Ode to Home Work

It's inevitable that our portfolio focus whilst in lockdown has shifted for all of us - be it by default of design. For those of you not familiar with the original theory behind a portfolio career, 'home work' was the segment dedicated to work done 'at home' - often unpaid and often that which the female would pick up. Over time, this work if you were of a certain economic background would be outsourced, and as a result we redefined homework as how we spent 'home time' and with whom.

Now it feels to me that there's been a major global reset in this area, with some culture adapting seamlessly; others less so. For me the first week or so of lockdown wasn't anything new. A remote worker for over 7 years, I simply felt like I was having additional admin time, with an added dose of this video conferencing malarkey. Then, like many others, I experienced my 'paid work' segment being impacted.

Frankly, I thought this was great. A few days of getting myself organised and crunching the numbers and voila! I knew this new found 'free time' would last for at least a month and thus would eventually give me the headspace required to stop, reflect and hopefully allow my creative streak to pop its head up again.

Whilst the split or balance of home work in each household may indeed differ, there is something to be said for us going back to the future in our experiences here:

• Food/Cooking - Granted, pre-lockdown I was fortunate enough to have access to fresh food and freshly cooked food most days. Now, not only do I appreciate this more, I've thoroughly enjoyed the act of cooking most meals from scratch (in fact, whilst writing this piece, I got up to grind some black pepper by hand) and learning hand me down recipes from both of my parents. The freshest, healthiest ingredients need not cost an arm and a leg - a little really does go a long way.
• Cleaning/General Chores - This type of 'work' may be brought in house for many as a result of what we are experiencing. Many of us who may do all or part of this in any case will also have favourite and not so desirable activities. I don't mind the washing up, laundry and grocery shopping but not so keen on everything else! One cannot fault the medidative and exercise benefits these activities yield however once we are in flow.
• Gardening - Rewind 10 years and you would NEVER find me in the garden. My mother knows who she can thank for this new found willingness - another medidative, natural exercise activity. This activity heightened, not only by the thought of planting this season's produce but also the metaphorical seed sowing of new beginnings and redirection.

When we come out the other side, perhaps we'll all have a realisation of what 'home' really means to us. I for one am grateful for the additional quality​ time I'm not getting to spend with my parents and what I will learn as a result.