Days during MCO

Covid-19 pandemic happens since Jan 2020 as the world starts its new chapter after new year's celebration. Today, it has taken more 109,000 lives, more than 1.7 million infected with virus, around 2 billions on lockdown. Lockdown or movement control order (MCO), social distancing and face mask are the new norm in our lives right now. 

Other than our healthcare workers and police force who are standing at frontline, many are required to work from home, some have lost their businesses or jobs owing to MCO, some complain about being bored at home, some enjoy the quality time spent with family, while some seize the opportunities to venture on digital platforms. In front of pandemic, we see opportunists, maturing digital platform, trending remote workplace, and blurred lines of work-life balance. 

My expectation of MCO life, other than working:

Read books, exercise, make drinks, binge on couch, movie marathon, maybe cooking sometimes.

However, the reality is, I spend more than 10 hours at work on weekdays, no time for lunches, become accessible on all devices, and no worries about interactions because I talk every hour and everyday. I just stabilised my work-life schedule beginning this Monday by adding 2 workouts on workdays, still eating takeout, laptop shutdown as sign off for the day, make gin and tonic, and enjoy the downtime with my spouse. Cooking is the only task we choose not to put time and efforts in as we choose to prioritise on work and more quality time together instead - I must say it's a pleasing notion shared between two of us. 

What I learnt during these days is self reflection, evaluate one's value in your work, and adaptability for changes. I am foreseeing for not getting back to office in short period of time so I have to learn to live and work between living room and dining room.  Comparing to many in this world, I am privileged to still have a job, work from home comfortably, contribute to essential food service by supporting local foods, and be vigilant to ensure all precautionary measures are taken during this time. 

After lockdown/MCO, it's a longer, tougher journey ahead for us to rebuild our economy and restore social orders. At the same time, we continue to appreciate the freedom of movement and maintain relationships in new lenses. Little did you know, faith, trust and agility are all we need in the aftermath. 

Like it or not, stay bored or stay competitive to be prepared for next level in life.