This story comes from a place of great privilege. Australia’s relatively sparse population, border closures, and the rapid adoption of social distancing have mitigated what had the potential to become a major health crisis. Lockdowns have eased this week with restaurants and other businesses reopening and the green light for larger group gatherings at households. The months of social isolation, virtual coffee catch-ups, and home haircuts seem to be coming to an end.
But would it seem brazen and tone-deaf of me to admit that I loved this lockdown period? The introvert in me has flourished in this time of quiet self-reflection. Working from home has allowed me to claw back hours spent commuting each day. I poured my soul into cooking, doing yoga, and watching one too many seasons of RuPaul’s Drag Race. I felt reinvigorated by the extra hours of sleep, the lack of awkward elevator small talk, and the stillness in place of the city’s hustle and bustle. I can only see this period of isolation disrupting the traditional workplace dynamic for the better.
Although it is easy for me to romanticize my best iso life, it’s hard to forget that the future of my profession is wrought with uncertainty. Architecture, and the construction industry as a whole, are incredibly volatile in times of economic turmoil. I am lucky to still enjoy employment, albeit across 4 days in lieu of 5, but mass redundancies and stalling projects may cripple an entire workforce for years to come.
But since I’m a glass-half-full type of gal, let’s end on a positive note. In days, I can step out and enjoy a beer and a classic Aussie parma at a pub. And it’s these little joys that I can be certain of.
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