I’ve not done much writing or book reviewing of late. Obviously I’m still adjusting to the new job and working full-time. Which reminds me… have I even mentioned the new job here I wonder?
Anyhoo, it’s weeks since I’ve written a non-bookish post but I don’t really feel I have anything substantial to say or share here so decided I’d go with a check-in post lest I forget how to ramble on about my life.
New job
I started in the new job three weeks ago. I feel it has a lot of potential but I’m at that early stage where I feel I know nothing and have accomplished even less. I know (well, hope and assume) this will pass, but it’s a frustrating time and I find myself plagued by self-doubt. It’s work-from-home and my colleagues are scattered but I did make a quick trip to my state’s capital city (Brisbane) where several are based… so have put some faces (in 3D) to names.
Working from home
I’ve worked from home before (a lot) but not full-time using different laptops.
I put something on Facebook after my first week of work commenting on how hard I was finding it to have both my personal and work laptops on my desk. I kept using the wrong mouse or keyboard and had to connect the monitor/screen to my work laptop during the day and my personal one at night.
And my desk felt cluttered. So, I moved my personal laptop out to my dining table. I live alone and eat on my sofa or at my desk so it’s not like my laptop is in the way there. And it offers a sense of separation between the two. I’ve got a lovely view but haven’t actually spent much / any time there yet so still need to get into a routine.
Screen time
My ‘screen time’ report (I’m not sure if that’s just an Apple thing – popped up to tell me my screen time (laptop, iPad and iPhone) was down 53% on the previous week with an average of less than half an hour per day spent online. I’m not surprised as now I’m on my work computer all day and not planning to use it for social media or personal emails. At all.
Though of course my TV screen time (not included in those stats) has increased as I’m behind in book reviews so not reading as much. So… I’m watching TV (well streaming services ON my TV) most nights. At the moment it’s all about Doctor Who and Schitt’s Creek. I’m a latecomer to the latter and bingeing through the six seasons. I also recently tuned in for Foundation every week (on Apple TV+) though still feel a bit mixed about the whole series.
I’m sure there’s other stuff but that’ll do for now.
What’s happening in your life lately? How’s your screen time?
November 29, 2021
Hi Deb,
Good luck with the job, it will take some time to get the hang of it. I’ve finished up 3 client reports and dent them of, no more until 2022 but still doing my own research. In February I start two new subjects, both on DNA. I’ve done heaps of reading and some have been books you reviewed. One day we will have coffee together. Hugs, Lilian x
November 29, 2021
Oh, you’re so motivated and great with deadlines Lillian! I’m very impressed. x
November 29, 2021
My screen time is out of control, as usual. Haha. But, all my computers, devices, smart watch and even my tv are apple, so there’s not a single second that isn’t counted. I can’t talk about it, just know that I know it’s a problem. *nervous laugh*
I know what you mean about that new job/I have no idea what I’m doing thing. You’ll come through it, that’s the way it goes, but sheesh while you’re in it, it’s nice to be reminded that it’s a real thing and you’re not losing your mind. So this is me, reminding you. You’re welcome. 😉
November 29, 2021
I’m very glad my TV viewing doesn’t count as that could be scary. I also never watch shows (or YouTube, vlogs, podcasts, FB live or Insta live) on my devices or laptop. I just can’t bring myself to do it weirdly… which is probably a good thing. I really don’t need ‘more’ social media or vices in my life.
November 30, 2021
It’s a good thing, I know that for sure. Haha.
November 29, 2021
Hi Deb – glad the new job is going well and that you’re slowly getting your head around it all and figuring out how to arrange your life around it. I imagine working from home would require some boundaries to stop work and life crashing into each other too much – remembering to take breaks and shifting rooms with your laptop is a great start. I think you sound like you might be finding your balance again.
November 29, 2021
I used to work from home previously and once did actually have a separate laptop but the work was only a few hours a day so I moved my work laptop to my dining space then and only used that area when I was working. It’s the opposite now of course….
November 29, 2021
Congratulatons on your new job, Deb. I love the separation of your work and personal computers. That makes great sense to me!
November 29, 2021
Oh yes, a long time ago I had a regular contract gig and used my laptop for both. I actually used separate web browsers so my online presence (separate google accounts etc) didn’t get confused!
November 29, 2021
I ignore that screen time cos my phoner isn’t reporting my laptiop work time….or as you say, tv….Glad the job is going well (you are allowed to know nothing at the start of a job, and if you haven’t accomplished much, then that’s your manager’s fault, not yours) and you’ve set up some demarkation in the desk sitch. Enjoy it! #Lifethiweek
November 29, 2021
Everyone keeps reminding me that it’s normal to feel as if you’re underachieving when new, so I’m trying to believe it….
November 29, 2021
Oh my gosh how good is Schitts Creek? If you love Dan Levy, you must check out the movie The Happiest Season on Amazon – it’s just wonderful! Pleased new job is going well, I think self doubt is all part of the new job territory but I bet you are smashing it! I love how you have separated the work and personal computers – nailed it!
November 29, 2021
I love the two kids on Schitt’s Creek and the scripts are so clever and soooo funny!
November 29, 2021
I feel your pain, I work at home and juggle two work laptops and one home laptop. Schitts Creek is great!
