How are you managing working from home?

We are now 12-weeks into lockdown; if like me, you expected life to have returned to normal by now, there is a stark realisation. THIS is what life is like, for the foreseeable. I have always been an advocate of working from home and flexible working; but this is something altogether new. So, I want to take the time to ask, how are you managing to work from home right now?

One thing I have enjoyed over this time is how technology is helping us still stay connected: I’ve taken part in pub quizzes, art classes, nights-out (in) with friends, dance classes, coffee dates and networking. Whilst many of these things are a lovely distraction, with zero commute of course, what is has also offered the opportunity to share how we are feeling. Employment status isn’t relevant at the moment; what we end up sharing are the tips and tricks on how we are managing to get through this time, balancing the variety of commitments we have.

What is interesting is how, from week to week, what we do and how we do it can change. There is an expectation that one routine, trick or technique will be the fix to feeling like we are balancing everything. However, if you have spent any time on my blogs, you will know that there is never a one-size fix all approach, even when we aren’t in a situation where our movements are restricted and our to-do list has exploded!

When the lockdown was first announced I wrote about how you could navigate your way through this. I read this back and realise that some of this was optimistic and hopeful; maybe now, nearly three months on, we ready to read this again with new eyes?  In some ways I feel like we are learning how to be more flexible; In a world that is every changing, it is exhausting trying to second guess what is happening, so the best way to go forward it is to look at what we can control.
So, what I am going to share with you today is how I will help myself, my business, and my family through the next few months.

Unapologetically take advantage of tech

Whilst working remotely is the norm for me, so many of my clients, contacts and friends have found themselves thrown a new way of working that they hadn’t considered possible. Added to that are online learning logs, virtual classrooms, and e-books; we are digitally exhausted. So rather than let us control us, consider what we want it to do with it; what’s the end result?
I’ve come to realise our youngest is a visual learner, so we use BBC Bitesize on the TV (which gives us the added bonus of some time to focus on work). Likewise, I use the internet to search alternative ways of helping her learn when she won’t engage with the (ever appreciated) teacher set work.
When it comes to work, the out of office message still reigns supreme, plus the bookable diary which enables clients to find a slot to work with me, when it suits us both.

Revisit my boundaries

If you have every worked with me, either 1:1 or during a workshop, you will know how much I stress understanding your boundaries and sharing them with the world. At the moment, it can feel like we are being pulled in every direction, ricocheting between home and work. However, we only have a certain number of hours in the day, so be clear as you can on boundaries and set them, with the best intentions. For me, that is a daily out of office that highlights I am “briefly on my emails” and when I am due to return. That also looks like a sign on my door which states “Don’t come in, Mum in on a call.”  Finally, it looks like very set hours in my diary where I am available for clients, with conversation with those I share my life with around when I am around to do other things.

Remember, life just needs to be ‘good enough’

Let’s set the record straight, most of the time we all hold ourselves to unreasonable standards, yet we don’t expect the same of other people. NOW is the time to start being gentle on yourself. Consider what you need to keep your resilience took kit ticking over, notice the small things and pay attention EVERYTHING you achieve, rather than what you think you haven’t.
Notice the language you use and how this can set unrealistic expectations. For example, from the beginning I have talked about helping my two kids learn; I am not their teacher. I am not qualified. But I can be there when they get stuck (and Google the answers – HOW MUCH has education changed!)
I have, where possible, streamlined my business expectations too; to make sure I look after my clients and offer things that can work to the situation we are in now.

The thing that underpins all of this, and needs to be remembered not just now, but for the future is COMMUNICATION. Start by understanding what YOU need, then make sure the people that are around you know what you need. Communicate to understand and be gentle with yourself and each other.

How are you managing working from home? Come and join over 500 people in Creating Careers to Enjoy and share what is helping you.

If you would like to delve into this further, then my on demand training “How to Balance Working From  Home” is now available for only £25.

Clara Wilcox is a straight-talking, practical and experienced coach helping clients navigate the tricky waters of returning to work, career changes and professional development. The Balance Collective has a social mission, focused on improving the lives of parents, by working together to build inner confidence and promote a healthy work/life balance. Isn’t it time to create a career to enjoy? Find the latest online workshops here.