I guess this post would be considered part one—all the way back in March 2020 after the world basically shut down and we were all sent home. During OG COVID, I worked from home for about a year and a half before moving to a hybrid work schedule from fall 2021 to November 2023. And now I’m back to working from home full-time.

In my diary post from November, I shared how my department is being moved to a different area on campus, and since the new space isn’t ready yet, some of us are working from home, if our position allows for it. Since I moved into a new role last summer, solely working on the university’s website, I’m able to work from home; I can perform all of my tasks remotely, unlike when I was also managing the social media accounts and needed to be on campus for events. I’m expecting to be home through the rest of the spring semester, and then I think there’s a good chance I can continue working from home full-time.

Before Thanksgiving, I packed up my work computer and brought it home to my condo office. It’s the same space where I worked when I was on a hybrid schedule—in the office Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, and home on Wednesdays and Fridays—so I’m already comfortable working from that desk. Plus I’m close to the kitchen and snacks.

There are quite a few differences between when I worked from home in 2020-2021 to now. Before I was living with my parents at home and WFH from my bedroom; now I’m living with Josh in my condo and working from my office (aka the second bedroom without doors). And before we were dealing with an unprecedented global pandemic; now we’re just dealing with the general winter colds/flus/sicknesses (which includes COVID now that it’s with us forever).

My mom made a good point when I was telling someone that I was working from home full-time now: if it wasn’t for COVID and being forced to WFH, would this even be an option for people? Of course, there were people who were working from home pre-COVID, but I feel like companies and organizations are more open to remote work if the person’s position allows.

I struggled a bit in December when I first started WFH, so going into this month, I wanted to set up more of a routine for myself, which includes:

Setting out my breakfast things: This is something I would do the night before when I was going into work, but I started doing it every night so it’s one less thing I have to deal with in the morning. I set out the plates and bowls I need for breakfast along with my mug for tea.

Picking out my sweatpants: Another thing I’d do the night before I was going into the office, although then, it would be a pair of nice pants and a top. Now it’s ooh, what sweatpants and hoodie am I going to wear tomorrow? But it’s one less decision I have to make in the morning.

Making good lunches: When I was going into the office, I’d meal prep on Sundays for those three days, but now that I’m home throughout the week, I can spend some of my lunch break making a fresh lunch.

Some examples from this week left to right: zucchini pizza bites with ranch dressing and carrots with hummus; cold cut wrap toasted on the stove, store-brand white cheddar cheez-its, and carrots and celery with hummus; chicken and cheese quesadillas with sour cream and carrots, celery, and broccoli with ranch dressing.

These took me about 15 minutes to make, and I was actually pretty full until dinner time. Often I’d find the meals I made ahead of time weren’t portioned right and I’d always be hungry a few hours later. I’m on a big veggie kick lately and hope to keep it up.

Working out after work: As a way to give me something to do after I finish work, I’ve created a workout schedule for myself: riding the stationary bike Mondays and Wednesdays and doing a yoga video on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On Saturday, depending on my plans for the day, I’ll either ride the bike or do a yoga video. Once it gets warmer and it stays lighter later, I want to start running and walking after work, but since it’s cold out right now, I’m opting for indoor exercise.

I think the pros of working from home for me right now outweigh the cons; I can sleep in an extra hour, I can wear comfy clothes, I control the thermostat, I don’t have to drive to and from work, and I don’t have to deal with loud conversations outside my office door. One con, I think? Josh is off on Thursdays and Fridays and spends most of his time annoying me.