Working from home for COVID. The transition from an outgoing journey to a housebound helper has its moments, but can we make it better?
Trudging home to work
Your covid experience is probably on the way or over by now but let's look at the journey so far.
If you have kids I really pity them. They don't want their space ruined by a grumpy parent who wants an island of peace among a sea of mayhem.
Kids love noise above all else because they don't hear it, they make it. I understand the screams of someone being killed do not sit well with writing a report.
As a responsible adult you cannot ignore it just in case there is a one-in-a-million chance someone is injured to a band-aid level.
Working from home for Covid
Solution number one
I am an experienced home worker. For years I studied after hours to obtain a degree after wasting my youth on pleasure.
My trick was to rise early and study in the dark of the morning so that disturbance was at minimal. The dog at my feet, was quiet, contended demanding nothing but the odd kick of love.
Unfortunately, this is also the time the little ones love to tell you stories. There you are, the only person in the room and no one else to listen to war stories.
If you try the, “Why not go jump into bed with mummy and tickle her awake trick?” it never works.
You are captive to the one-on-one time just with the two of you sharing confidences. Your desire to tie them up and muffle the conversation so that you can concentrate is really not allowed these days.
Solution number two
I am a pretty smart guy so If I can't have my mornings give me the night when the darlings are locked away and unable to disturb me.
However, all good plans have flaws that you fail to consider.
I am on page two of my report and in comes the other half, a glass of red in hand and she has you all to herself, there is no escape, telling a partner to get out is twice as dangerous as yelling at the kids, so not recommended if you consider consequences as important. And they are.
My final solution
You will find this one works well except for a few minor problems.
Find a room you can hide in, lock the doors, and head to page three of the report.
At last peace and quiet until a loud voice states “the dog wants to come in with you.” Ok, not a problem. “Oh by the way while you are up can you just do one little thing for me?” says a pleading voice.
Oh, and one more thing I am ducking to the shops, you will be ok with the kids won't you?
They may be shipped away when you return but that is a small risk because I am sure there is a nice family somewhere that will welcome them.
Essentials of business communications
Conclusion
Homes are not made to work in.
Forget kids and partners, these are small issues that can be overcome with gaffer tape.
Swings of concentration in an uncontrolled environment are bound to manage your ability to apply the energy necessary to get past page four of the report.
You will understand that there are so many pressing issues around the house that you could just spend a few minutes fixing.
Your internet needs better coverage, the screen is too small, and you are out of printing paper until you find out it doesn't matter. Mainly because there is also no ink after the last school project.
Seriously, what is the best way to work from home?
My only answer
Go back to work, ok just kidding it is not possible at the moment.
My solution is to power work, disregard all distractions for a short period, and real power to results. 30, 45, or even sixty minutes of head-down activity.
Now you are free to annoy the others so much they will leave you for the next block of action, rinse and repeat it works a treat.
Working from home for COVID by Peter Hanley
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