"…arre Jimish, aaj half day?"

"…arre Jimish, aaj half day?" shouted a guy a couple of rows away as I picked up my bag from my desk. ["Jimish, half day today?"]

This was at one of my earlier employers. While many organizations became more progressive after the pandemic, this one was quite strict with in-and-out times back then. One had to swipe in by 10:00 am. If you swiped in after 10:00, the system would mark you as taking a half day.

With a little daughter waiting at home, I made it a priority to wrap up my work on time and leave by 6:30-7:00 if my tasks and hours were completed. However, some of my colleagues had a habit of working late, often staying until 9-10 pm. despite arriving before 10 am. It wasn’t always because they were being productive; it was because their bosses stayed late. And those bosses stayed late because their bosses did, leading to a culture where anyone could be summoned at any hour. Over the years, I worked with different bosses, but all of them knew I was particular about my schedule. If any work was still pending, I would complete it from home later that evening or over the weekend.

There was one particular guy who made it his mission to spend 11-12 hrs at work daily. If he noticed anyone leaving on time he would make loud remarks like, "Aaj half day?", "Kaam nahi hai aaj?" or "Ye dekho, ye toh ghar jaa raha hai."

While I didn't care about his opinions, I disliked the unwanted attention. One day, I wondered, "How does he know I'm leaving for the day?" It could be the sound of me packing, closing my drawers, or simply the sight of me walking out with my bag. So, I decided to change my routine. I left my laptop bag and tiffin in my car and walked into the office with just my laptop. Before and after lunch, I would go down to the car to retrieve and return my tiffin. When it was time to leave, I would simply walk out with my laptop. This way, no one, especially the loud guy, could tell if I was heading to a meeting or leaving for the day. Eventually, people caught on that when I walked out with my laptop late in the evening. However, without the sound or sight of me packing up, it was no longer obvious.

Eventually, I left that job, but I had grown fond of the routine. For many years now, I’ve continued to leave home with just my laptop (no bag) and tiffin bag in hand, walking into work carrying only my laptop. It keeps things minimal and simple. Essentials are stored in my office locker. This habit also ensures a short walk before and after lunch to pick up and drop off my tiffin. While I know that no one at my current employer would ever think like that loud guy, I’m sure some wonder about the story behind why I walk in with just my laptop. That’s why I decided to share this today.

I’m not suggesting everyone should adopt this habit—especially if you take public transport or ride a two-wheeler—but if you drive to work, give it a try someday. You might appreciate the minimalist approach too. It’s a literal load off your shoulders.