View on Amazon

I’m Back in the Office After 5 Years — Here’s How It Went

Well, it’s official. After five years of working remotely from my home, I, Cat, a 38-year-old copywriter in New York City, will be returning to the office five days a week. Wait — did I say five? Yes, Cat. Five. Days. A. Week.

But it’s okay. Really! I just need to brush up on the basics. It’s like they say: if you want the good tea, you have to hang around the water cooler — assuming that still exists. So, what’s the latest gossip? And remember: no crying in the bathroom. Just straighten your neckerchief and get back out there. Oh, and definitely don’t ride a lawn mower inside. (I wouldn’t dream of it, but you never know.)

Anyway!

View on Amazon

I got my morning coffee routine down to an exact science: 2 minutes and 21 seconds. I set Mochi (my cat) up with an automatic feeder — that took some getting used to, but she did it. Yay!

I even laid out my outfit the night before, just like in high school. Conveniently, it’s supposed to be a heatwave all week, so I’ll enjoy the free office air conditioning. Note to self: bring a cardigan. You know those office summers — freezing.

I set my alarm for an early yet reasonable hour and went to bed, fully prepared for the day ahead. Or so I hoped.

I actually woke up about an hour before my alarm, purely out of anticipation. Silly, considering it was going to be an easy day. I sat on the couch with my coffee, eyes closed, remembering that in high school there was a guy in my first-period class who called me “crying girl” because my eyes looked so tired in the morning. (High school started at 7:50 AM. Brutal.)

I don’t want to be “crying girl” anymore — I wasn’t crying, just tired! But that’s what makeup is for.

I really enjoy getting ready in the morning. It’s something I kept doing even while working from home. Maybe it felt silly, but it helped me feel like myself. I’m a creature of habit and love my routines — just as much as I love my shredded wheat. (I’ll miss you, fiber.)

View on Amazon

Why Go Back?

For context, I started this job during the pandemic and had been working through a creative staffing agency. Recently, I got the opportunity to join the company full-time — super exciting! It comes with better health care, 401(k) matching, more flexible PTO, and overall, a feeling of being truly valued as part of the team.

Part of the deal? Full-time in-office presence. I knew what I was signing up for.

I’ll admit, five days a week felt like a lot at first. But I live alone, my commute is about 45 minutes, and honestly, I had started feeling pretty isolated these last few years. As comfy as it was to skip the subway rat race, I missed having a place to go and people around me.

Let’s check in again when I’m sweating on the subway platform, okay?

View on Amazon

The First Commute

[Music playing in my head]

Bye, Mochi. Bye, sweetie.

And off I went, back to join all the other busy worker bees. Some new commute rules for myself:

• No true crime podcasts about chopped-up bodies — we’ll do classical music instead, to expand the mind and encourage creativity.

• No shoving my way out of the train car or cursing under my breath at tourists.

• Move gracefully, swiftly, and stay focused — no $8 almond milk lattes today!

• Appreciate the city’s architecture and the fast-paced New York hustle.

Day One in the Office

I was nervous. The last time I stepped into an office was March 15, 2020.

At reception, I checked in and got my new badge. I took a very “Severance”-like elevator ride (fortunately, I didn’t become an “innie”).

I wandered around a bit, trying to look confident (good hair helps). Eventually, I found some friendly faces who waved me over. I set up my laptop and dove into work — that’s why we’re here, after all.

Lunch? An overpriced stir-fry bowl from a random spot. Probably won’t repeat that choice.

I even tried to check in on Mochi through the cat cam, but no luck.

Back at my desk, I worked and worked… until I hit that familiar wall. You know the one — when you’re just done. Luckily, it was almost quitting time. I wrapped up, logged out, and headed home.

The End of the First Week

By Friday, my first full in-office week was officially done. It wasn’t nearly as scary or dramatic as I had imagined.

I have been waking up at 5:15 AM every day, mind buzzing, but I know it’ll settle with time.

Honestly, the office feels like working in a coffee shop: people I don’t really know, quietly doing their thing. Most of my immediate team works from other offices and time zones, so my daily tasks are still pretty solitary. The upside? At least I can leave my laptop unattended when I need to use the bathroom.

It’ll take a while to find my groove, make connections, and really feel at home. But I’m hopeful. There’s even talk of a post-work happy hour coming up. Promising!

Friday Night Plans

Friday night, Jeff came over. We made pasta, had spritzes, and watched The Sopranos. (He’s rewatching, I’m watching for the first time — final season, it’s getting intense!)

That’s what we work for, right? To enjoy the fun stuff at the end of the day.

Looking Ahead

Overall, going back to the office wasn’t as scary as I feared. It might not be “like it used to be,” but it’s a new chapter — one I’m ready to make the most of.

I’ll get there. With my coffee routine, my shredded wheat, and maybe a few after-work spritzes along the way.

Music and laughter, good times ahead — we made it.

View on Amazon