When the world shifted to remote work in 2020 during Covid , I found myself surprisingly at ease in this new chapter of life. As someone who’s equally happy in a quiet space and with a good crowd, I loved the independence of working from home. Those early lockdown days turned into a “golden era”—a time where I could dive into hobbies, tackle work tasks in my own rhythm, and create a life that felt perfectly balanced. I had my own routine, my own space, and a newfound freedom.
Resistance to Change
Then came the inevitable “return-to-office” emails, nudging us back in stages—first two days a week, then three. For someone who had settled so comfortably into the rhythm of home, this shift felt monumental, like being asked to uproot a carefully tended garden. I could almost feel the resistance rising up, a weight pressing against the idea of leaving my quiet, controlled space to dive back into an office environment that now felt foreign and overwhelming.
The thought of giving up the independence and the blend of work and personal routines I’d come to love felt like scaling a mountain I hadn’t signed up to climb.
Building a Community from the Ground Up
As I started going back into the office, I found myself looking beyond my own projects, seeing the company’s broader vision and the unique needs of our different locations. That’s when I spotted an opportunity: to create something that didn’t exist before. Along with the help and support of other colleagues and leaders, I founded a UX/UI community—a kind of Meetup.com-style network within the company. What started as a simple idea to connect with others in the UX/UI space soon turned into a thriving hub, with regular tech talks, workshops, and a growing network of talented people all driven by a shared passion for design and technology.
Leading this community became one of the most rewarding challenges of my career. Suddenly, I wasn’t just attending meetings or delivering work; I was shaping a vision, organizing events, and even mentoring others who were eager to grow. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, transforming me into a leader with responsibilities I hadn’t foreseen.
Each event brought new faces, fresh ideas, and a deeper sense of purpose. And through this, I realized the power of simply showing up—of being there, listening, sharing, and creating a place where people could connect in meaningful ways.
Revitalizing Public Speaking Skills
One unexpected bonus of returning to the office was reconnecting with my public speaking skills. I used to be a confident speaker, but over the past five or six years, those skills hadn’t been tested, especially with the shift to Zoom. Speaking to hundreds of people on a screen often felt lonely and one-sided, with no real-time feedback or connection.
Being back in a physical space allowed me to rediscover the energy of a live audience. This year, I was honored to speak at the Scotland Women Techmakers Conference in 2024, along with several other in-person talks, which have helped me revamp and refine my voice as a speaker. Each talk has reignited my passion for public speaking and reminded me how powerful face-to-face interaction can be.
Expanding My Network and Leadership Skills
The impact of these in-person interactions extended far beyond my immediate team. In just a couple of years, I built a network that has enriched both my professional and personal life. I wasn’t just meeting people; I was building connections that mattered. These interactions led to collaborative projects, opened doors to new opportunities, and deepened my understanding of leadership in a way remote work simply couldn’t replicate.
The act of mentoring, guiding, and empowering others became part of my daily life. I had the chance to work with diverse individuals, exchange ideas, and even help colleagues develop their own skills. This network wasn’t just a group of colleagues; it became a community of allies—people I could rely on, learn from, and grow alongside.
And in giving back, I found myself growing as well, gaining confidence, perspective, and an appreciation for the impact one person can have when they lead with intention.
A Surprising Boost to Well-Being
Beyond the career benefits, returning to the office also brought an unexpected lift to my overall well-being. The simple 20-minute commute each way became a source of regular activity, helping me establish a healthy rhythm between work and personal life.
But it wasn’t just the physical benefits—I began to feel emotionally recharged, too. The tea-room banter, the spontaneous chats, and the small, lighthearted moments shared with colleagues added a new layer of warmth to my day. I found myself with more friends, more laughs, and a sense of connection that I’d almost forgotten could come from office life.
These moments may seem small, but they’ve brought a refreshing sense of joy, giving me something to look forward to each day. Together, the mix of both the physical and social aspects of being back in the office has had a lasting impact on my well-being, making work feel not only productive but truly enjoyable.
A Personal Journey, Not a Prescription
I know this experience is uniquely mine, and I’m aware that office life doesn’t fit everyone’s lifestyle. As a single person without dependents, the routine works well for me, but I recognize that others have different needs and priorities.
My story isn’t about prescribing a return to office life for everyone; rather, it’s about sharing how this unexpected shift helped me uncover new strengths, build a community, and find a purpose I hadn’t anticipated.
Reflecting on the Journey
As I look back, I feel deeply grateful for both chapters: the quiet, introspective time during lockdown, and the dynamic, community-driven period I’m in now. Each has shaped me in ways I never expected, and together they’ve created a journey I’m incredibly proud of.
For anyone who’s navigating a similar path, I hope this story offers a bit of inspiration—a reminder that sometimes, the very changes we resist the most end up leading us exactly where we need to be.