AdNews brings the stories of those working from home (WFH) in the advertising and media industry during the coronavirus crisis.
Jennifer Thomas is head of memberships and events at IAB Australia.
How are you dealing with the silence?
What silence? I have two kids (11 and 3) and I am in the final stages of a home renovation! The street I live on does seem quieter though and not as many people are going out and about. The upside to this is that I have noticed that every afternoon at 4.30pm my neighbour across the street practices guitar on their balcony. It’s become my ‘quiet time’ each day.
What’s the upside?
The biggest upside for me is the quality time I now have with the kids! Being able to help my 11 year old with his very complicated maths questions (Year 6 – who knew it was so bloody hard) or pulling out all the puzzles we have never got around to doing with my three year old is wonderful.
The downside?
How much I miss those quick conversations with colleagues that help things move along but also fuel collaboration. That interaction is definitely something I have had to quickly learn how to adapt to a different way of doing things.
How are you using the commuting time saved?
I usually commute from the North side, so getting that travel time back has been amazing! Unfortunately it hasn’t translated to sleep-ins, but it has meant some fancier breakfasts coming out of the kitchen. Plus for all the parents reading this – Cosmic Kids Yoga has been a fun way to start the day with the kids.
I am looking forward to being back in the office because…
I miss the collaboration, the community, the good coffee and a proper desk area that isn’t my bed, dining table or any table a child hasn’t already occupied. But mostly the people - I miss my team.
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