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>There is also a somewhat of divide between introverts and extroverts between which they prefer, but of course - there are many in either camp leaning the other
by tpmoney 4y ago
>There is also a somewhat of divide between introverts and extroverts between which they prefer, but of course - there are many in either camp leaning the other way too.
Yeah, as an introvert, seeing the constant assertion that only extroverts want to work from the office is very frustrating. It is because I am an introvert that I want to work from the office. Sure, I struggle with interacting with people in general already. But I will have that trouble whether I'm at home or in the office. But here's just a small list of the additional troubles that pile on WFH:
Having to speak out on a public chat channel, where everything I say will be recored for a legally mandated long time, seen by who knows and potentially misinterpreted because of a lack of tone (slack).
Having to interrupt someone without being able to see if they're busy (IMs).
Being self conscious of the existence of a camera and not knowing if people are or aren't looking at me (web conferences)
Not being able to get tone and body language feedback from the people I'm talking to (any text based medium)
Accidentally speaking over or interrupting someone because of latency (web and audio conferences)
Having to specifically put effort into promoting myself and my work because it's less visible now
Not having the chance side conversations with my mangers, skip managers and directors. I know a lot of people doubt these happen, but I've had enough of them, and am convinced one or two major changes in my career have been in part because of those conversations that I would not have otherwise had. This goes hand in hand with the item above.
I am 100% behind having more choice and more flexibility, but I really wish people would stop pretending that the divide on this is extrovert/introvert. I'm far enough along in my career to understand the importance of speaking up and being seen and therefore to put the effort into doing it, but make no mistake, 100% remote requires me to put more more effort into it and for my personal form of introversion, it makes things much much harder on me.
- jawns 4y agoOn the flip side, I'm an extravert, but I have stopped considering anything but 100% remote work. I get my energy from others, but that doesn't mean we have to share the same physical space. I used to spend 2 hours a day in a crappy commute, and for an extravert, that sucks. Now I get to spend that time around people I enjoy.
- Fnoord 4y agoI know extroverts who love their commute. They call colleagues and get stuff done while traveling. Its working, IMO.
- slategruen 4y agoI'm not sure if there's any study to back this up but aren't introverts generally more sensitive to social cues? As an introvert myself, we have similar frustrations. In-person communication is just more effective in some cases.
- eyelidlessness 4y ago> aren't introverts generally more sensitive to social cues? Maybe, if you don’t open a whole neurodivergent can of worms. (Speaking for myself, autistic and ADHD, I’m more sensitive to some social cues than others, and quite a lot less for other cues; my sensitivity to specific cues is often different if subtly from most of the neurodivergent people I know.)
- watwut 4y agoAfaik no. Introverts can be both very good at social cues and bad at them. Same goes for extroverts. Introversion vs extrovertion is just one of huge amount of traits we have. Also, it ia not like there would be two distinct species. It is scale and majority of the people are in the middle between extroversion and introversion. Just slightly biased toward one side.
- exmadscientist 4y agoThe distinction between "introvert" and "extrovert" is really about whether socializing is draining or recharging. I'm extremely introverted and plenty "good at" (most forms of) socializing. It's also hard work for me. But it's hard work like going on a mountain hike is hard work: it's a fantastic experience (usually) and I am glad I do it, but I also simply can't do it 24/7/365.
- lytefm 4y agoI doubt that this is an extravert/ intravert divide and am pretty sure it has more to do with the current life situation. Young, single and living nearby by yourself or in a shared flat without a dedicated room to work in? Not too sure about what to do with free time? Going to the office for socializing and structure is great. Married, with kids and living in a house on the countryside? Strong social ties and no need to get to know your colleagues? Or traveling around/ having an otherwise fulfilling life outside work? Then, remote is awesome. I'm rather introverted myself and very happy with hybrid. Meeting colleagues when I feel like socializing and in need of some routine, working remotely when I have other things to do and want the flexibility.
- montag 4y agoAbsolutely, 100% this. Also, I really appreciate how candid the author of the article is. Why is it so hard to admit our human foibles?