Page 16 - Q2_2020_Newsletter

Jayna
Louder "Realizing that there are so many things out of
Louder
my control, all I can do is work each day to live
a happier and healthier life, create memories
with my loved ones and do good in the world."
What are the biggest work related challenges you are growing and knowing that soon enough, he will not need
facing as a woman in STEM during this pandemic? me as much anymore. It was a startling realization that his
During the pandemic, I started a new position as a “baby phase” was over. I am thankful for this extra time at
Subcontract Administrator and was unable to travel and home with him.
receive a full week of in-person training, which turned into
2). Reprioritizing our family budget and creating financial
virtual. This was not the ideal method for transitioning to a
security. During this time, I realized where I spent money
new team, with teammates in different locations.
daily including morning coffee runs, lunches with co-
What have you done to address those challenges? workers, weekend activities (concerts, dinners, happy
Our team has done a terrific job using our technological hours). These little and sometimes big expenses all add
tools such as Microsoft Teams, Cisco Jabber, WebEx, etc. up. Having this time at home, we have saved money and
for remote training. We use the technology available prioritize “needs” over “wants.” I will keep these lessons for
to screen share and walk through training for the future spending.
different aspects of the job. We also have face-to-face
interaction utilizing virtual conferencing and webcams 3). Prioritizing family and close friends. I have made
to help read facial expressions and confirm knowledge it a point to schedule weekly Zoom game nights with
comprehension. With the utilization of the webcams, we friends and family spread out over the country. I am
can use our sense of sight, in addition to hearing, to pick communicating now more than ever with loved ones I
up on nuances. rarely get to see in person.
What are five reasons to 4). Focusing on good health. Listening to my body when
be hopeful during this I need to rest. Stretching and working out for both my
Corona crisis? physical and mental health. I am running again, something
1). Ability to cherish and I had forgotten how much I loved to do in the past.
make memories with my
son. During this period, I 5). Tackling climate change on a global scale. There is a
am privileged to spend significant drop in air pollution and the largest annual
extra time with my son. drop in carbon emissions in modern history. We can
He is in Kindergarten, and see clearly the impact we have as a human race on our
I specifically remember environment and places where we see the possibility for
earlier this year, wishing I more significant change moving forward. Telecommuting
had more time with him. for work is showing to be an effective way to cut
Realizing how fast he is unnecessary travel and overhead costs when it comes to
specific sectors of the workforce.
16 The Feeder | Issue 2, 2020
ANGELA
"The bright side for me in all of this is the extra RUNDLE
time with my children. This time may be trying
for us most days, but the time spent working
from home will foster some of the fondest
memories of our children’s lives."
What are the biggest family related challenges you are parameters. I decided to type up a simple family schedule
facing? showing what the children, Mama, and Daddy are assigned
I have two small children ages 3 and 5 and it’s hard for to do for each hour from breakfast to bedtime. It worked
them to see Mama and Daddy at home all day and not get like magic!
all of our attention. My husband and I both work full time,
How do you work from home, while balancing the
so we try very hard to give our evenings and weekends
needs of homeschooling or the needs of a family?
to our children. They are not used to us working so much Schedule and parameters — with consistency. Children
while we’re at home and, to make matters worse, my are creatures of habit. If their routines are interrupted
daughter who was fully potty trained before this — wasn’t continuously or merely non-existent, they don’t respond
anymore. well. I learned quickly that I needed to set my own routine
What have you done to address those challenges? with them in mind. For example, I take my first calls of
The first couple of weeks working from home were the the day from the kitchen while they eat breakfast, but
hardest and chaos. We had constant interruptions from the rest of my day is spent in my make-shift office in the
the children and several failed attempts by my husband dining room. The children understand that when I’m in my
and I to “take turns” working. Our days were filled with “office,” I’m working. If I try to bring my laptop to the couch,
incessant inquiries about all bets are off.
snacks and when the children
could have electronics next. At first, I tried to be flexible to when we’d do school work. I
I found myself saying, “Please would just fit it in when I had time, which inevitably meant
go outside. I need a few more that we were scrambling to get the paperwork finished
minutes,” for what seemed like just before bedtime, which then became a fight because
every few minutes. The mom that 30-minute slot was noted as “TV show” on the all-
guilt was heavy. We didn’t follow powerful schedule. Eventually, I decided to block an hour
any kind of routine, so every for school work on my or my husband’s work calendars
day was like Saturday for them, each day.
and they couldn’t understand
why we were working. Finally, We eat together. At least lunch and dinner. It’s on
I had an idea. I’ve known for everyone’s schedule at the same time every day and
some time that my son takes we give ourselves permission to be imperfect. Getting
after me when it comes to dressed isn’t always a priority, and we’re OK with that.
scheduling and tidiness. Pajamas are comfortable.
He longs for routine and
Issue 2, 2020 | The Feeder 17