Working Remote: It Sucked. Welcome to My Office, and Why I’m 100× More Productive Here

Remote work had its moment. For some people, it still works. For me? It ended up not being an ideal setup. Even though I pined away for the option for years. 

What started as a flexible, modern way to work slowly turned into constant distractions, blurred boundaries, and a never-ending feeling that I was always “on” but never entirely focused. Coming back to the office wasn’t a step backward. It was a productivity upgrade.

Home Is Full of Distractions

At home, everything competes for your attention. Laundry, packages, pets, doorbells, half-finished projects, and the temptation to “just take care of one quick thing.” Even with the best intentions, focus gets fractured.

An office removes that noise. When you walk in, you are here to work. No side quests. No multitasking disguised as efficiency. 

Psychology Today had an interesting article about blurred lines of work, boundaries, and relaxation when you work from home. Over the past five years, I found that structure and routine seemed to prevail over flexibility. 

Structure Creates Momentum

A dedicated workspace creates rhythm. You sit down, open your laptop, and your brain knows it is time to go. Meetings have purpose. Tasks have deadlines. The day has a beginning, a middle, and an end.

That structure does not limit creativity. It fuels it. Many times at my home office, I found myself so overwhelmed with tasks and what needed to be done that I would start a quick house project to reset my brain, only for two hours to pass and my to-do list still be in the same place. 

Wearing Real Pants Actually Helps

It sounds ridiculous until you experience it. Getting dressed for work matters. Pants with a button flip a mental switch. You show up differently when you look like you are supposed to be there.

Confidence, professionalism, and accountability start before the first meeting. You need all the tools in the toolbox to make you feel your best. Looking and feeling your best allows you to perform your best. 

When I started showing up to team calls with makeup on and “real” clothes, people were asking me why I looked so “fancy”...Clearly, a change needed to happen. I still love my athleisure wear, though! 

Offices Make Client Relationships Better

Hosting clients off-site is a different experience. It signals investment, stability, and credibility. Conversations are more focused. Collaboration feels intentional. First impressions matter, and a professional space still carries weight. Zoom can’t replace that.

What is great about having an office? The lawncare happening outside no longer disrupts me while I’m presenting, my cat doesn’t hop on my lap, and a random tail appears in my profile; I don’t have to pause a call to let the contractor in or sign for a package. Not home! Sorry, I can't do it! 

The Bottom Line

Remote work is not the enemy. But it is not the productivity miracle it was sold as, either. For some of us, the office is where the best work actually happens.

Clear boundaries. Fewer distractions. Stronger relationships. Real pants.

Welcome to my office!