Joy Wasted with KB Dickey

Let’s talk about it—the new president’s decision to bring back the five-day, in-office workweek, immediately, for government employees. Since March 2020, remote work has been the norm for many industries, proving that business can still thrive while employees enjoy the flexibility of working from home. But now, many are being asked to return to the old grind of commuting and cubicle life, and let’s be honest, the five-day workweek feels more outdated than ever.

Why the Five-Day Workweek Feels Outdated

The reality is, many jobs today can be done 100% remotely. Sure, there are industries where in-person collaboration is beneficial, but do we really need to sit in a building for eight hours a day, five days a week, just to take the same Zoom or Teams calls we’d take from home?

Here’s why the five-day mandate doesn’t make sense anymore:

• Morale: Employees thrive when they have the flexibility to balance work and life. Forcing a rigid schedule can lead to burnout and resentment.
• Productivity: Studies have shown that remote workers are often more productive because they’re not wasting time commuting or dealing with office distractions.
• Carbon Footprint: The environmental impact of daily commutes and running large office buildings is significant. Remote work reduces this. Again, traffic is dangerous and a waste of time. Now, we are going to have more frustration on the road and stressful drivers. It’s bad enough! Longer commutes are expected.
• Costs: Employers save money on utilities and property costs, and employees save on transportation, childcare, and meals.
• Flexibility: Being home allows employees to handle personal responsibilities without sacrificing work performance.

The Case for Hybrid Work

I’ll admit, there’s value in a hybrid model. One or two in-person days a week can foster collaboration, creativity, and team building in ways that virtual meetings just can’t replicate. But five days? It’s excessive and, frankly, counterproductive. Three days is already taking me out. Too many meetings and not enough time to perform the action items derived from each meeting. An extra day at home to focus would do wonders.

The Bigger Picture: Ownership and Innovation

If there’s one thing this situation has taught me, it’s this: if you’re tired of working on someone else’s terms, it’s time to figure out how to work for yourself. The world is changing, and this generation has more tools and opportunities than ever to create their own paths.

We’re living in an age where AI and technology are rewriting the rules. Kids today aren’t dreaming of sitting at a desk for eight hours a day—they’re creating professional-level income by doing what they love online. They’re leveraging platforms, building brands, and monetizing their creativity. And here’s the kicker: what they’re learning in school? A lot of it will be outdated by the time they graduate.

Our kids need to develop skills that machines can’t replicate:

• People Skills: Not just social skills, but the ability to understand and connect with others on a deeper level.
• Critical Thinking: The kind that can’t be automated or programmed.
• Adaptability: The world is changing fast, and they’ll need to keep up.

The Future of Work

As I write this, I’m using AI to organize my thoughts—proof that the future of work is already here. The key to success moving forward isn’t about how many hours you spend at a desk. It’s about being five steps ahead, leveraging technology, and finding creative ways to bring value to the world.

So no, the answer isn’t forcing employees back into the office five days a week. It’s about rethinking work altogether. Whether it’s remote, hybrid, or self-employment, the future belongs to those who embrace change and innovate.

Let’s move forward—because staying stuck in the past isn’t an option.

Joy Junkie of the Future! Forward!

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