On this week’s “My WFH Haven”, we have Chrys, a Creative and UI/UX specialist, to share with us her aesthetic WFH setup and remote working experience.
Chrys: Hello! My name is Chrys, and I am a Creative and UI/UX for a hybrid agency. I have been staying here in Singapore for four years now and have experienced all the lockdowns that happened. I am renting a house here with amazing owners. I usually spend my time at work, baking, cooking, taking care of my plants (which are clinging to dear life), reading and all sorts of things. I do whatever interests me.
Chrys: Hmm...I think it's a 50-50 for me. During the lockdown/restrictions or whatever we may call it, we are split into teams. Somehow I have grown a liking to an alternate week schedule at the office. Being at the office makes it easier to talk to my designers and to guide them or answer any questions they or I may have. It's also the interaction because WFH, you don't see them. At the same time, I like the balance of just being at my home, quietly working or sometimes blasting out music I love.
Chrys: In the beginning, it was difficult. It feels like the hours are longer since there's no clear division of work and personal space, it's all contained in one place. You don't get to clock out or leave the office. There are also distractions like the TV, the breaks, and the afternoon naps.
Work-life balance has been a problem for many of us. The line is blurred as we work and rest in the same space. It’s been more than a year since the pandemic started and fortunately, we have adjusted fairly well to this new normal.
Chrys: Recently, I have tried to shift into a more productive schedule by treating the time blocks just the same as when I am at work. I start my day around 8:30 am, have my coffee, do work until 7 pm then clock out. I'd rather work with strict office timings than let it bleed until it's 1 am or 2 am. I keep a strict rule, to myself and to my designers, to not take OT even when working at home. Do OT if it's really necessary and the reasons are justified. I only answer emails the next day unless it's urgent. Keep a strict rule to yourself and to the work.
Chrys: Well, my house was a bit bare at that time though I have an old photo where you can see my laptop stand, external keyboard and all. I used to have my external monitor as well. I am not fussy about setup, unlike others who have spent a lot on their equipment and chair. I am fine with what I have. I am lucky to have a renovated space (thanks owners) which was already awesome. I just added a couple of shelves, plants and brought more into it.
Chrys: The current setup is simple. It feels like working in a cafe. I have a standing table and bar stools in my dining area. It makes up for a standing table I guess. I can work with a setup and can work with just my laptop and my mouse. I switch between the dining area and living area.
Chrys: I started sprucing up my place a bit to make it more comfortable to work in. Working from home has been the norm now and people are spending money on it. I am a cheapskate so I mainly got my stuff from Carousell, and some of my shelves were from another friend who was giving it for free. It's just a matter of organising things around the house. In setting up a place to be more work-from-home conducive, I like to see nice things around. Plants help out in giving off that homey vibes. Overall, your work-from-home setup should make you feel relaxed. Work is already stressful enough, it makes a difference to be at ease in what you see.
Chrys: All the sounds you didn't usually hear, you would hear and interrupt your call. E.g. people shouting, construction, cat, dog, cooking....birds
Ahhh, how relatable!
Chrys: I'd probably purchase a monitor. So far I am satisfied with my setup :)
Thank you, Chrys for showing us your wonderful home! That's it for today! Still wanna see more "workstations"? Check out My WFH Haven: Sidney Teo for a different perspective!
