Almost 18 months back when I started working in Montreal, I used to spend my very few WFH days to run some errands, complete chores, clean the house etc, but the day wasn’t as productive as I would have hoped it to be. However, working from home full-time is now a new reality we all have to adapt to, a new reality that might last beyond COVID-19 for many workers.
To be honest, the first couple of months following the lockdown were unbearable as both kids were at home and we were living in a small condo downtown. Kids were stuck home, we only had a tiny balcony to come out to, we didn’t have any space for a desk to work on, it simply wasn’t working. Luckily for us, we were planning to move to a house outside the city, and while the move was quite difficult with COVID-19 restrictions, settling in a bigger house with a backyard and patio made working from home much more pleasant.
With daycare and schools re-opening, I have to say remote work is probably the best thing ever and my work productivity has significantly improved. I do miss going to the office and seeing people, but having a daily commute of just 25 minutes compared to the 1.5/2 hours we had pre-COVID19 was a game changer.
Instead of wasting time driving to work or taking the metro, I am going on daily jogs now and getting back home before 8:30 AM, ready for work. I’m eating healthier (I can’t even believe it), sleeping better, learning new skills and finishing up stuff I never had time to.
This new work/life balance is proving to be beneficial to many, but I still don’t feel like it can become the new normal, as meaningful social connections help protect our mental health and confining in small spaces for a long time can increase anxiety, stress and even lead to depression.
All in all, if you ask me if I’m enjoying WFH in such circumstances, I’d be lying if I said no. However, I do want things to get back to normal, as this pandemic has taken a huge toll on all of us, mentally, emotionally and financially. What we’re adapting to right now are trends that can hardly be sustained, but we have to make the best out of them and learn from them to improve our life/work conflict post-COVID19.
Till then, wear your masks, keep your distances and stay safe. #CaVaBienAller