AdNews brings the stories of those working from home (WFH) in the advertising and media industry during the coronavirus crisis.
Jo Hines is usually a media director but is taking a breath to explore what comes next after this COVID-19 career break:
How do you deal with the silence?
Luckily there is a good balance of stillness and crazy times in this house, so I’m actually loving this period.
The still moments come after school drop off and before school pick-up, although they are filled with media projects, studying and job hunting. A couple of days a week I volunteer my time – to MFA Support, to Mentally Healthy, or to helping local businesses get through this period. Simply having the time to take a breath and refocus on what is important in my future career has been a real blessing, alongside smashing some fitness goals.
Then things turn into fun crazy when my little one is in the house – it’s either play dates, cooking or baking, or dancing around the living room as if we are on TikTok. Whilst the schools closed we moved up to the mountains, where it was nice to get the fresh air and make some beautiful memories.
The good?
Experiencing the authentic support of the media community and having diverse conversations.
Having time to spend on feel-good activities: studying, volunteering, connecting.
Kicking the footy in the park together after school pick-up.
Having time to cook, and I mean really cook.
I’ve learnt to put my hand up and ask for help.
The bad?
Receiving automated rejection letters before your morning coffee.
Video interviews where you are the only one with your camera on.
Not being part of a team to soundboard ideas off and discuss data/research with.
Having to be patient in the process, patience is not my strength.
The school day is so very short.
How are you using the commuting time saved?
Mornings used to be run with military precision and they felt like a battlefield – the whole school lunches, drop off, commute, calls on the drive routine.
Now we get more sleep, we don’t rush, and we enjoy a relaxed cuppa in bed.
Tips for making it work?
Stick to a routine based on your high energy versus high focus times.
Conserve your energy; only chase jobs that fit your career path, then chase hard.
Don’t be afraid of your budget sheet, clear a 6 month runway, and then relax.
Active wear really is great, just not all the time.
Don’t let the dark days get to you, reach out to a mate.
I am looking forward to being back in the office because…
The world will have moved forward, plus it’ll mean that I’ve found my new role!
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