HG from Home: Sophie
What’s your desk set-up like from home?
It’s quite good! I have a little nook in my apartment and bought a monitor, plus my office chair so became super comfy and at-home (ha ha!). I’ve tried to keep it quite tidy because I believe that a clean space = clean mind!
What have you enjoyed most about WFH?
I’ve loved having a more flexible day and being able to go for walks and keep active or doing life admin while still getting work done. I am also loving not commuting! On the work side of things, I think it has allowed me quick professional growth in a short time, being more self-reliant, taking more responsibility and giving tasks a go to learn how to do something new.
Have you overcome any challenges while WFH?
During early Lockdown 1.0 in March, I was quite down about it all and probably in a little bit of denial about the gravity of COVID-19, so that was definitely a challenge. Once I got used to WFH after a month or so, I became acclimatised to this new lifestyle and it’s nice! I also didn’t buy my monitor for AGES (so silly) so was just using my laptop for a month or two which became unbearable very quickly!
What do you miss most about being in the office?
I miss Fridays in the office! Often we would go to the pub for lunch, especially during footy season when they do tipping. It’s such a nice way to end the week. Otherwise, the general company and banter is definitely missing from my WFH life, although using Slack to chat has been pretty good.
What have you been working on lately?
So many things! I work primarily in the L’Oréal portfolio and have been given the chance to start managing a brand for myself with guidance, and it’s such a fun brand which has been great. I’ve also helped write up some blog posts that we’ve sent out in eDMs to stay in touch with clients and update them on news and trends; been chipping away at a big six-monthly report; and improving my graphic design skills in Photoshop with various tasks!
I’m also still studying and doing a winter term unit where I am writing a book! It’s one I started as a uni assignment and keen to finish, hopefully to publish. Otherwise, when we were able, my partner and I went on Sunday drives to venture out, see new places and for me to take photos!
Have you been doing anything differently?
I think trying to go for two long, leisurely walks a day is very different compared to running to the train station or rushing home to get to the gym or pilates!
What is your go-to snack at home?
I tend to have a snacky lunch which I really enjoy— like a mini cheese platter! I usually have some crackers, cheese, nuts, fruit and veg, and some meat like ham, salami or tuna if I feel like it.
Have you…
… done a virtual meeting with trackies or pjs on? Yes— what they don’t know doesn’t hurt!
… shopped more online because you’re home to receive it? Yes a little, although I didn’t hold back when delivering to the office either!
… had to balance working with a partner/housemate? Fortunately not at all as my partner is in construction and allowed to be on-site.
… enjoyed longer sleep-ins? I would say 50/50. I did at the start and still do occasionally, but try to get up for a pre-work morning walk at least three times a week.