One Year of Working Remotely
📍 Kennedy Bungalow, St. Pete
Outfit: Blouse (also) || Jeans || Sneakers
Office: Desk || Similar Chair || Similar Garden Stool
Today marks the one year anniversary of working remotely. This time last year, I was fresh back from Spring Break and straight into virtual teaching. I, like so many teachers, was in pure survival mode. When the school year was finally over, there were still so many unanswered questions about what the following school year would look like. In truth, the uncertainty took away my love for education and I began to look for a career shift. In August, I found my dream job as a Community Manager for a New York based Educational Publisher and Tech company. It allowed me to utilize my six years in the classroom, my love for copywriting and social media, and work from home. It’s been a wild 365 days, but here are some of my biggest lessons from one year of working remotely.
Begin the Day Early and With Time for Yourself
As much as I used to be an early riser when I was an athlete, I still really need to work on this one. Ideally, I would be consistently getting up with enough time for a morning run and sitting to enjoy my morning coffee afterward. Although our backyard is a major work in progress, I love to sit outside and listen to the birds singing. Somedays though, I love to lay in bed and enjoy the quiet home when Tripp, my basset hound, has cuddled up with me. On those days, I make sure to get in a run after work. Both answers are correct. Think about what “you” time looks like and make that a priority before you start your day.
Make Yourself a Set Schedule
I live for a good schedule! I’m unashamed to admit that I’m someone who needs structure throughout the day. When I was in the classroom, my day was extremely regimented to teach different subjects, when to have lunch, and so on. It was a huge transition to work in an environment where I was really the one deciding how I divided up my day. To help me stay on track, I created a little schedule on how to best spend my 9 to 5 life. Most days I have meetings or last-minute tasks that pop up, so I give myself grace in knowing it’s a fluid document. The schedule lives discreetly on my desktop. I pop it open when I need a gentle reminder.
Get Out of Your Seat
I actually have this specifically scheduled in my day and it has made a huge difference! I used to have a job where I was pacing all day long. Bouncing from student to student, running down the hallway because my lunch break went by a little too quickly. I’m too restless of a person to so drastically spend my entire day in a chair. Sometimes, I just need to stand up! I was the kid in school who always wanted to write, draw, color while standing at my desk. When that happens, I move over to our kitchen because our counter is the perfect height for me. My husband, David, now fully works from home as well and he feels the same way. When our schedules align, we take that as a sign to go for a quick 30-minute walk around the neighborhood. His job can be a little stressful at times and allows him to clear his head.
Have an Organized Work Space that Inspires
This is something that I always made a priority! Sitting down for the workday is so much better when I have a curated desk to look forward to. To give you some of the details… This mid-century style desk is one of my favorites. I had it in New York and pre-flood in a sky blue, but wanted a pop of color for version 2.0 with this beautiful Kelly Green. Also included on the desk, is a large-scale photo of Lake Como I took while on our honeymoon. It’s in a Slim Aarons/Gray Malin style, but without the sticker shock. There’s a stack of my favorite Coastal Living Magazines, propping up a conch shell, and a chinoiserie vase full of white hydrangeas.
A Loyal Four-Legged Friend Helps
What’s the best thing about working from home? Honestly, it’s probably getting to hang out with my dog 24/7. I 2020 and 2021 have been difficult for so many, but our pets have loved every second of it! While Tripp is sometimes an aloof creature, he’s often an arm’s reach away… Probably waiting for a treat or head scratches. My favorite is when he squeezes himself under my desk and lays right on top of my feet. He definitely feels like an emotional-support dog at times and I love having him around. It makes me question if I’ll ever be able to go back to an office without him!
This has been a strange year, full of change, both good and bad. The highlight of it all has been finding a new career where I feel so valued and that I genuinely enjoy doing. Yes, it was scary to launch into a new field and transition to a home office, but it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’m already looking forward to the next 365 days of working remotely and what lessons I learn along the way.
Love from Florida,
Katie
As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.