Working From home Is _____!

We are already a week in since the COVID-19 finally struck Taiwan. As we all hope and try our best to turn the table on the situation, we need more cards in the pocket. Instead of waiting, it is important to start thinking about how to work other than in the office.

First of all, a big thank you, all the essential workers namely everyone in the CDC, medical personnel, transportation, delivery services... and more.

Some of us still need to go out for work, some go every other day, some are on no-pay leaves... to be honest, we need to live our lives while applying regulations from the government under this pandemic. It would make you a fool thinking the only thing to do is wait. Thus, if you haven't thought about how else you could support your life, you should do it from today.

Working online definitely seems like one of the best options for us "less essential"(KIDDING!) workers. What are the first thoughts you have on this?

1. No commute (including fees, getting up early, napping in public...)

2. No human contact (some of us are anti-social...)

3. No pants (you know it bruh... 😎)

While WFH does have its benefits, it is a relatively new concept for most people. In the past, it was usually for those VIPs, world leaders, or astronauts but now even a 6-year-old is required to learn online (work) at home. Here are a few tips as we begin the age of life online.

• Find your office at home

Admit it. Having an actual place labeled as "the workplace" is what separates us from insanity. When we were in the office, we know that leaving it means free time but as this new style or working kicks in, it could be difficult for us to rest our minds. You do not want to feel like working when you finish. A home office may be as simple as a corner. You just need to set it up, move unrelated things out of that area, and you're about done. Of course, you can literally put a label on the wall saying "THIS IS MY OFFICE". If that's too abstract for you, a cubicle made of cardboard boxes would do, too.

• Compartmentalize time

As just mentioned, an "all in one" environment can be convenient but you may lose yourself in it. All of a sudden, working by the clock isn't such a bad idea. To avoid feeling stress all the time, you could consider making a daily timetable to help you know where you are during the day. Morning shift, lunch break, snack time, exercise (what?!), free time...etc. You cannot do this when you're in the company but now you can use music to help separate time.

• Form a work ritual

It may be your attire, your makeup, or the way you do your hair, anything. A work ritual is something that helps you mentally to "feel this is the time to work". For Andy, it is just a cup of coffee next to the keyboard when writing. Whatever that activates the work mode is going to be your ritual. Maybe a chant?

• Adopt an animal

Let's not kid ourselves. The virus isn't going to just disappear. The situation can be better or worse but it most likely is going to stay. We all feel empty, tired, or in need of unconditional love from time to time (Andy: ALWAYS...). What better ways to solve all of that than simply going online and join ANY animal rescue-related groups and bring love back to your home office? Nope, there isn't a better way.

#selfreflect