In the spirit of being in this together, we thought that we would share some more WFH tales from our Expat Insurance Singapore team! As ever, if you need anything or have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us! We hope that everyone is keeping well! #Sgunited
Stef – Home and Contents Advisor
I am finding the whole lockdown situation a bit surreal; I am still in a state of disbelief that it has come to this point. I’m trying to stay hopeful and focus on each day as it comes.
At first, it was really tough to find the right routine to work from home, but after a while, I got used to it – wake up/coffee, work through the morning, have lunch and quality time with the kids around noon, work through the afternoon, with a coffee break in-between, then finish off with my evening workout before dinner.
I’ve been keeping my mental health in check by watching Netflix, reading, and spending quality time with the family. I’m also baking bread and cooking.
To stay physically fit, I’m currently following the 30 Day bodybuilding.com workout plan from Ashley Conrad (Clutch) via YouTube. It’s really great and lots of fun to do with your partner!
Sometimes being at home 24/7 is difficult because of the distractions, but I also love it! I don’t have to dress up in work attire (less laundry!), and I can sleep a bit longer in the mornings.
Our time in front of the TV hasn’t changed that much. We watch about the same amount of Netflix/TV as we would normally do. I am still working full-time during the week, which helps keep a bit of the same routine. I’m trying to find time to read my book “Talking to Strangers” by Malcolm Gladwell, but now that I don’t commute to and from work every day, I’m missing my quality reading time.
This experience has allowed me to appreciate the extra quality time spent with family and to really enjoy being active and outdoors. I’ve also learned that I have to be more disciplined with my daily routine, physical and mental health. Despite all the distractions, I’ve discovered that working from home is definitely easier than I thought it would be.
Jinal – HR and Finance Manager
This is probably an odd thing to say, but I find myself enjoying the ‘Circuit Breaker’ period. It took a little getting used to, but my days have found a structure with regular walk breaks and 15 min yoga sessions to start and end my workday. Having a proper set-up has helped tons too! Whilst I miss the chats over coffee breaks, the random team call here and there are really helping keep the team spirit alive!
Strangely enough, I have also never felt more connected to our family and friends all over the globe. Weekly quiz nights are now replacing prior social engagements and I now have all the time in the world to watch re-runs of The Office, Friends and falling down many-a-YouTube rabbit holes, guilt-free.
The environment is finally reaping the benefits it so needed and thankfully everyone I hold dear is safe and well. There’s never been so much pride, love and recognition for those who have always worked incredibly hard for the national health services in Singapore, the UK and worldwide and so much gratitude for the wonders of technology. The strength and unity amongst us all is admirable and whilst many can’t wait for life to return to normal, I am enjoying this extra time with all my loved ones (be it remote), and the blessing of a slower-paced life during what can only be described as a once in a lifetime experience.
Melissa – Private Client Advisor
Being in lockdown is awful, I dread waking up the next day only to march to my desk in pyjamas. I miss the human interaction in office – discussing lunch options, having a conversation with anyone who’s in the pantry and sometimes coordinating our outfits. The solution to this is to video call some of my colleagues for a brief chat for a quick catch up and say hello to their kids and spouses!
Since freedom is pretty much curtailed these days, I’ve dipped my toes into home workout videos. My current favourite is the Down Dog app as you can customize the session based on your preferred level of difficulty, duration and type of music. Physical benefits of yoga aside, it helps with clearing my mind at the end of the day. Netflix is also my new buddy – Money Heist (Season 4) and Selling Sunset are my guilty indulgence.
The past few weeks made me realize that I’m incredibly lucky to have the flexibility of working from home. The time that’s saved from commuting has allowed me to venture into the kitchen and whip up basic dishes for dinner. I’m pleased to announce that my sister is still alive!
Ethan Life Advisor
For most of us, this is a crazy period indeed. In the beginning, there were still some help from my in-laws, so adjusting was alright. However, things changed again with family members not being allowed to visit family from another household this week. Overnight, my home just turned into an office and full-time childcare.
I’m trying to keep to a routine but you can never expect things to be flowing normally with 2 young ones. I am really trying hard to keep sane while juggling work and home-based learning at the same time!
The upside is more time with family, and it makes me grateful for all the things I take for granted. My sis in law is a nurse so she still needs to go out to the frontline every day. Hopefully, this will pass soon!
