The shift back to in-person work after years of working from home can feel like stepping into a different world. Routines change, time feels tighter, and those early commutes can be a jarring wake-up call—literally. Whether you’re already back in the office or preparing for a phased return, it’s worth thinking carefully about how this transition impacts your time, your energy, and your quality of life.
Here are a few thoughtful things to consider as you find your new rhythm:
The Return of the Commute: Time, Cost, and Energy
Let’s start with the obvious: commuting is back on the table. After working from the kitchen table or home office, even a 30-minute drive can feel like a trek. Take a moment to tally up the real cost of commuting:
Time: How much of your day is lost to travel?
Gas and Wear: Rising fuel prices and vehicle maintenance can add up fast.
Mental Energy: Traffic, unexpected delays, and rushing out the door can drain your energy before your workday even begins.
If your commute is longer than an hour each way, it’s worth asking—how is this affecting the time you spend with your family or on things you love?
Your Lifestyle Has Changed—Has Your Location Kept Up?
During the work-from-home years, you likely made the most of your flexible schedule: morning walks, lunch with loved ones, or picking kids up from school. Going back to the office may mean those routines no longer fit. It’s normal to feel a sense of loss or frustration, especially when small joys become logistical challenges.
Sometimes, the question isn’t just how you commute, but from where. If your job is calling you back in more regularly, living closer to the office could open up more breathing room in your life. Less time on the road means more time for dinner with family, weekend adventures, or simply a slower start to your morning.
Hybrid Work Isn’t Always as Flexible as It Sounds
Hybrid roles sound ideal on paper, but if your “in-office” days are frequent and non-negotiable, they may not offer as much freedom as expected. If you’re making multiple trips each week, the distance between home and office still carries weight.
Evaluate your current arrangement:
Are you dreading office days because of the commute?
Do you find yourself turning down after-work plans because you need to get home?
Are you missing out on spontaneous moments with your family?
If the answer is yes, it may be time to reassess whether your current location still fits your lifestyle.
It’s Not Just About Work—It’s About Your Time
Time is the one thing we can’t get more of. If long commutes are eating into your evenings, weekends, or moments with your kids, it’s worth exploring how to get some of that time back. That might mean adjusting your schedule, negotiating work-from-home days—or in some cases, looking at whether a move could improve your day-to-day life.
It’s not always about being closer to the office. Sometimes it’s about being closer to what matters most—whether that’s your support network, your kids’ school, or simply a more balanced lifestyle.
Give Yourself Grace—And a Little Time to Adjust
Transitions are rarely seamless. Give yourself the space to notice what’s working and what’s not. As you settle into your new routine, pay attention to how your days feel. Are you constantly rushing, or do you have room to breathe? Do you have the energy to be present at home after work?
If you find the balance tipping too far in one direction, that’s your cue to re-evaluate—and possibly make a change.
Final Thought: Your Daily Life Deserves Intentional Design
Work may be returning to the office, but your life doesn’t have to revolve around the grind. Thoughtful choices—like reducing your commute or living closer to what matters—can give you back hours each week. And over time, those hours add up to something bigger: more joy, more connection, and a life that feels more like your own. If you are interested in seeing what is available closer to your work, please feel free to reach out.
