#WorkRemote: Reimagine the work week

I don’t know about you, but last Saturday my wife, Sara, and I looked at each other and congratulated ourselves. The first week of WFH was over. We were happy and relieved. Everyone survived...Then we realized we had another 4 or 5 more weeks of this...at least. 

This crisis is most definitely a marathon, not a sprint. I don’t know if that really set in until Saturday. When it did I knew I needed to tweak some things. The first decision I made was to take the kids on a hike. There’s a 3 mile loop near us. I’m not going to lie though, for a 3 year old and 2 five year olds, three miles was a bit ambitious. See above. 

While the kids were napping on Saturday after our hike, that’s when I knew I needed to reimagine the work week. There just aren’t enough hours in the day to work, teach, entertain the kids, etc. I decided to focus on 4 things:

• Every day is a work day

While I’ve never been a 9 to 5er, there’s a difference before and during the crisis. Before COVID-19, I’d put in an hour or so on a Saturday and Sunday. Now, it’s taking whatever time I can to catch up and keep up. I’m ok with that, but I can’t wait for things to go back to normal.

• Embrace the craziness

Earlier today, I was on a video call with a potential client and my new coworkers (kids) kept coming in to show me their artwork. After the first time of trying to shoo them away, I finally just started showing off the pictures. Honestly, it made the call easier and one of the people on the phone was dealing with the same coworker issues I was. That was refreshing. 

• Take time for myself

Before COVID, I woke up early to workout every morning and read a book every night before bed. I’ve kept doing both. I’m finding that I need those times even more now. There’s no doubt that I’m better at everything I do when I take the time to center myself in the morning and relax before bed. 

• Be honest

I’m not sure if there’s a business that isn’t worried right now. I know that I am. There’s no reason to hide it. We all remember 2008 and don’t know when COVID will be over. I’ve found a lot of relief in admitting that when I talk with my employees, clients, and prospects. The reactions I’ve been getting are heartwarming too. We’re all in this together.