AdNews brings the stories of those working from home (WFH) in the advertising and media industry during the coronavirus crisis.
Rochelle Burbury is principal at Third Avenue Consulting.
How are you dealing with the silence?
That depends on how you define silence. I’ve had screeching cockatoos, kookaburras attacking their reflections on my window and all in brawls with lorikeets interrupt many a conference or video call. But I like my silence – it allows me to talk to my dog Poppy. Best of all, she doesn’t answer back – unlike my ‘online learning’ teens and WFH husband currently invading my work space.
What’s the upside?
I’m expecting that people won’t think I’m ‘weird’ anymore (ok, some people). I’ve ‘WHFed’ (as it is now known) for more than seven years – and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m lucky that I have a purpose-built office. Plus, I get to continue my love affair with thongs and shorts with no judgement. I get a shed load of work done without meetings and chit chat, and I get to work from anywhere – which can be up the coast, in the ‘mobile office’, sports fields, swimming pools and even on the odd chairlift (but don’t tell anyone that).
The downside?
I never thought I would say this – but I’m actually missing meetings due to corona lockdown! I do, however, like seeing what people have in the background on video calls – although I’m sure Charles Saatchi regrets it. In normal circumstances, cabin fever is a thing and that’s why getting out to meetings and the like is not only necessary, but important. WFH isn’t for everyone, you need to be ultra-disciplined and have a strict work routine. I like to ‘enter’ my workplace and then ‘leave’ it at the end of the day. I am careful not to bring my work into other areas of the house. You need to create ‘space’ between ‘work’ and ‘home’ life.
How are you using the commuting time saved?
My regular commute is down a set of stairs. Done. I like to think that WFH is my small contribution to helping the environment. I worked in offices for years and I can tell you I will never miss the office politics, the commute, the traffic, the stuff that happens on trains (gross) and the zombies walking through the city, eyes fixed on their smartphones. It’s depressing. No commute means starting work super early and I get so much done without interruptions. It’s very efficient. Plus, it allows me to be there for the teens (sometimes said through gritted teeth).
I am looking forward to being back in the office because…
It’s an easy commute! And who needs people when you’ve got a dog? (and birds, water dragons, lizards, the odd snake and many, many huntsmen).
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