There is work-life after furlough

Being back at work full time this month has been a lively transition.

Thus far 2020 has treated me decently when I think about the outbreak of Coronavirus.

Initially I was unprepared. Having visited family in Yorkshire early March, back we came to the beautiful Scottish Borders. Memories of a boisterous family meal in a busy restaurant had left me worried, having weird dreams of impending doom. Had we put anyone in danger, should we have realised and not made that last trip?

Next I was taken over by numbness and shock at the sheer amount of people being taken by this virus. Watching the evening news and feeling the world was never going to be the same.

Being a remote worker I was still able to do my job, however many clients were experiencing difficulties, work dropped, clients were worried for their jobs. In order to support the business I became a member of a new team. Team Furlough. It was a dirty word, posing so many questions about what the future held.

Having handed over my clients needs and expectations to a trusted colleague all I had was time. This was new to me. I was cleaning the house like a deranged person. When I had vacuumed the garage twice in one week, it became abundantly clear I needed to find something constructive to fill my days. Even the dog was begging for a rest.

My evening classes at the local college for furniture were understandably cancelled, so my garden bench only was half constructed. That's when I became a part of another Team. Team Pallet. No spare piece of wood in my immediate vicinity was safe. My new prized possessions a counter sync drill bit, twenty quid vice from the Lidl and half a dozen used pallets. I built myself a workbench dusted off any old tools I could find and I was away. When my boss called I was usually covered in sawdust and splinters, yet feeling empowered. The wooden creations coming from the garage was growing and my husband was starting to look apprehensive. "don't worry these will make lovely Christmas gifts" I cheerfully reassured him. He was undoubtedly thinking back to my pottery class phase when I would arrive home with my newest, cherished creation like an eager school kid grinning and oh so proud. My family have a history of carpentry skills so perhaps it's in my blood, more so than clay, which to be fair was fun yet not my finest moment, only one wonky bowl remains.

I feel a little guilty for finally enjoying my time on furlough. The garage workbench is less used today, although not totally abandoned. Being back "in the office" is fulfilling and I have missed it.

I am thankful for a wonderful family, supportive boss and kind community.

Sharing my story is to find out about fellow furlough friends.

How did you feel?

Did you learn a new skill or discover a new passion?

Are you back at work now?