The Reality of My Experience

It seems that the company I’m with doesn’t prioritize its employees' well-being. How do I know this? When I joined, my welcome package included a second-hand laptop that had a noticeable dent. While the email expressed excitement about my arrival, it didn't reflect in the cardboard box and bubble wrap I received.

I wish I could genuinely believe that warm welcome, but truthfully, I’d rather avoid seeing the people who hired me. Instead, I often turn off my camera during Zoom meetings, closing my eyes and imagining I work for a more supportive organization.

The Office Booking System

Our team rarely goes into the office, though there is a system in place for reserving seats in a building that can accommodate around 500 people. You even have the choice of a 14-inch monitor or a desk near the accountants. Honestly, I’d rather not use a 14-inch monitor at all.

At home, I enjoy a standing desk and a quality Herman Miller chair. Meanwhile, at the office, the seating options leave much to be desired. Thanks for the investment in employee comfort!

Balancing Multiple Jobs

I once chuckled at articles suggesting it was possible to juggle two jobs simultaneously. However, as long as you don’t get caught in back-to-back calls, it can be manageable. I suspect my employer wouldn’t even notice my multitasking.

For instance, if I mentioned that I drafted this article during a two-hour sprint planning meeting with 22 participants, you might understand why it’s not my best work. A significant portion of that meeting was irrelevant to my role, mostly discussing retail operations. I found it hard to focus, especially when an engineering manager started explaining technical debt.

If my expressions of frustration were visible, we might need to recruit a new developer!

Time Saved from Commuting

Remember the time wasted commuting to the office? Now, I can repurpose that time to clean my home, even if it means using work hours. It’s a small victory to reclaim that time for personal tasks.

Quality Moments with My Dog

I think my dog is starting to feel neglected and wants more outdoor time, which is a bit sad but true.

The Empty Office Environment

The office is largely deserted, particularly on Mondays and Fridays, leading to missed opportunities for collaboration and those spontaneous, informal interactions by the water cooler. Many team members are located in different time zones, making the commute impractical for them as well.

While I genuinely desire collaboration, the current circumstances simply don’t allow for it.