For the past 1.5 years, many corporations have transitioned to working from home, thanks to we-know-what. When we exchanged feedback with other organisations of similar nature and industry, we hear amusing stories of how people cope with WFH. To add to the ‘inconvenience’ as some may call it, many have to cope with HBL (Home Based Learning) AT THE SAME TIME. Let’s face it, WFH is not the same today as compared to pre-pandemic days. We chuckle at each other’s challenges and find comfort in the fact that we’re not alone in this. We’re all still somewhat sane despite it all. 

With the alarmingly high number of daily new cases, we deduced that statistically it’s just a matter of time when that darn virus will inevitably hit someone close to us. We knew we had to take every possible precaution to minimize risk of work place cluster. 

We have remote technologies and processes in placed. However, it is a far cry from saying that we do not face any problems at all. WFH brought on a whole lot of other problems like a current beneath still waters. Truth is, we are limited by what is beyond our control.  

Here are some muses shared among acquaintances and associates that we took time to pen down, for memory sake. 

#1: The Internet

When tasks can be done remotely and all you need is The Internet, it becomes incredibly frustrating when there is no Internet! Okay, there’s a pinch of exaggeration here. Not completely no internet, just super laggy, sometimes. And when it happens, it almost feels like having shortness of breath. 

#2: The Home-Office

Not everyone can afford a dedicated, suitable work space at home. You are bound to have household noises and distractions. Just imagine a Customer Service Rep who is on the phone assisting a customer in distress and at the same time, the neighbour’s dogs didn’t like the look of the delivery guy…

#3 The Home Chef

During a work-meeting, the home chef is also busy cooking up a storm in the kitchen not far from your make-shift work-desk. The blender whirling away and spices sizzling in a hot wok… You ended up having to explain what you were going to have for lunch. 

#4: Technical Glitching

The conference call that was supposed to be short and quick ended late because for the first 20 minutes the host was trying to fix his audio issue.  

#5: Toddlers on the loose

Oh this is a good one. There are plenty embarrassing moments where many working-parents can relate. Someone shared a personal experience when the toddler announced loudly from the bathroom that he’s ‘done’ and needs help before he descends the ‘throne’, right in the middle of her sales pitch.

Now this wouldn’t have happened in the pre-pandemic days simply because the kids will be at school!

#6: Weather

Since we’re on a roll here we might as well blame the weather for adding to the inconveniences. When it rains, we tend to get spotty internet connection. Probably because everyone is staying indoors streaming and binge watch the reruns of F.R.I.E.N.D.S. hence the high internet traffic.