Discovering the new norms for you and your family during the COVID-19 crisis
Moonlighting is often considered a second job, or at least something that brings in additional money. The new phenomenon caused by people working from home because of the COVID-19 is different. Mental moonlighting is a term often used by economist to understand the moral hazards of not properly incentivizing a contract for a high paying, important position. Essentially, are your most important team members spending their mental energy trying to make their company better, or thinking of when they will start that new business that will make them millions.
However, the moonlighting I’m speaking about that is happening today in real time, is not related to additional income. It’s related to people trying to figure out how they can bring MORE into their home. More as in more stability for themselves and their families (in the home or out of the home). How to be the calm during the storm for the loved ones who rely on them to be the emotional rock. How to more efficiently home school their children and provide enough physical activity for them. More as in trying to understand how long this is going to last so they can gain a realistic understanding of their new situation and do some expectation management. So if you feel like you’re more tired now than you’ve ever been, even though you’re not doing that three hour commute, this is why.
So if you feel like you’re more tired now than you’ve ever been, even though you’re not doing that three hour commute, this is why.
You are spending an absorbent amount of energy working to find a new balance, provide inspiration and stability for your family (whether or not you have members in your home or just over the phone) and meeting all of the new requirements of your job along with everything you were responsible for last month.
In addition to this new mental drain, many people are experiencing work fatigue. Similar to starting a new job. This is because you can work as long as you like. You can stay ahead of those requirements and give a little extra.
You can spend the extra time researching and answering emails and those ‘hey, real quick’ text messages. You can essentially be open for business as long as you like. And with no external social obligations, why not?
Hey, Real Quick!
Because you cannot continue to work at this pace, while juggling the new realities of trying to understand the effects and duration of a global pandemic.
With the new emotional and mental strains of self-isolation, shopping dressed like you’re prepared for the zombie apocalypse, and rationing things like toilet paper you must find new ways to decompress. I’m not going to go into the many ways that you can unwind because a lot of people have touched on it. But I recommend that you take some time to sketch out a schedule making time for your spiritual well-being, your families well-being, the maintenance of your home, relationships, and lastly yourself.
I understand putting yourself last is an unpopular sentiment today, but it is my opinion that putting your spiritual well-being first, your family second, and your professional/personal obligations last, that you will come up with a schedule that leaves you feeling better.
You will bring focus to your new routine and give to those around you who need it most. You will establish and prioritize what is most important and give that your most productive time of the day. Lastly, cut yourself some slack. We are all in this together and if you need to talk, vent, or even complain – reach out!
Leaders Check 