “close your laptop and go home” moment just doesn’t exist anymore.
The Energy of a Shared Workspace
There’s a certain creative spark that comes from being around other people, especially when you’re part of a team. Brainstorming sessions, quick feedback, overhearing someone else’s idea that inspires a new one—it’s hard to recreate that kind of flow over Zoom calls.
Sometimes I miss the buzz of a room full of people working toward a shared goal. The energy of collaboration is harder to replicate virtually.
Tips for Staying Sane While Working from Home Long-Term
Create a routine—and stick to it
One of the best ways to bring structure back into your life is by creating a consistent daily schedule. Start and end your workday at the same time, take real lunch breaks, and try to avoid the temptation of “just checking one more email” at night. Your brain needs boundaries.
Get out of the house regularly
Even if you love your home office, try to leave the house once a day—even if it’s just for a walk around the block or grabbing a coffee. A change of scenery does wonders for your mental clarity and helps fight off that cabin fever feeling.
Find ways to stay social
Working from home doesn’t have to mean working alone. Schedule video calls with coworkers, join online communities, or even co-work virtually with friends.
Having regular interactions with other humans (even through a screen) helps a lot more than you might think.
Make your workspace a place you enjoy
Your environment matters. Whether it’s adding plants, good lighting, or a comfy chair—make your home office a place where you actually want to spend time. Small details can make a big difference in your motivation and mood.
Don’t forget to move
When the commute is just a few steps from your bed, it’s easy to go full sloth mode. Set reminders to stretch, take walking breaks, or do a quick workout. Your body—and your brain—will thank you.
In the End…
I’m still a big fan of working from home, and I don’t see myself going back to an office anytime soon. But it’s not perfect—and it’s okay to admit that. Just like any lifestyle, it comes with trade-offs. And while I love the comfort and flexibility, I also appreciate the value of human connection, structure, and spontaneous interaction.
If you’re working remotely, or planning to, just remember: it’s all about finding balance, staying connected, and building habits that help you stay both productive and sane.
