It’s not good for your career. That’s the truth.
Your Competition is At the Office: Your ambitious peers are working at the office. They are keeping the same hours as their mentors, and are plugged into the informal “In Crowd”. When Senior Management is looking for someone to take on that big role or assignment, they don’t think of you because they never see you. They see your competitors almost every day. Out of sight? Out of mind.
The Scoop is At the Office: Everyone is whispering about something that you really should hear, but you are not at the office to hear it. You aren’t around to develop those easy friendships that are supportive on a daily basis. No one is going to risk sending you an email or IM’ing you about the Scoop. Maybe someone will call you, but why would they risk being overheard? Plus, if they are always at the office, why aren’t you? If you aren’t in the office, you don’t get the Scoop when you need it.
Your Mentors are At the Office: Senior Management doesn’t work from home. They don’t. They are at the office, and you on most days need to be there too in order to get the “face time” that counts. Your mentors are not going to take the time to call you, or IM you, but they may just pull you aside to tell you something important IF they see you at the Office.
You CAN work from home, but you risk being sidelined, or worse. If you want to grow your career: Go To The Office. It’s that simple.
Hello and Welcome to Her Career Story. I'm Jan Tramposch, and I'm an experienced career professional with a lot of stories to tell that can help you find your way in your career. We are going to encourage everyone to share their stories as well, so please, join in the learning and teaching!