A precious gift or a waste of time?

What have you learned, gained or done in the past few months? Were you able to do what you never could have had, or made your time worthwhile and stayed productive while at home? Were you able to appreciate the things and people around you for once?

I worked from home for 54 days from the start of the MCO (Movement Control Order) on 18th March till the middle of May 2020 when the shop I work in was finally able to re-open for business. Throughout that period, I was determined not to dwell on the situation in an aimless, unproductive manner and decided that I was going to make the most of my time doing things that I could gain something from, learn or improve in or just those that keep me and the people around me happy and positive through the dull circumstances that arose due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Here is a list of things I gained or learned during the 54-day test of will:

1. Telemarketing skills

The sudden switch of my job nature from an upfront customer service scenario to one that was bound by the Internet and phone meant that I had to pick-up new skills - and fast. Telemarketing as I found out, was not as easy as it sounds but was one I was able to gain a skill in.

2. Baking and cooking

I have always loved baking and cooking, so the extra free time I had at home was perfect for me to hone and refine my skills in the art of satisfying hungry tummies while curing the sense of boredom that was slowly consuming me. Pies, pasta, cakes and dessert, not to mention my first successful loaf of fluffy white bread.

3. Investing

People always say that a good investment will pay off in the long run and as I have been meaning to take the advice of the wise, I started to learn about investing and the possible investments that can be made in today's world. For someone with no finance background, the terms and jargon confused me at first, but the more I learned about it the more I understood what they meant. The kind help of a good friend also helped me miles.

4. Reading & Writing

Whether for knowledge or entertainment, reading is always a good pastime in my books. Fiction or non-fiction, English or Japanese, business-related or otherwise, I would always find a little time in each day to do a bit of reading. Not only that, I also caught up with my writing. Blogs, articles and the book I am working on.

5. Video-editing

While my video-editing skills are but elementary and cannot compete with seasoned professionals, I had the chance to practice and improve in the time-consuming task of cutting, joining, wording, adding music, sounds, etc. that I have come to appreciate in well-made movies.

6. Knitting and Crocheting

As a child I dabbled in various handicraft arts. Knitting was one of them. After years of being out of practice, I lifted the knitting needles once again and rediscovered its joys. I also self-learned crocheting through YouTube videos and other websites. I would say that some coasters for a friend and a shawl for my mother would be a good day's work, but of course each project took between a few hours to 2 weeks to complete.

7. Reconnecting with people

Friends, ex-colleagues, acquaintances, and many others. With busyness from work placed aside temporarily, I was able to contact, reminisce with and appreciate the people whom have been a part of my journey through life and whom I am grateful for the guidance and friendship garnered through our years together.

Perhaps not everyone has had the leisure to do quite so many things, but I know of some who lived through these very same days staring at walls all day and waking up in the morning only to eat as a means of survival before going back to sleep. The point is, there will always be 24 hours in a day, but what we choose to do with every hour, minute and second that we are given may determine what we can achieve in the short term as well as in the long run. Whether these additional hours at home are a gift or a waste of time is ultimately up to us.

So for those who worked at home or are still doing so, what were you able to do, learn or achieve during your long hours at home? Do share your story with hopes that it will inspire others towards positivity, possibilities and the will to live!