COVID-19 has turned our very world upside down and I don’t believe my internet router can handle it much longer. Working from home is a blessing and a curse. A blessing because I can be safe at home, but a curse because I miss out on social interactions.

My initial thoughts about working from home were positive. Sure, there is the constant technical setbacks, at least in my situation, but the good news is, I can make snacks whenever I please, enjoy the comfortability of an environment tailored to me, and have the option of rolling out of bed five until my shift begins if I choose. The first week was great. I was extremely productive with a good sense of enjoyment that my new come freedom paired with, but then week two began and I started to realize the negative aspects of this new arrangement.

There are long term effects of an extended stay at home order.

Now, now I understand that to battle this disease, we need to distance ourselves from each other so we have a chance at slowing the spread, but it comes at a cost to our mental wellness. It’s come at a cost to my mental well being. I NEED interactions with people. This is hilarious to admit because the ability to work from home has always been seen as a must for me. I’ve actually requested it from my direct supervisor in the past and now having tried it, I’m not a supporter.

I am an introvert, loner, wallflower, whatever you’d like to call it. I’m okay with the feeling of being alone. I opt to work individually on projects with my employment, but this entire event has changed that. I feel the loss of connecting to the outside world more than ever– if I even did before. It seems funny to admit, considering I naturally like to exclude myself from gatherings.

I miss the interaction with people, over the phone or through email is not the same. It doesn’t have the same feel as an in-person conversation. I thrive for helping others when problems are presented in front of me but subtracting the ability to work face-to-face has really been a challenge.

One thing that I’ve held close to my heart during this troubling time is this verse. Although the light at the end of the tunnel seems a long ways walk from here, I am taking this all day by day and not thinking about tomorrow.

Stay Home and Be Safe,

Alexander

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. ”

Matthew 6:34