While many people have returned to the office setting after COVID-19, I'm still here in my pajamas as I write blogs and articles and manage the editorial calendar. It's the best job ever, but sometimes it has its drawbacks.
When we moved to Williamsburg, I was super excited to move into my very first apartment. Granted the apartment is on my parents first floor, but it's still my own special space. Once I found out about that little apartment, it became apparent to me that I absolutely needed to create a space for work, and a space for home.
Before moving, my bedroom served as both a home office and a sleeping area. I was constantly stressed, always on my laptop doing work (sometimes until two or three in the morning) and suddenly my bedroom became toxic. I would find reasons not to work.
My small home office, April 2022
Like many people who work from home will tell you, a desk and office is a very personal space. Everyone needs a different space set up. For me, I don't like to have a lot of clutter on my desk. If my office is in chaos, I feel like I am in chaos. As you can see from the photo, my desk is clean and has everything I could need accessible right on top.
In the world of journalism, its often that you don't hear from your source unless you messed something up. We're hardly told thank you or given praise for the articles we stress about. For me, it was important to have a place to remind myself of all the good things I have contributed in stories, articles, and photos. My middle shelf serves as a reminder of my accomplishments so far in the field.
Of course, the wall wouldn't be complete without my college degrees. During high school, I was often told that I would never make it through college. My senior year, as everyone was celebrating their college acceptances, I was wondering if I should even consider applying to college. While my freshman year was not what I anticipated, I stuck with it and earned my Bachelors degree in four years. After that, I went on and earned my Masters in journalism. I am the first in my immediate family to graduate from college and graduate school. I look at those two pieces of paper and am very proud.
Since I am a voracious reader, I have to have my journalism books at the ready. I often read about other writers and reporters, how they got their start, what drives them, etc. I also like to have tools and tricks of the trade for when I need a quick glance or have to answer a question I am unsure of. I also enjoy how they make for a pretty distinguished zoom background!
Ever since creating my little office area, life has become a lot more stress free. I know that when I am in that little corner that its time for business, but I can also step away and find peace and solace in the rest of my house. My bedroom is now for sleeping and getting dressed, my living room is for laughs, crafting and watching TV, and my kitchen is home to delicious meals and good times with friends.
A separation of work and home is necessary when you work remotely. You have to know when to step aside and take time out for yourself. As the great Dolly Parton said...
Don't get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.
Signing off,
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