The Plight of WFHomers
and how do I make myself less miserable
Malaysia has introduced Conditional Movement Control Order, a kind of semi- semi- lockdown for Malaysia where all economic sectors (except those in negative list with inevitable social proximity) are allowed to open but no social gatherings and cross-state leisure travel. Recently, Prime Minister announced another unusual extension of four weeks, probably to prevent mass movement during Raya Season.
On this backdrop, government employees like me has to adapt with the new normal. To be honest, since April, I have been diligently went to office for “essential meetings”. Now with CMCO, more civil servants are coming to respective offices but controlled. My workplace for example, is functioning with 20% office capacity with others are working from home (WFH). Well, I dubbed them WFHomers
At the start of MCO, I was confined by my own home, waiting anxiously for texts from my supervisors on work I need to do on ad hoc basis. Sometimes it extended into the night with interjecting remarks and dissatisfaction about other colleagues. I am in capacity to advice — and I should, but the medium forbids me to do so without sounding mean and borderline rude. So I didn’t and the emotions were bottling up.
It gets easier when I had to go to office and meet my team face to face. But it becomes this roller-coaster ride since even with the physical encounters, issues arose late into night hours. Working and life space/time merge into one — the screen you’re holding into. I noticed it affected my mental health.
It occurred to me that this had happened to me before. In my last summer semester as undergraduate I had too much free time on my hand with easy classes. I buried myself under the blanket bingeing my discovered tv shows via Netflix. I read books, I went to gym all at random hours — just went with the flow. Then I started to realize, during that period I was more vulnerable to dark thoughts.
It changes when I started going out, read at coffee shop, or maybe in a park, I walked a lot and I started planning my day a day before. I had an epiphany that I need planned activities. I need routine. I didn’t have it during the first phase of MCO and I was miserable. The anxiety of not doing work properly due to the limitation of non-physical existence at work exacerbated the situation. Becoming a WFHomer, was an arduous journey for me, especially when your organisation isn’t as ready as they should be. But here are what I do to help me wade through this age of social distancing.
I reintroduce routine in my life
I realized once I get the routine back (it’s not something that I planned, though) my control of my emotions improved. I willingly go up early and drive to the office around my usual hours. For those who cannot afford to do that maybe plan your day ahead. If your job is anything like mine that WFH means on ad hoc basis, fill your “waiting time” with something work-related like taking professional online classes or maybe alternate between doing something else and your work. I find that that much helps to bring stability in your life.
If you’re as introverted as I am, this lockdown seems to not do any of us benefit, as it has been brilliantly described by this article:
It all points to the fact that our safe-haven is no longer a safe haven — it’s a point of socializing and work via screens. Consequently, it shattered your mental space and disrupting your recharge point. No excuse can be made to get out of the socializing and work and it put a burden on you. Reintroducing routine is a way to manage your expectation and others expectation on you.
Disconnect to reconnect
One way I find that helps is to put a restrain on myself. I will mentally disconnect myself to any form of social interaction, especially when it’s about work. I realized some leaders aren’t well aware of urgency/importance matrix (TIL the name is the Eisenhower Matrix).
So take your time to disconnect several times in your day and reconnect with people surrounding you or even yourself. I mistakenly thought that self-care is the least thing you need under this confinement, in fact it must be observed diligently. You may reach your burnout too even in the comfort of your home. In fact after many weeks of global lockdown, I bet many of us already did.
Counting my blessings!
Ramadhan has been a bless. I found myself reconnecting to my spiritual side more than I usually do for the past few years. This MCO also I found out that my mental health is as real as physical health and you need to strike balance between your physical and material needs and emotional and spiritual needs. I am glad that my experience during the lockdown prepped me for some recalibration during Ramadhan.
I am grateful that I still have my job and it is secured.
I am grateful that I live with my family.
So many things to be grateful and this hassle of WFHomers seemed just an oversalting on my plate. Of course it is easier said than done
