Doing My Part

I've been trying to think for a long time exactly what it is I can do to contribute to society. I mean, I'm a law-abiding citizen (at least the vast majority of the time and if you don't count driving a little too fast every now and then), I slog to a job that could be construed as meaningful I suppose, and I pay my taxes. But, I've felt guilty that I'm not doing anything to help fight what I see as one of this country's greatest challenges - dealing with a dwindling supply of fossil fuels (ie, gasoline).

I think I've figured it out, though. I'm going to start telecommuting to work. I've been thinking that I should start doing that for quite awhile - I have a fast internet connection to work, so I can sit at home and deal with 90%+ of what it is I need to deal with everyday. Sure, I need to go to the office several days a week for meetings or when I need to physically be there for whatever reason, but with a telephone and a fast internet connection, there are many many days when I just really don't need to be in the office.

Today was a good example. We bought some new kitchen appliances this weekend and had the delivery & installation scheduled for this afternoon. Instead of leaving Ed here to deal with that himself, I decided to come home after lunch so I could help deal with any issues that might come up. While waiting, I could work from home. Unfortunately, the delivery guys cancelled (like that ever doesn't happen!), so I was left with an entire afternoon of working from home uninterrupted. It was probably one of the most productive blocks of time I've had work-wise in a very long time. No interruptions with people stopping by to ask me some silly question or carry on a conversation I have no interest in carrying on, no listening to annoying conversations from loud and inconsiderate work neighbors. Just 4 or 5 hours of uninterrupted work.

Even though it didn't count today since I did drive a round trip to and from work, if I were to telecommute just one day a week for the entire day, I'd reduce my gasoline consumption by 20%. Maybe not a huge amount, but if everyone were to cut their consumption by that amount, I suspect our energy woes would be a lot less serious. Plus, I get the added benefit of not having to see (or hear) all those loudmouths that drive me to the edge of insanity everyday.

Comments

[Scott-O-Rama]

Telecommuting one or two days a week to work is the best of both worlds. You have an office and coworkers, so you're not a hermit. You also have a respite from all the office interuptions to actually get stuff done.

I used to have a job (with a .com mind you) that would let me telecommute 1 to 2 days a week. It was bliss while it lasted.

Now I work out of my home all the time, with no office to go to. I find a really miss the social interaction from time to time. I talk to the cat and dog *way* too much now.

[Atlanta Todd]

I used to work from home full-time, and it was nice, like Scott says. I had to ensure that I got out, though, because on occasion the social skills would get some tarnish on them.

Now, our company doesn't allow telecommuting (it's part of the company's we-own-you-and-we-don't-trust-you mentality -- the higher-ups are horrible, but that's another story). Anyway, my boss is going behind their backs to allow her staff to telecommute 1 day a week. I get my first day tomorrow! Yay!

Good for you on your decision!

[Scott-O-Rama]

Hmmm... it's be 10 days sweetie. Where are you? Hope all is well.

[Kurt]

I agree with you - although I'm in a somewhat different situation. After about 11AM AZ time my day is shot. I work in N. Scottsdale, but customers I talk with are on the east coast. Solution? I usually get in between 6 and 7 in the morning. My most productive time is before 9am (noon on the east coast) when all the 'non-sales' folk get in the office. Then I 'get' to hear about different recipes, what they did last night, etc.

For me I need the internet, email, our database, and a phone. Seems easy enough for me.