Dear Subscriber,
Are you OK?
How are you doing in these unprecedented days? Are you working from home, trying to figure out a “new normal”?
Here at MLive, those are questions we are asking each other every day, because journalists are used to the hum and energy of being in a newsroom. Questions get asked out loud, people offer ideas over the desk divider, the police scanner is always squawking.
We’re not used to the quiet of our home, makeshift offices. I’m guessing many of you also are figuring out this new environment, these new rhythms to the day, in order to focus and be productive amid all of the unknowns about coronavirus.
So, today I’m going to share some of the ways our team members are adjusting to the challenges of working while sheltering in place – in their own words.
Roberto Acosta, reporter, The Flint Journal: I have worked out a rotation: Couch, office, kitchen counter, dinner table, bed. Not exactly in that order, but those are the favored spots around the house. Most difficult thing, in all honesty (and not trying to sound cheesy) is the camaraderie with my coworkers, but we do a 2 p.m. video chat on a daily so that helps.
Neil Blake, videographer: The most challenging part is lack of babysitting. But I’m also grateful to be around him more, so I guess it evens out!”
Caitlyn French, reporter, The Bay City Times: My "desk" is a folding table from my home art studio because I just bought my house and didn't have time to buy a desk before all the craziness set in at the stores, LOL. But I do alternate between the table and my 7' giant bean bag.
Hugh Bernreuter, sportswriter, The Saginaw News: It seems like I'm busier than before. Instead of covering games, I'm constantly on the phone talking to coaches, players, etc. And since most of us spent a lot of our time working remotely before the quarantine, there's probably less of an adjustment for us. There seem to be more stories to write, just different.
Kelly Frick, senior director of news: It's difficult for me to shut down. I struggle to know the end of the day. There has always been news 24/7, but leaving the office gave me the mental permission to not worry about work until the next morning. Now I have no mental "off" switch.
Mark Torregrossa, meteorologist: Getting comfortable is tough. Makes you really appreciate a solid office chair like at the hubs. I take a 15-minute walk after finishing each post. If you have a room with a door, people get the message when you go in there and close the door.
Michael Kransz, reporter, The Grand Rapids Press: I've learned that cooking is more than just eggs and toast and microwave meals. But, more seriously, I've learned that transitioning off immediately after a shift by taking a walk or run outdoors is mentally beneficial.
Dana Afana, reporter, The Ann Arbor News: The hardest part is looking like a presentable human being. I'm nervous for the day I have to hop on a video call.
Julie A. Mack, reporter, Public Interest team: Right now, I'm perched cross-legged on the bed, multiple pillows behind my back. I come in here because it's a big, sunny room and I can close the door for privacy.
Zahra Ahmad, reporter, The Flint Journal: The hardest part is not being able to have in-person interactions in our community. I miss being able to hear about people's days and crack jokes with the regulars at city hall. I didn't realize how much of a people person I am until now. Being around others kept me grounded so I have struggled staying out of my own head and keeping things new/interesting.
As you can see, our journalists are regular folk, like you: concerned about their emotional and physical health in this sudden age of social distancing. Balancing work, life, and fatigue in a place not meant to be an office.
I find myself telling people “I’m doing OK.” But the truth is I’ve lost familiar bearings – that sense of forward motion, that life is progressing in an orderly manner. This new anxiety is unfocused, general and vague. I kept saying “surreal,” until I found this great article from the Harvard Business Review, “That discomfort you are feeling is grief.”
It’s OK to grieve what we’ve lost, while we work to gain our footing in a new, uncertain world. So, how are you?
Please share your story about adjusting and coping by clicking here for a simple online form, or by emailing me at editor@mlive.com. Stay safe, and be well.
John Hiner is the vice president of content for MLive Media Group. Sign up for breaking news updates on major developments in the coronavirus crisis by texting 517-200-3045. |