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April 15, 2020
Tell us about your job/ company and what a normal day looked like pre-coronavirus.
So, I’m the editor in chief at The Frontier. We’re a digital nonprofit investigative news outlet. It’s pretty much a 24-hour workday. Before the coronavirus, our 9-5 routine meant doing a lot of phone calls and emails and open records requests from the office.
How has your routine changed since working from home?
Well I’m constantly interrupted by the kids. I have a 4-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old son, so they require a lot of attention. My daughter jumped on my lap during a recent Zoom meeting and announced “THIS MEETING IS BORING” within 10 seconds. She wasn’t wrong, I guess.
What fun activities or hobbies are you filling your free time with?
I’m mostly just filling whatever dead time I have with reading books. My goal last year was less time on Twitter and more time with books, and while I read more books, if you follow me on Twitter- you know I failed at my first goal. I’m also gardening.
What is one piece of advice you would give to other remote workers?
Just do what works for you. The first week I was trying to do the whole “normal routine” thing where I’d put on pants like an adult and pretend I was in a real office. But it was a sham and really just, to me, seemed like a waste of time. So now I enjoy sitting at my desk in the guest room in my shorts. I take breaks when I can to read a chapter of a book or go outside. Just prioritize your mental health and do whatever gets you to 5 p.m. each day feeling good about yourself.
What has been your biggest win- professional or personal- in the past month?
Well, as we’ve really cranked up our coronavirus coverage, we’ve seen a massive increase in our web traffic. Part of that, maybe even a large part, is people just want to read about the issue. But also based on the kind notes our readers have sent, our reporting seems to really be filling an important hole. So that’s been really encouraging
What TV series do you recommend binge-watching?
So it’s not out yet technically, but on Sunday (April 19) ESPN is going to start airing a 10-part Michael Jordan documentary that I’ve been looking forward to for like a year. I’m sure this documentary is going to be on another level. Other than that I’d say watch Better Call Saul if you haven’t.
Tell us about your job/ company and what a normal day looked like pre-coronavirus.
I work in labor policy as a remote labor market analyst/project manager with a company called Jobs for the Future. My work more specifically focuses on how to improve access to good jobs and training for people with traditional barriers to employment. If I wasn't traveling for a research project or convening, my normal day involved walking or scooting to 36°N, probably getting a snack at Chimera at some point, and on an particularly productive/successful day--ending the day with a double cucumber vodka soda at Caz's.
How has your routine changed since working from home?
I have somehow maintained a very strict routine, even on weekends! This involves waking up pretty early, showering, spending 20 min 'resetting' my kitchen/common area/desk space, and making some kind of morning beverage. I also just started fostering a dog with the SPCA which has really helped me get my steps in for the day!
What fun activities or hobbies are you filling your free time with?
The arts are so important to me--live music has always been something that keeps me going. To fill that void I've been organizing/hosting some virtual open mics online, which have been awesome so far! Last time we had electric violin, harmonica, acoustic guitar, looping machines, poetry, you name it!
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What is one piece of advice you would give to other remote workers?
Right now, it's important to not beat yourself up about productivity, and to be patient with yourself and your team. Yes, we're working remotely, but we're working remotely in a crisis. We're all coping and grieving differently. Something I've found helpful has been to ask my colleagues when they plan to work on things (ie. When do you plan to review this report?). That allows me to take breathers when I need them, as long as I can get whatever done by the time they need it. That mindset has allowed me to not feel bad about taking a moment to feel.
What has been your biggest win- professional or personal- in the past month?
Definitely managing my open mics! They have been SO fun and rewarding. Producing shows can be so stressful, so the rush of 'yay, no major technical difficulties!' after a show with an array of incredible performers can be really satisfying.
What TV series do you recommend binge-watching?
While my favorite shows are in fact streaming-- Friday Night Lights (Netflix) and the Leftovers (HBO), I would recommend some lighter options these days-- like 30 Rock, Schitt's Creek, and Bob's Burgers!
Tell us about your job/ company and what a normal day looked like pre-coronavirus.
We have a hybrid model with a combination of local & remote employees. So, of our 18 team members, only a handful had Tulsa office hours. We had some solid routines and processes that we were able to quickly modify to become 100% remote.
How has your routine changed since working from home?
Our workflow has absolutely been impacted. Where we used to be able to just tap someone on the shoulder and check on something, now we have to email/text/Basecamp/chat… SOMETHING. To help make our projects more managements, we’ve had to add regular team meetings that provide some of the structure that we’ve otherwise missed out on.
What fun activities or hobbies are you filling your free time with?
Personally? I haven’t had free time with the coronavirus. I’ve been running 90 hours a week struggling to keep up things. My kids, however, are completely enjoying their new lifestyle. Although they have a digital curriculum that they’re using, they still feel like they got summer break early. And of course, our family dog has never been happier.
What is one piece of advice you would give to other remote workers?
The key is structure. It’s easy to get swallowed up in ambiguity and never-ending deliverables. Make artificial boundaries that help break up the personal and professional rhythms. And, just like in a conventional brick-and-mortar, communication is key.
What has been your biggest win- professional or personal- in the past month?
That’s we’re still going. Lots of companies are struggling right now- I completely recognize- and am humbled by- the fact that our company, our team, and our clients are still strong.
What TV series do you recommend binge-watching?
I did finally get through the latest season of Ozark. And- c’mon. It’s insane.
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Tell us about your job/ company and what a normal day looked like pre-coronavirus.
I work in the New York legal recruiting industry, and my company places candidates at law firms and in-house with our clients. Before COVID-19, a typical day had me wearing many different hats, depending!
How has your routine changed since working from home?
I have tried to maintain as much of my normal work routine as possible. I do an online barre class and get outside for a walk before starting work at 9AM. I then make coffee, get set up, and start my day. I miss the coffee and friends at 36 that were always a part of my morning (and will be again!). I hate to admit this, but I also miss picking out my outfits! So vain, I know.
What fun activities or hobbies are you filling your free time with?
During my "free time", in addition to yoga, barre, and walks (so many walks!), I have taken more time to have long, meaningful virtual conversations with friends - I seem to have more "happy hours" than ever before!
What is one piece of advice you would give to other remote workers?
My best piece of advice for remote workers, now and pre-virus, is to find and maintain a healthy routine. It keeps you focused and productive.
What has been your biggest win- professional or personal- in the past month?
My biggest "win" this past month is having the time to reevaluate what I am truly grateful for. While I never took them for granted, my health, the health of my friends and family, and employment are such blessings. I have been reminded of that.
What TV series do you recommend binge-watching?
If you are looking for a really well-done and unique show, watch "Unorthodox" on Netflix. It's only 4 episodes, and they are riveting. I read the book a few years ago, and it's fascinating as well!
Want to share your lockdown diaries with us? Shoot Jamie an email to participate!