Our 5th installation in our Working from Home blog series is from Melanie, Data Analyst. She talks about working after retirement and creating a space of her own.
I worked for a local school corporation for 44 years and retired in July of 2019. Shortly before I retired, I was offered a part-time, work-from-home position with KHIT Consulting. It was the perfect opportunity to keep my mind and office skills honed without leaving my home. Having retired earlier than I planned or expected to, the job also allowed me to earn what I needed to supplement my retirement benefits since I am not yet eligible for Social Security. How awesome is that?!
I had the thought that perhaps I would be too distracted to work at home. This was not an issue at all. I find the work very interesting and it keeps my attention very well. My family is respectful of the time I spend at my desk. Of course, I do not work after Sunday dinner. There is too much fun going on after dinner.
Initially, I thought I could use our home computer. Unfortunately, it is in our family room which is the busiest place in the house. I did try it. However, I felt I needed and deserved my own work space. Since we do not have a spare bedroom I could convert into an office, I decided to use a small space in the living room away from the hub of the house. A small previously owned computer desk and a brand-new computer (I was so excited!) were all I needed. I was up and going in no time at all. Not only did I need physical separation from the busy areas of our house, I also needed the psychological separation. It helps to focus my busy mind…remember, I am the old woman. It was nice not to have to share the computer (although from time to time, I do). I know many people do have home offices, and I think that is great. For those that do not, having their own space is still a viable option. This was my office for my work – not fancy, not expensive, but it is so wonderful to have this special space.
Working from home has been a wonderful experience. I gain two hours of work time at home due to not having to get up, get ready, and then drive to and from work. I go to work as soon as I get up. If my coffee cup or stomach is empty, I can dash to the kitchen for a fresh cup and a desk-friendly bite to eat or eat it in the kitchen (or even better, on my back porch). If I have an appointment, I can leave and return to pick up the work where I left off. The time spent working at home is more efficient. There are very few phone calls unlike my previous positions. No one walks up to my desk for assistance or, worse than that, just to talk. My previous very stressful professional life is gone. Working from home makes retirement better than I ever thought it could be.
The best thing about working from home is KHIT Consulting. My co-workers are congenial, efficient, positive, and, most of all, always helpful and patient with this old woman. The work is fulfilling and interesting. Deadlines are always reasonable. I know KHIT’s customer base is very satisfied with the services rendered. The staff goes above and beyond to make sure things run smoothly and efficiently. Being part of an organization like KHIT is one of the wonderful benefits to working from home.
