AdNews brings the stories of those working from home (WFH) in the advertising and media industry during the coronavirus crisis.
Fiona Pullen is executive producer at INVNT.
How are you dealing with the silence?
I live in Avalon on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, so there’s an enormous amount of silence and nature compared to the hustle and bustle of the city. I am enjoying that more in break times and trying to use this environment to define the difference between work and home.
Other than that, I actually feel like things are louder than ever! From hopping between home schooling three kids, to hosting or joining internal and client calls and engaging in initiatives like trivia or virtual bingo with the team on a Thursday night (the virtual equivalent of our Rosé Thursdays), life is still very busy.
What’s the upside?
I get to see more of my family and am spending more time cooking. I’ve become reaccustomed with the Thermomix (it turns everyone into a bit of a Nigella).
I’ve also been able to devote more time to hobbies… I’ve even been getting crafty with the kids. I am working on a vest and a cable knit jumper. The jumper will probably be a fail but why not aim high!
I am also just so thankful for my job. Not only because I love what I do – I feel like it gives us focus in this time. Without it, one day would merge into the other and I’d lose some of my sense of purpose.
The downside?
It feels like there is a total blur between home and work. Pre COVID-19 I would start my day at 3am with emails and calls with colleagues in the US, then take a break to do my yoga, get the kids/myself ready for work and jump in the car. Part two of the day would then start as I got into the office – usually around 9.30am.
Now, I often find myself not taking the breaks I usually would. So, I am pro-actively trying to think of ways to delineate the two, like being disciplined about getting dressed, doing my hair, and walking up from the house into my studio (at the moment it’s a yoga studio/home office/home school).
I miss the organic discussion. Previously we’d been able to have quick, ad hoc chats or brainstorms with one another, whereas now we need to check diaries and availabilities before we can do this.
How are you using the commuting time saved?
I am also a qualified Ashtanga Yoga teacher so loving that I can do more of that. I’ve started a Monday morning online class for some of my friends – something that I wouldn’t usually get to do if I was commuting – so that’s a real plus.
I do also relish in the commute sometimes, though. It’s an opportunity to clear the head and switch off for a little as I prep for the second part of my day (see question above!).
I am looking forward to being back in the office because…
I can’t wait to see everyone and give them a massive cuddle! I miss my colleagues because of that real connection we have. Being in events, we work long hours on-site and are often on the road together, so get to know one another on a whole new level to the typical nine to five job. We’re a close-knit team.
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