November 29, 2021
Ugh, three laptops – that sounds like a nightmare… particularly in terms of space. If I had a huge desk I could maybe push one to the side when I’m using the other but it’s too cluttered at the moment. (So I can’t imagine balancing three!)
November 29, 2021
I’m pleased to hear your getting your head around the job Deb. Sounds to me like you’re working out the boundaries re working from home. It could be very tricky to get work/life balance in control. Sounds to me a good idea to totally separate work and fun areas as you’ve done.
November 29, 2021
Ah yes, years ago I had a contract that involved small amounts of time at home but I used the one laptop so basically monitored emails and chats and work stuff all day – even though at the end of the day I’d only charge for 30mins or so of ‘work’. It was a nightmare.
November 29, 2021
I hope you’ll feel more confident with your new job soon. If you think your desk is cluttered, you should see mine! But we live in a small house and were just beginning to get organised when Covid hit so we’re still working on it and haven’t come far. We now finally have plans to fix up my home office though.
I don’t really look at the screen time app (but it pops up every Monday or so) because I think it’s more important to look at what you do on the screens and if it’s something inspiring or useful.
November 30, 2021
That’s very true Susanne. I used to get daily reports on my phone and at the time was spending far too much time scrolling through Instagram and on Twitter on it so it was a bit of a wake-up call back then, but only because I was using it to waste time.
November 29, 2021
Congrats on the new job Deb.
I watch far too much tv. On weekdays it doesn’t go on til about dinner time but then hubby and I watch something (at the moment it’s catching up on new seasons) til he goes to bed at 10ish, then my daughter and I binge til about 1am or so (currently it’s the The Mentalist), then I binge I go to bed until about 4am. So about 12 hours straight 😉
November 30, 2021
I forgot you have very late nights. I have a no TV / reading during the day rule… so only watch it at night as well. And weirdly, last night for eg, I wanted to watch the latest episode of Dr Who but it wasn’t yet 7pm and still light outside so felt ‘wrong’ to watch it – less gravitas or something if watched during daylight hours.
November 30, 2021
Congrats on your new job, Deb! I love how you separate your work and personal computers and your personal desk space has a great view.
November 30, 2021
It does Natalie but thankfully I’m not distracted by it. I guess when it’s there all of the time you notice it less. Of course I must look out each time I walk through my house because I am conscious of changes in the colour of the ocean etc…
November 30, 2021
I use the same laptop for work and personal – sign into work via a virtual app thingie.They’re threatening to give me a work laptop & I’m so far resisting because, well, the same as you.
November 30, 2021
It’s challenging when you use the same apps for work and private stuff on the one laptop. Before the work laptop arrived and I used a web version and portal thingy it kept defaulting to my old Uni account. I have the MS apps on my laptop but they’re all in my private account whereas I’d previously used the online version for Uni.
November 30, 2021
I have a whole virtual workstation I sign into so there’s no crossing over of anything.
November 30, 2021
Good luck with the new job! I find any time I start a new job I have a lot of self- doubt that I can do it. I’m sure you can with a bit more time.
November 30, 2021
Oh thanks so much…. I really really hope so.
November 30, 2021
That’s great you’re back into employment! I always feel the busier I am, the more I get done so maybe that will work for you as well.
November 30, 2021
I’ve experienced that before too and think when I’ve got nothing to do I’m more apathetic but when time is short I’m more efficient!
November 30, 2021
Great have a catch up post Deb and I’ve turned off my notifications as I didn’t want the heartache. So glad your new job has started off quite well, it always takes a while to settle in doesn’t it? I am so tempted to re-watch Schitts Creek, as it was so clever and light. So many things are too dark at the moment and I need more fun in my viewing 🙂
December 1, 2021
Oh yes I’m really enjoying Schitt’s Creek. Such clever writing and snarky without being vicious!
December 1, 2021
I am so glad you have delineated work and leisure. I would have to do that. It would annoy me so much to keep switching. I like too, that you can look at a different view (when you do!) at each space. So pleased for you and the full time gig. Bet that has eased some of your worries. Mind you, I took would be wanting feedback. Like that myself…and often bosses don’t even think of it.
Lovely to know you have found Schitts Creek. I loved it more the second time round. Such a lovely group of people.
It was great reading your post today after linking up for #LifeThisWeek on my blog. Thank you! I can’t believe we are in December! Now “only” 3 more Mondays for #lifethisweek in 2021. See you next week too I hope. Denyse.
December 2, 2021
Thanks Denyse. Am struggling to adjust to the work thing. Nothing dire, just recent upheaval within the organisation and I’m coming in at the end of it so lots of changes and new faces.
I seem to have had a lot of expenses lately (and my water tank pump just stopped working yesterday) so the $ is more-than-useful!
December 22, 2021
I’ve worked at the same job for years & feel self doubt about not knowing anything from time to time when new procedures & routines arise. We watch more tv during the long dark nights of winter. Right now our tv watching is all about Christmas shows, Netflix, Hallmark & DVDs. Karen
December 23, 2021
I’m yet to start watching any Xmas shows or movies Karen but am travelling (via train) to visit relatives tomorrow so thinking I’ll download some onto my iPad to watch enroute and get me in the mood after I finish my working year today.