which side of green are you on

So Jaime & I were talking about this article that we read about Yahoo's Shine site and how the office for the writers/editors is based from everyone's homes. Sadly, we were both in agreement that we're not as productive in our home environment. We've both been in the position of trying to work from home, and neither of us enjoyed it as much as working in a structured office. We also talked about who we know that we can TOTALLY see working from their homes and being extremely productive doing so.

The interesting part of our conversation was really about how it's generally the dream of stressed-out, working women (moms) to just be able to stay at home. It's the "grass is always greener" mentality. I can remember when my kiddos were really young (not so much during the baby and dirty diaper phase) and just wishing that I was home spending more time watching them grow up. But, when given that opportunity to work from home, I realized how much self-motivation this really required. I didn't need to look "cute" for anyone - no meetings to get dressed up for or group presentations to give. It was not motivating to me - because this was the point where I learned that I THRIVE in an office environment. I absolutely enjoy working within a team of people who are passionate about their brand.

Also - I learned a really important mommy lesson during this time. At first, my kids were SO excited to be in the car pool lane because their mommy was going to be them up personally every day after school. They also really liked getting to do more activities because we weren't concerned about how we could get them to early afternoon practices when my office had been too far away. Yep - initially, things were pretty darn great. THEN . . . . you know, the kids starting asking when I was going to go back to my office. Then, they got a little less happy each day when the new routine of my being around was established. I learned that they were reflecting how I was feeling. When I worked in an office (and - despite my doubts about mommy stuff - LOVED it), my kids were very happy. When I came home and redefined our entire family structure, it was abnormal and uncomfortable because it was a major change (for all of us). Ultimately, nobody was happy. So, when I had the opportunity to go back into corporate world - I was thrilled and with some adjustments on the homefront - the family was also thrilled! If you love what you do - your family will also be happy and supportive because they want the best for you. So, no more guilt trips about family.

If you like to work in an office environment, do it. (How many times can I remind you of the perks - cute shoes, cute clothes for meetings and you have the constant and direct inspiration from others you work with!) If you're productive (like my husband) from a home office, then more power to you as well. I think this segment of the workforce is growing and that I should seriously give more consideration to this workspace.

So - which work environment is your preference?