Back in late February, when most of the population still thought coronavirus came from a Mexican beer, a friend shared a jokey tweet from an online magazine editor. He wrote that the most frightening aspect of a pandemic that forced people to stay in their homes for 90 days would be that “the only ones to survive will be freelance writers.” It’s now Day Numbersomethingorother of The Great Sequester, folks. It’s the end of the world as you know it, but I feel fine. This “new normal” COVID-19 created is generally not much different than any "old normal day" I’ve had for the past 16 … [Read more...]
Navigating Joy, Worry When Your Spouse is a Healthcare Worker
It’s such a strange disconnect. It feels like the world is falling down around me, yet, on my little island, everything seems sunny and bright. Quite literally as well as figuratively. Every day for the past several weeks, the Florida weather has been relentlessly bright, clear, dry and hot. Completely inappropriate for an apocalypse. And inside the walls of our suburban home, with an air conditioner that whirs and rumbles most hours of the day and night, things are cheery and comfortable. The halls are filled with squeals of joy and laughter that bounce off the wood floors and invade every … [Read more...]
Laid Off? Parental Advice to Get You Through Unemployment Blues
These last few months have been quite possibly the most difficult that I have had to endure. I came home the day after being laid off wondering what the next chapter in my life would be. I wondered exactly how long would this latest stint as a laid-off father be? My family and I have been through my unemployment twice before. We knew exactly what we had to do as a result. We knew for the next few weeks, months, possibly years, I’d first and foremost be a stay-at-home-dad. Being unemployed wasn’t easy either time before. There I was laid off, treating my employment search as a … [Read more...]
Remote Work Lets You Get Job Done on Your Own Terms
As I set up my work space in the new house our family just moved into, I started thinking about all my friends who are now working from home for the first time because of coronavirus closings and quarantines. I remember being overwhelmed when I started remote work five years ago. I felt there was no way I could be productive. After a week or two, though, I realized remote work from home would let me capitalize my productivity on my own terms. Now I’m pretty sure I will never be going back to working in an office. Here are some tips I’ve learned about being the most productive remote worker … [Read more...]
Guide to Being a Work-at-Home Parent During Coronavirus Closures
There’s no getting around it: Coronavirus (COVID-19) closures mean you’re going to be home for the foreseeable future. So are your children. They're fortunate that they probably don’t have to attend a video call-in for their class’ presentation on the War of 1812. You -- a working parent -- are not so lucky at your job. What do you do when you have to be a parent and employee at the same time? Here are some suggestions to help the growing number of work-at-home moms and dads new to this dual role conquer the day: First, talk about why everyone is home And by talk, I mean listen. … [Read more...]
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