Working from Home as a Single Mum in Israel – by Paula Drakes-Cohen
In the beginning, I thought that news about the coronavirus was being hyped up. Even though I am considered high risk (I have asthma), I really wasn’t worried. It only affects old people and the extremely vulnerable, right?
About five weeks ago, many of my work colleagues started to request to work from home. I felt comfortable and unconcerned so I kept going into the office. That was until the decision (by the government) to close many offices meant that I too became a work from home (WFH) statistic.
Subsequently, I have come to understand the seriousness of what we are all dealing with and the naive heroine inside me is happy to be home, weathering the storm.
My new WFH reality instantly gifted me six extra hours a week, around 25 more hours a month (aka my daily commute). Just like that. Time for me (as for many) is this elusive precious thing that I never have enough of, so this was a huge bonus from day one.
I am spending this precious time well. Every day I walk. My usual ‘never ending washing pile’ has gone. We eat freshly cooked food everyday. My children are loving me being around and present. And it has given me time to start my new blog, something I just kept shelving due to a lack of time.
As I write this, I am going into my sixth week working from home and I have found a healthy vibe to get through my days. I start early (whilst my children are still sleeping) and finish working pretty much as they get out of bed (they’re teenagers, what can I say…). So the day is silent and work-friendly. I sit at my kitchen table positioned next to large patio doors so I have lots of light. The patio doors are to my right: to my left is my Nespresso machine, so I really have all I need.
Each morning, before I start working, I make sure the room is tidy, open the windows (nothing like fresh air) and prepare myself tea. I light my oil burner and diffuse lavender or lemongrass aromatherapy oils depending on my preference. The atmosphere I create is conducive to working well.
And somehow I work harder. Perhaps trying to prove a point to my boss that I am worth my salary, or perhaps just really grateful in the knowledge that I am able to work from home. Whatever the motivator, I am productive and thorough and have to say the WFH situation suits me.
As a single mum, I am the sole provider in my household so not working would cause me serious financial issues. Like huge. I very quickly realised that the option to WFH is a huge blessing so no matter what, I was always going to make this work for me. My heart goes out to every single person affected economically by this and I can’t imagine the anxiety and concern they are experiencing. So every morning, I say my grateful meditation and thank my lucky stars.
I am definitely calmer. I feel that the pause button has been pressed and given me a chance to catch my breath.
Perhaps the most poignant way I have felt the benefit has been sleeping well at night knowing that my children are home safe. I have four teenage children so ‘half sleeping’ is a common occurrence as I am often left waiting for them to arrive home after a night out with friends. Right now, I sleep well and I am very grateful for this.
This is undoubtedly an incredibly thought provoking, existential questioning time and for me, it makes me miss my family back in the UK. I have wonderful friends here but what I wouldn’t give to sit and drink tea and have a chat with my mum and sister! I have no idea when I will be able to travel to see them next but hope it is soon. Zoom just isn’t the same.
I am not sure when we will return to work or indeed how it will be when we do. Right now, the future is a little shaky without a doubt but I am trusting the universe and know it will come good eventually.
In the meantime, I am present in the moment and enjoying my WFH option, grateful in the knowledge that I am one of the lucky ones.
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This is a post I wrote for a great blog called Middle Aged Free And Single
Check out the great comments about the post……
Details about the author:
Paula Drakes-Cohen was born in England, and is now living in Israel with her four beautiful children. She works full-time as a digital content manager. She recently started a lifestyle blog called Flawsome & Fifty to connect and share with other awesome women about the challenges of midlife, being single and turning fifty. She loves pink champagne, sunrises and sunsets, drinking tea and watching James Bond movies.
Comments
JOAN MUDD says:April 29, 2020 at 9:23 amPaula that was a very thought provoking blog.I am a retired HR person but I exchange e-mails daily with my good friend who is still in the business. We discuss the new reality for the future of work and the seismic change that is going to happen once things are “normal”. Back before the virus, so many people requested flexible working but were denied because it was impracticable or financially unfeasible or not good for the team etc. What now I wonder? Also people are realising that working as we did 9 to 5 etc is not actually good for the soul. I think that many people will resign from their jobs and take on a new life.Liked by 1 personReply- PAULA DRAKES-COHEN says:Your comment is awaiting moderation.
May 1, 2020 at 9:07 amYou are so right Joan. I truly hope that this shifts the perspective of many employers and employees in creating a healthy balance moving forward. May the 9-5 become something we talk about in the past tense! Stay safe and smiling.LikeReply
- 58ANDCOUNTING says:April 29, 2020 at 9:46 amI love the idea of ‘pressing the pause button’. I think that’s what we all need to do, one way or another.Liked by you and 1 other personReply
EVA SUNDENE (@EVASUNDENE) says:April 29, 2020 at 10:05 amLoved this blog! Such a positive, intelligent woman who makes not only the best out of WFH – but improving life. I will follow her too, and I will probably be one of your next guest bloggers.Liked by you and 1 other personReply- 58ANDCOUNTING says:April 29, 2020 at 10:12 amBrilliant – looking forward to hearing from you.LikeReply
- PAULA DRAKES-COHEN says:Your comment is awaiting moderation.
May 1, 2020 at 9:09 amHey Eva, thank you for your positive vibe. Would love you to be a guest blogger. Lets be in touch. 🙂LikeReply
- SISTERSTAY says:April 30, 2020 at 10:09 amWhat a brilliant series and what a brilliant blog. I’m sure lots of employers would be happy to have their staff working from home if they knew they could mix work and home life as successfully as you. It’s a win-win. They save on office space and get an extra-productive, happy employee and you are able to forget the commute, get fit, start your blog and be there for your family!! It’s so nice to know that life under lockdown has been so posiitve for you.Liked by youReply
- PAULA DRAKES-COHEN says:Your comment is awaiting moderation.
May 1, 2020 at 9:09 amThank you for the positive feedback. Stay safe and smiling everyone.LikeReply
JOAN MUDD says:
