WFH

Not all that glitters is gold, and how true that holds to the situation we currently are in. Once, the most sort after three words in our corporate world is now somewhat equivalent to a punishment to many of us. I do not intend to undermine the benefits that this work culture has brought us.

‘Work from home’ as it is adorably baptized, has its own set of pros and cons, as any such initiative that involves people would have. People, who are diverse, in thoughts and needs, in preferences and behavior. Every individual has his own likes and beliefs. To cater everyone equally would have been a task to even the great God’s and hence many see to the current situations and the wfh culture, which has become a new norm due to such situations as an opportunity while many are still wondering, when would all this come to an end.

The pre-covid era has seen a different emotion in the millennials who spoke highly of the wfh culture. It was seen as a privilege that only a few were bestowed upon, the selected lucky few. While the rest of the world cribbed about the body hugging, sweaty routines in the local trains and the never ending stench that greeted with glee every morning; these privileged few enjoyed a cup of coffee right from the comfort of their king-sized beds while their sweethearts lay right on their laps, looking all wide-eyed at them. Shh, Do not read between the lines. I am just talking about their laptops. Ah, so you get the picture of how lucky those chosen ones were. Not to forget the hundred pleas and promises we made to be one among them.

‘Take you call’, a mail from HR would pop up only to remind you that if you take a leave – be it due to heavy rains, floods or any natural calamity, or even if a train derailed – just forget about your salary. The middle class poor chaps that we are, soon get lured into those honey soaked words and try to swim our ways to the workplace, Jaan Jaye par ek din ki salary na Jaye. And that is exactly when we knelt down the altars and prayed our hearts out , ‘Oh Lord, make work from home a new norm’ ‘Amen, your prayers would be answered’, the Gods would have whispered, and that is how we ended up here, to the new norm.

And once work from home was invited home to whichever corner it could fit in, right from the living room to the lit corner in the bedroom to literally our beds as well, things took a 360 degree turn. The most awaited union now starts looking like a ghost sitting right on your shoulders sucking your blood, slowly and steadily.

Although it was a gradual process. It came in as a newly wed bride, shyly, with a smile spread ear to ear and soon became everyone’s favourite. At first it seems like she is trying to adjust, oh poor one, but sooner than later, things move in a set fashion, she soon tries to co-exist and then one fine day she is the one who is ruling everyone, physically and mentally. Boss, if you think you can ignore her, go think again. Do not forget, she is the sole bread winner while you are just a unemployed entity without her. The unsaid rule being, he rules who brings food on the plate.

And so she continues ruling our lives day in and day out, even in our subconscious. Now we start thinking again, did we really want this so bad? It was good staying apart and being happy for the rest of our lives than getting her home.

I’m sure many of my colleagues won’t agree with me on how things are with her, they are of course the happily married once without even the slightest rifts. God bless their togetherness.

My heart goes to the ones who are still thinking about the what ifs. Please do not dare think about a divorce, that is rather not one of your cards to play, stay put. All you have to do is not to let her into your heads. Give her complete attention that she deserves and then do not forget to give yourself some space that you and your family equally deserves. Take more control of the situation in hand and learn to value your time as much as you value your work. Your work is only as good as you are, stay sane🙂

Lastly, Don’t worry peeps…good days are just around the corner🤗

love, Aruna

11th July 2020