WFH While Living with Your Parents
Working from home has become the norm since the start of the pandemic last year. Employees have adjusted to the new routine of hopping on their laptop from the comfort of their home. The pandemic and moving process occurred so quickly. Most of us thought we would be home for a few weeks, but that turned into months. This transition can look different for new grads without a place of their own.
Many students left campus and headed home with their families. I recently hit a complete year of living with my parents. It was an unexpected, quick turnaround, but I am grateful for the additional time I was able to spend with my family. I needed this time to reconnect with them on a more frequent basis. The original plan was to move in July and start working in-office in late August. It’s crazy to think that I am preparing to move this month of June - a whole year later.
As a new grad who just moved back in with her parents this was a unique transition. I was faced with two major life experiences:
I was back home with my parents which was a somewhat familiar feeling but distinctly different. Sleeping in your old bedroom can bring back a lot of memories. I was no longer a teen who needed the same rules. I had experienced a sense of independence while away in college and moving back home took away from what I gained.
I was starting my corporate career all online in a different time zone that was 3 hours later. There was a mixture of excitement and anxiety starting a new job at a big company. I was taking on a new routine, meeting new people, and juggling new responsibilities.
After this past year, I was able to reflect on what helped me balance my first year of work back at home. I hope these can help you navigate during this interesting time.
Establish your routine and use time management to complete specific tasks.
Sleeping in our old bedroom can bring back a ton of old memories. Embrace them but don't let them limit your mindset. Determine your typical work hours on a daily basis. Prioritize breakfast, snacks, lunch, and dinner to keep your body nourished throughout the day. Schedule time for personal time outside of work to balance your mental health. Think about what puts you at ease and take a step back for yourself. There are a ton of ways you can accomplish this but pick what gives your comfort. Take a walk outside. Turn on your favorite Netflix show. Drink a glass of wine. Give a few minutes of prayer.
Set boundaries.
We love our family as we should - but creating boundaries are essential. They should be set between your work, personal, and family spaces. Each of these needs balance your sanity. Boundaries look different for everyone. Maybe you need your first hour of work to be silent with zero distractions. When I have important meetings, I lock my door to signal I am busy.
Get social and don't stay under a rock.
Going back to your hometown can sometimes pull you away from friends and potential work friends. I encourage you to get social by networking and extending out a hand. Keep in contact with your best friends from college and be open to a new circle of people who may come into your life. Social media can be an easy ways to connect with others. I've seen some pretty cool friendship stories with the help of Bumble BFF (:
I want to remind those of you who are starting work at home with your family that is possible to find a sense of balance. It may not be easy but keep working at it, you’ll find your groove. Do not view this period of time as a setback. This is the time to grow and prepare for your next steps in life when the pandemic dies down. Avoid falling back into bad habits and build new ones.
During this time, examine yourself and take action.