Student Blog: Work From Home: Working a Remote Job

Happy July! Here on this beautiful day that is July 1st, I decided it would be the perfect time to complete my June blog posts! It’s Canada Day today, and therefore a Canadian holiday, meaning that I have the day off of work! This weekend was filled to the brim with Pride related activities, as this was my first time being in the city and able to celebrate Pride month, I definitely took advantage of it.  I was able to go to the parade this year and it was so wonderful seeing the whole city come together to support! After the business of all this weekend’s festivities, I am definitely grateful for today off of work.  I recently started a new job, and I am currently settling into my new schedule of “remote work.” 

I have never done remote work before, and have never had the opportunity to work from home, so these past two weeks have been a learning experience for me.  As an innately busy person who is addicted to productivity, I found it somewhat challenging to just get out of bed and start working.  The first week, I fell into a habit of sleeping in until right before my shift and then working all day, not realizing that by the time evening rolled around, I hadn’t had any fresh air or seen the sun in, what felt like, forever.  I have found that this does not work for me and my mental health at all! 

In my second week of work, I have discovered that getting out during the day boosts my mood and productivity immensely.  Whether it be to take a short walk or jog, grab some groceries or get a coffee during my lunch, making time to get out of the apartment has been very helpful! Another tip I have learned is that actually getting dressed before my shift is a game changer. Sitting at my laptop, hair a mess and PJs on, does not make me feel my best self.  I find it best to actually get up, get dressed, make some breakfast, or maybe a smoothie before I sign on for the day.  

My days are not only remote, and I head into the office every Wednesday, as well as other days occasionally as needed.  Wednesdays are my most tiring days, and I’m not sure if it’s the added 1.5 of my day attributed to commuting or the need to be on and presentable throughout the entire day, but the office tires me out! During these days, I make sure to get up with plenty of time in the morning, so I can start the day peacefully and not stressed.  I ensure that I have a good, filling breakfast, and I pack a pretty ample amount of food (the office makes me snacky).  

So, I head into this short week, my third week of work, with these tips under my belt! I know I will continue to learn more and change my routine as the summer goes on, but for now, I’m very comfortable and happy with my start to the week!