Coronavirus(COVID-19) Learnings, Observations, and Thoughts

This post let’s talk about something I am sure a lot our getting tired of hearing about I know I am. But unfortunately can’t discount the impact it has had, is still having and will going forward for the unknown future.

What won’t be talked about is a rehash about what has been in the media for the past 6-7 months. But more what I myself have witnessed, experienced, and observed in this trying time. And what it could possibly mean going forward from my perspective.

Education – We have 2 young kids which starting in March this year till end of the school year were not in school due to their school shutting down. So online learning became the platform upon which they could continue their progress for the year. From my perspective this went better than I thought it would for a few reasons.

1) Both our kids respective teachers did a great job of organizing each days learning material and putting it in one place. Accessing it online with some links for certain programs the kids could access for further learning, practice.

2) I was fortunate to work for a company that opened up to remote working/from home on a partial basis. 2 days a week I worked from home which enabled me to help the kids when they needed. While I realize for some it may not have been so positive it does bring up the concept that on some level this could become a new reality/norm.

Working Remotely/From Home – As mentioned above for 4 months or so I was able to work from home 2 days a week out of my 5 day work week. I was fortunate to have this option and having a career where the majority of my job duties/responsibilities I can just as effectively do from home/remotely as I can from the physical office. This intrigued me as a witnessed a lot of employers open the doors to this option that historically didn’t.

Going forward will this permanently open the doors for more of companies work force work from home. In all honesty I see this as a win win on both sides the employee and the employer. If the employee is a good honest/employee and his tasks/responsibilities are of a nature where they can be completed just as well remotely as in the physical office then it means less commuting, better life/work balance. Also savings on the employer’s side if its a company vehicle the employee uses to get to office with. If enough positions can be switched to remote work then maybe downsizing is an option. Which could mean less overhead for leasing space or buying real estate.

Vacations/Holiday Time – This hasn’t been a completely positive experience however neither has it been a negative one more of indifference. In that we have had to think “outside of the box” if you will for our vacations. But all in all doing something outside the “norm” can be just as rewarding. And we have enjoyed our change up with regards to vacations.

These are just some of my thoughts on different topics. On what has been an interesting/challenging 2020 so far. As always look forward to your comments/opinions. We will discuss some more topics in the next post till next time 🙂

Cheers and stay safe from GWF