Over the years, I’ve really enjoyed working from home.
When WFH was just one or two days each week those days were a pleasure—they offered some quiet hours to concentrate, read critical background material, and complete complex writing projects without the constant interruptions, interbuilding travel time for meetings (yes, it’s a thing), and overheard conversations that come with sitting in an open office space.
That changed about 3 weeks ago when the firm I work for transitioned 97% of its 7,500+ global employees from working in their offices to working from home due to concerns around the escalating coronavirus crisis.
Not too long after, Maryland’s governor closed non-essential businesses and announced a shelter-at-home order. Jacob’s employer closed. (For the first time in his entire working career, he filed for unemployment insurance.)
WFH is different now. Coping is different. I’m working with three family members trying to “assist” me. One of them—whos going a little stir-crazy—from time-to-time says, “It doesn’t sound like you’re too busy. I can vacuum around you, right?” The other two, Baxter and Louie, complain to me—verbally—when they believe that they aren’t getting the same quantity of treats that they used to get when we weren’t under supervision from “other daddy.”
I’ve turned to some online sights and sounds for my breaks during the day. I put on headphones and enjoy some sights and sounds in private. Here’s one that you might enjoy. Turn up the volume—it’s essential.
Be well, my friends. Stay home. Do what you can to support others.
Keep a stiff upper lip. And as always, feel free to share. I’m here.
