distance learning and distance "working" -- reducing our carbon footprint

I was just thinking today that I live in Southern California and haven’t driven my car in 3 days. "Preposterous!," you think. 


Not at all! I work from home most of the week (usually only going into the LA office once/week). Not only do I love my job more than I would if I worked in a traditional office environment, but I work harder and perform better. Since working from home, I’ve reduced the expense of gas/transportation/parking; I’ve reduced my ‘carbon footprint’; I’ve reduced my personal meal expenses; I’ve reduced any inner-office drama because I interact with most of my colleagues via chat/email or the occasional phone call; most of all, I’ve reduced my general stress.

I work 8-9 hours per day, sometimes more. I am committed to my job and my overall performance. I wonder if I would be just as committed if I had to face gridlock traffic or inner-office drama? Would I be excited about my company if I had to miss dinner with my family because my train was late?

What’s ‘green’ about telecommuting:


1. No need to commute – that’s less cars on the roads.


2. Preserves the environment – not just the emissions…


3. Improves health – less stress commuting, less time away from family.


4. Increased performance/productivity – I can work in my bathrobe and not “waste” time looking presentable for the general public.

It is awesome! I love it! This is month 10 of working from home and I have no complaints.... I wonder if my brother's business school talks about the benefits of telecommuting as a cost-saving measure. The downside of telecommuting: it isn't for everyone ~ you have to hold yourself accountable for meeting your goals. The plus-side: there are very few places in the world that I can't work.

I wonder if other telecommuters are equally in love with working from home.