Why is everyone asking about Working from Home?

Working from home (WFH) has become a pivotal topic during the pandemic, with individuals seeking flexibility, personal health, and family well-being. In this article, we explore the narratives of two individuals, Saurabh and Prasanna, who decided to embrace remote work and rural living to ensure the well-being of their families and themselves. Their journeys highlight both the challenges and the joys of WFH.

Saurabh's Journey

Saurabh, from Mumbai, found himself in a position where his wife's pregnancy and the possibility of a comfortable work-from-home arrangement coincided with the global pandemic. He shares his experience:

When my wife, Swati, was pregnant and under the doctor's advice to stay in bed for rest, the distance from my office became a distressing thought. The uncertainty of the situation and the desire to provide her with a peaceful and positive environment were at the forefront of my mind. As the news broke that we had to work from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a light of hope emerged. I decided to return to my hometown in Nashik, Maharashtra, to ensure that the entire family could care for Swati during her pregnancy.

Being in my hometown, I could support my family while catering to Swati’s needs. Once she delivered our adorable baby girl, Ananya, and she is now 1.5 months old, I have been helping my father out on the farm in the early hours after my work. It’s a refreshing change to be close to nature and spend quality time with my newborn and my family.

It’s truly a blessing to have the chance to work from home and share this moment with my family. Here are some photos from our farm:

[Insert Photos of Rural Life]

Challenges and Benefits of Rural Life

Despite the peace and serenity, there are challenges to living in a rural area.(Village life) Prasanna, from Bihar, offers a contrasting perspective. He says, 'I am from a village in Bihar and have never spent more than a week with my family. Since June, I have been at home and during weekends I help my father in field work. I spend 2-3 km daily to run because there is a road connecting another village which remains empty most of the time.'

Prasanna continues, 'I teach my younger brother and sister daily. My study has gone for a toss, but I love it. Following all this, I can have Biryani cooked by Mom regularly, and I’m not missing anything.'

Challenges in Rural Areas

On the flip side, Prasanna faces several challenges such as internet connectivity and societal issues. He mentions, 'I have a Airtel post-paid plan. This gives me 75 GB per month. This is sufficient for me. I applied for wired connection, but no one is willing to do the tedious task to bring the connection to my village. Village life is indeed beautiful, but the issue is with its people. Most of the people here are uneducated. They don’t care about your privacy. When I order something online, the entire Muhalla comes to inquire what I ordered.

There are positive sides too, such as respect for the educated and a sense of community. Most of the time, I get two questions: how much do you earn and when are you getting married. But, I don’t like farming at all. You have to invest a lot of time in it, and at the eleventh hour, a rainstorm can destroy all your efforts. Right now, we are praying that no rain comes, as this could destroy all the crops.'

Conclusion

While the challenges of remote work and rural living are undeniable, the benefits are immense. Saurabh and Prasanna demonstrate that with the right mindset and a supportive environment, working from home can be a life-changing decision for both personal and professional growth. Whether it's increasing the chances of family bonding or the peace and tranquility of rural life, people are finding new ways to thrive in today's uncertain times.

Do you have a remote work experience to share? Have you ever considered moving to the countryside for the sake of your health, your family, or both?