I was definitely one of the people that always wanted to have the option to work from home. Little did I know that almost a month ago, we would have to make that switch abruptly. COVID-19 came in and flipped our world upside down and inside out.
The first week was extremely overwhelming. Feeling like a slave to my laptop, I convinced myself I had to work every second of every minute of every hour from 8:30 to 4:30. It took me several days to let that mentality go and just do what I could. I had to remember that breaks were important for my mentality, my physical we;;-being, and my emotional health.
Not only was I overwhelmed with work but suddenly I also became a grade school teacher. My daughter and I had to adjust and come up with a schedule and way of communicating that worked for us. It was not easy! Being home also meant having my little guy around more. He has become so attached I cannot even imagine what it will be like once I return to the office. Nonetheless having an almost 2 year old presented its own challenges. He suddenly felt all my web conferences were meet and greets and all of my supplies were for arts and crafts.
On top of all of this, social media became hypnotizing. It was bombarded by news of COVID-19 but it was also suddenly full of people saying things like, “Now you will see what stay at home moms go through.” Wow, was that super annoying!
Now hear me out here…I do not discredit what stay at home moms do. If you can look back at previous posts, I was one for awhile before returning to work from maternity leave. But there is a significant difference if that is your only job all day everyday. It definitely cannot compare to having a full time job, being a home school teacher, and watching a 2 year old all at the same time. Trying to manage these multiple roles while still trying to stick to your work calendar has been the MOST CHALLENGING yet.
A few times in the past weeks, I have had several emotional breakdowns. I mean literally crying hysterically at my kitchen table, in my bedroom, in the shower, etc. Check-ins with my director and colleagues has been so important. Just being able to talk it out, seeing how others are managing, and feeling understood have provided a sense of relief.
So what are some key things I have learned during this transitioning period…
- Relax! No one is really expecting you to be bound to your laptop all day (at least not in my case).
- Take breaks! This will help clear your mind and sometimes it’s what you need to keep on going.
- Check in! Whether you are communicating with others in your department or institution or even other workplaces, just check in. Social distancing does not mean do not speak!
- Look at the positives! At first this was difficult to do but when else will this happen? When will you be home with your immediate family and get to enjoy each other despite the challenges? Probably not any time soon.
- Be Kind! We are all watching and experiencing this pandemic. It is frightening but don’t let that fear consume you and make you angry. Instead, be kind! Reach out to those you love and reconnect.
Let’s stay strong.
Better times will come.
Keep praying for the world.
We will get through this together.
And remember…Live, Laugh, & Love!
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