Making some changes

Our lives have been turned upside down in the past month or so, it seems. We decided to move back to the Puget Sound area so that the family can be together all week. Also, we needed to get away from the construction debris, which encroached upon everything we own. We've taken an apartment in Issaquah WA, where we'll stay while the house in Winthrop sells.

The remote work situation was the biggest frustration. The long drive back and forth (which everyone thinks is the major obstacle) was fine; in fact, I quite liked it. But the lodging arrangements away from home were only just tolerable. Originally I had intended to spend much more time working from home. I have to laugh at the breathless wonderment given in the technology and business media to the coming boom in remote work. Perhaps my experience has made me cynical--but it's a steaming pile of hype. Calling into meetings is not the same as being present (though it does spare you some of the feelings of resentment and despair). And most companies' attitude toward the remote worker is one of constant suspicion. As if employees have never played Serious Sam on the office computer.

With the experience now behind me, I consider the best work arrangements I've had to have been where I lived close to work (less than 30 min drive) and had a reasonably flexible schedule. I've found I prefer to be in the office where I can interact with people face-to-face. Most days, that is, except Friday, which is largely not a viable work day. Too many people are absent or have taking off early.

Life is already becoming saner. In this 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment, we have to prioritize what possessions we really want and need and can reasonably store. It's an effective antidote to hoarding.