Okay, so I’ve heard the whispers. The dreaded “return to office” (RTO) is happening for a lot of people. And honestly? I’m a little freaked out. I’ve been working from home for, like, forever (or at least it feels that way). My pajamas are practically fused to my skin, and the thought of putting on actual pants is… daunting. But, hey, gotta face the music, right?
The news says a bunch of folks are being called back, and if you’re one of them, preparation is key. I’ve been doing some digging (mostly panicked Googling), and it looks like figuring out a few things is crucial for a smooth transition.
First things first: commute. This might seem obvious, but remember that blissful pre-pandemic time where you didn’t have to factor in traffic, parking, and the sheer existential dread of public transportation? Yeah, those days are (possibly) coming back. So, bust out your old bus schedule (or download a new app), map out your driving route, and, for goodness sake, check parking options and costs near your workplace. You don’t want to end up circling the block for an hour before your first day back, only to get a ticket. That would be a rough start.
Then, there’s the whole manager’s expectations thing. This is, like, the big one. You need to figure out what your boss expects from you in the office. Are there specific hours you need to be there? Are there in-office meetings every day? Is there a dress code (please tell me there isn’t a dress code)? The best way to find this out is, of course, to ask your manager directly. I know, scary, right? But it’s way better than showing up in flip-flops and expecting to work from the break room.
My Hilarious (and Slightly Traumatic) Commute Story
Speaking of commutes, let me tell you a quick story. Back in my less-than-wise younger days, I had this internship downtown. Public transportation was my only option, and I figured, “How hard could it be?” Very hard, it turns out. My first day, I missed my bus by approximately 0.00001 seconds. I then waited an agonizing 45 minutes for the next one. By the time I arrived, hair a mess, covered in sweat (it was summer), and slightly delirious, I walked straight into a glass door. I’m pretty sure the interns witnessing this event still use it as a legendary story to scare new hires. Moral of the story? Plan. Your. Commute.
Another time, during my brief career as a dog walker, I decided to be extra efficient and take a shortcut through the park. This brilliant plan involved a charming but somewhat deranged terrier who decided squirrels were the mortal enemy. After a twenty-minute chase involving mud, angry park-goers, and me hanging onto the leash for dear life, we finally returned, slightly battered and covered in foliage. I’m almost certain that day had an impact on my ability to manage time and plan routes. Again, learn from my mistakes!
More Practical Advice (Because I’m Actually Trying to Be Helpful Now)
Beyond the commute and manager expectations, there are other things to consider. Refresh your professional wardrobe (if needed), dust off your office supplies, and make sure your work laptop is fully charged. This seems super basic, but trust me, forgetting something can really mess with your first day back. And try to remember the social skills you likely haven’t used in years, like actual face-to-face conversation!
Finally, remember this: you’re not alone. Many people are facing this transition, and there will be adjustments to make. Be kind to yourself, plan ahead, and communicate with your manager. The return to the office might not be all bad; you might even rediscover the joys of the office coffee machine or a proper lunch break away from your kitchen table. Or maybe not. But at least you’ll have a plan.
| Thing to Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Plan your commute | Avoid late arrival and unnecessary stress |
| Clarify expectations with your manager | Ensure a smooth integration back into the office |
| Check your wardrobe | Look and feel professional |
Good luck everyone! You’ve got this!
