An honest review of being in lockdown

Since working from home, I've had to be strict about sticking to a plan around my working day- getting up, showered, dressed as I normally would for work, and maintaining a routine (not getting distracted by Netflix or the garden, or chores or anything else). 

More recently, with my other half went on furlough, with me still working full time from home. I’ve had to be super disciplined; blocking off a core workday, and breaking that down into bitesize chunks with good breaks. Luckily my other half is also super disciplined, so we do not distract each other, but it is easier said than done!

When my other half volunteered for Furlough for 3 weeks, I felt this weird sense of loss and worry.... even though she was happy and embracing being paid in full (her company top up the 80%) for 3 weeks leave. I still worried about whether she was actually ok, and how it would impact her mentally more than anything. Whether furloughed, or around people who have been furloughed the sense of “loss” is normal.

I was also a bit annoyed – which is so stupid, in the grand scheme of things; Then I hated myself for feeling annoyed. Then I hated myself more for not being self-compassionate enough. I've come to realise these feelings were normal and this was a complete waste of a few hours of brain space but I admit it, I did think “I hope all our weekend jobs don’t get done in the week now...” and “I’d love to be exercising when I want to...”  and “3 weeks full pay to do nothing, so unfair...”. I soon switched out of it, as it’s totally ridiculous, but it’s also natural to go through these cycles of completely mixed emotions during a challenging time. I think it's important that we're kind to ourselves and allow for these emotions - don't be too hard on yourself! 

When people were furloughed in my office, I felt this overwhelming sense of responsibility. Responsibility towards them and making sure things were well handled. I wanted to make sure we come out the other side of this in the best shape. 

I felt a huge sense of responsibility towards my customers, both clients and candidates, and their wellbeing and career opportunities. I have found 13 people jobs in the weeks we have been working remotely, and nothing pleases me more than knowing I helped those people secure income for the next few months.