Today was a little different from yesterday.
Rich Philip
Fractional CMO - Driving global growth through data-driven brand development, strategic leadership, & innovative campaigns. Expertise in EMEA markets across tech, fashion, wellness, sport & lifestyle.
I bounded out of the front door at 6 am, coffee in hand, excited to go to the office. Excited for normality.
Two hours later and I was wonderfully entrenched in the throws of a meeting, discussing future projects and stuff that excites me.
Flipping ideas with a team of passionate and focused colleagues. Not a screen or camera in sight.
A semblance of before. The buzz of busyness. The familiar mental and social whirlwind of the office.?
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Driving home I reflected on the day and something struck me.
I realised, it was the first day I hadn’t seen my kids for exactly 16 months. To the day. They weren’t up when I left and they would be asleep by the time I rolled in.
Just like before. The absurd asymmetry of life as we knew it.
I work harder now than ever before. I do the drop-off and pick-up. We play football on my breaks, build Lego fortresses and secret hideouts. Finishing with family tea at 5.
I'm fully engaged in family life.
The work I’m doing now feels like it’s some of the best. Yes, it's less regular and I spend most nights working but I have a level of focus and clarity like never before.
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There’s no coincidence in that. Is this balance?
Depression and mental health is a pandemic on an equal scale to Covid. But it’s deeply complex.
Over half of mental health problems are established by the time you are 14.
Could this reframing of the day-to-day help fix issues that may arise so early in life?
Giving a generation stability when they need it the most.?
A generation that could have higher self-esteem. One that values themselves and others more. They may be more empathic and less reliant on the attention of others. One that could just be happier.
All because they have parents and support around them. Both physically and mentally. Engaging them with stuff that matters.
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I enjoyed work today.
But I enjoyed it more yesterday.
Brand Director at Iconic Agency
3 年Nice one Rich - you got some lucky lucky kids, unless you actually decide to do the Fresh prince rap in front of them.... ??????
Sports & Entertainment Leadership | NED | Podcaster
3 年Wise words Rich. I remember when the pandemic came it was scary but the opportunity to reconnect with the kids at home and spend two hours EVERY DAY doing something more life affirming than standing on a train was revolutionary. I hate the idea of giving that back again.
Creative Director / Judge
3 年Certainly resonates with me, I feel I’ve missed out due to not seeing my boys as much since being back in the office. Insightful as ever Rich. Thanks for sharing.
Founding Partner - Platform London & Co-Owner Witterings Fitness
3 年Short, thoughtful and wise. Thanks for sharing.
Publisher and Editor at Like the Wind Media / former CEO at Gung Ho Freestak / Runner, Hiker, Outdoors + Endurance Sports
3 年I love this. Especially the recognition of flipping from one extreme (5 days per week in the office) to another (zero days in the office) and back again. Balance can be achieved and I see everyone benefitting from that.