The increased acceptance of working from home

Working from home is difficult.

The work/ life/ family/ hobby/ eating/ drinking/ sleeping/ balance is difficult.

We all try to be amenable at work. We endeavour to fit all in, to be flexible to be responsive, to be available. For our clients and our colleagues. 

For the most part we never let anyone down or any ball drop. 

We work the extra hours, we check our emails, we take the calls on days off, evenings and weekends, and occasionally, just occasionally, we appear on international TV. 

But with that comes the price. The price of humility. Of having to let that professional guard drop, just occasionally and just for a minute. 

But it's OK. 

It's OK to be a person with dependents, with friends, family and loved ones that have to come first. Or at the very least least equal to our careers and commitments.

And we all understand it too. 

Who hasn't answered a call up a ski lift, or replied to an email at Grandad's 90th birthday lunch?

Flexible working means just that. But ergo, it has to mean flexibility of attitude too and from both parties. The understanding client, the supportive colleague or patient supplier.

Even if you're an Associate Professor of Political Science, you simply can't legislate for a 3 year-old with a penchant for dance moves and a fast moving baby.

But it’s OK. 

People may even lean in and listen more, like you and respect you for what you do in your life as well as your work. See the human behind the professional. 

One tweet to Professor Kelly said: ‘I will be more interested on your South Korean political analysis moving forward.’ Glib maybe but with an element of truth.

Ultimately, it’s OK to be human.

It's ok to be fallible.

And what's more, the world will love you for it.