And for once, I have to agree with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Telecommuting IS “dumb.”  Working from home, for a larger corporation or governmental agency IS dumb.

Because here is what you forfeit over someone else: presence.  And immediacy.

If you’re nothing but a governmental drone and couldn’t care less about promotions or better working conditions or advanced pay — yes — stay the hell at home.

Those persons interested in promoting and advancement make themselves known to their ranking individuals and make plans for ascending the corporate or public sector platform.  They present an immediacy and a presence that otherwise cannot be provided by anything less.

Start thinking like a Manager if you want to promote.  Start thinking like an Upper Manager if you want to promote.  Start thinking like a CEO if that’s where you wish to be.

Because, in an upper position, what would you rather do: promote an individual who thinks like you and has chosen a similar career path — or choose someone who will be at odds with you from the moment they step into their office?

I think we all know the answer to that question.  it doesn’t require a brain scientist or a rocket surgeon to discern.

Which is why: telecommuting is dumb for those with ambition; it is, however, perfectly in keeping with those who have no ambition whatsoever.

BZ

P.S.
Oddly enough, new Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer agrees with Bloomberg.  She recently presented a memo that “working from home” is UNproductive.  And because, YES, it IS all about presence and immediacy.

The only working from home Yahoo employees will be doing is looking for another job.

The company’s remote employees have until June to take a shower and come into the office, according to a company-wide mandate put out by Marissa Mayer, the Business Insider reports.

If they don’t like it, they are encouraged to leave, according to reports.

I completely concur.  Because either you are an automaton, a drone, or you are an actual human being.

The remote workers simply aren’t productive enough for Mayer’s liking, according to an anonymous insider, who added that the company itself is bloated with too much infrastructure and too many workers whose duties are unclear. Employees were able to effectively “hide” for far too long.

COMPLETELY concur.

Unless you’re your own Personal Entrepreneur, here’s what you do working from home:

– Get up late; sleep in; stay in pajamas or shorts and tank top; scratch your belly;
– Feed the baby, make breakfast, send the wife/husband off to work or a Social Security office;
– Watch some TV’;
– Check personal e-mails;
– Pay some bills if lucky;
– Watch the Today show;
– Delay checking work e-mails;
– Watch Judge Judy; Wendy Williams has a nice show today;
– Schedule the car for its service;
– Take an afternoon nap; check out websites for tomorrow’s weather;

Ad nauseum.

Eventually, after around 3:30 or so, it’s time to address some actual work issues.  However, by that time, you rationalize it’s close to quitting time and, after all, no one can truly see when you physically stop work at home.

Mayor Bloomberg is correct.

BZ