Many people, including you, have most likely been pinned down in your own home at some point over the last 14 months.

At the outset of the pandemic, it was practically a need to work from home because there were so many unknowns. Now some people have managed to make their way back to work and know how to stay safe while doing so. However, some people who have come in close contact with another who has COVID-19 may be stuck at home for some time. Here are the pros and cons of working from home.

Let us start with the positives as there is plenty to appreciate about being at home. To just roll out of bed and wake up in your so-called "office" is definitely a time saver and allows you to work when you want. Unless you have kids, it's generally a quiet place to work and allows you to focus and slow down on the small talk with co-workers. Even if you do have little ones at home, then you can spend a bit more time with them. Also, the feeling of having to finish by a specific time to get home is non-existent. Another elephant that leaves the room when working from home is the pressure of management looking over your shoulder and wondering how things are going. Also, the dress code goes out the door and you can work in your PJs all day. For some working from home may be a blessing in disguise, while others may see it as a curse.

When it comes down to the negatives, working from home may allow you to slack off a little bit. Without management or coworkers pushing you to get work done, you may find a lack of motivation. Speaking of coworkers, sometimes they can be the extra boost you need to get through the day. When working from home, that encouragement to get through a long hard day is gone. You also may have had to spend a bit of money to upgrade your office at home to make work more effective. As hard as it can be working from home, we have to keep in mind the end is near.

As vaccines continue to roll out and we grind out the last few months of the pandemic, the world is going to get back to normal soon. The important thing is if you feel trapped while working at home be sure to reach out to family, friends, coworkers, and even your boss. Your mental health depends on you talking to people in any way possible. 

There is light at the end of the tunnel Humboldt and before you know it we'll be back to normal.