Attention work-from-homers!

Like millions of Americans during the COVID-19 crisis, this is week two of my work-from-home adventure. As a marketing and communications specialist for Baptist Health, I'm fortunate my job translates easily to a home environment. A laptop and a phone, along with a quiet space, are pretty much all I need. Sounds easy enough, huh?

Spoiler alert: I've had a few challenges.

First, there's my hubby, the banking executive. Apparently, the banking industry is impacted, too, and there are a lot of conference calls needed. Oh, and they ALL have to be on speaker phone.

And, we have two kids -- age 17 and 20---here at Casa Stambaugh doing their online studies. Our house is medium-sized, but seems smaller (and louder) with four adults shuffling around trying to get their work done.

Here's what I've found that works (and doesn't work) for me:

Make an "office"

Working on the couch with your laptop and the news on does not work. At all. You need a workspace of your own. We don't have a home office, so we've had to create our own private spaces. I staked out the dining room -- prime real estate. Hubby the banking exec is at the kitchen table. The kiddos apparently can work from their beds.

Put on your big girl or big boy pants and deal with the technical issues.

If working from home is new to you, chances are you'll face some technical hurdles. Turns out, I needed more than just a laptop and phone -- a printer is needed too. I had an old one that had been serving as a table collecting dust. Plugging it in, I discovered, of course, that it needed new ink cartridges. This happens every time you want to use a home printer. It's a law of the universe.

I successfully got the cartridges at the office supply store and was comforted to see other work-from-homers wandering idly down the aisles like zombies. We're all in this together!

When I got home, there was NOWHERE on the device to put the cartridges. Befuddled, my son told me to "YouTube" it.  The video led me through step by step. Who knew I was a technical genius?

The only other hurdle was not being able to sync my work laptop to my home computer -- something about security, according to the guy at our help desk. Easy fix -- fire up your super old personal laptop, map it to the printer, and 27 cusswords later, you are all set. All you have to do is email the document you need printed to yourself and print from your home computer. Voila!

Find ways to connect with coworkers

Most of us are social, and if not, we are at least accustomed to being in an environment with others. I miss my team members. I don't have anyone to brainstorm with to get the creative juices flowing. So, I've taken drastic measures. I actually pick up the phone and talk to a living and breathing coworker. Hearing their voices, and better yet, seeing them via Zoom or FaceTime, can help recharge your batteries and get you past work challenges you may not be able to figure out on your own.

Rules are optional

Many people have rules that work for them, like: "Take a shower, get dressed, wear deodorant, blah, blah, blah." For me, whatever works, works. Some days I look presentable and other days not so much. It doesn't matter, as long as you're getting the work done.

(Unless there's a Zoom meeting; then you may want to reconsider the tie-die T-shirt and plaid PJ pants at 4 pm.)

Puffy Cheetos are not your friend

I said it. Light, crunchy and cheesy seem like a nice little work snack until you eat the entire bag. This is not good, from what I have read. "Have healthy snacks at your fingertips," they say. "Apples and bananas," they say. Again, do what works for you. The entire world is blowing up. So, I am changing my mind. Eat the Cheetos.

Realize you're in a good spot

If you're working from home, you're likely safe, and keeping your distance from others. You're doing your part and you're getting to do it from the comfort of home.

Get some perspective

Many of my friends at Baptist Health are literally on the front lines fighting this virus, like so many others. You can do this.

At Baptist Health, we want to help keep you and your family informed about COVID-19. We're coordinating with the health department and following CDC guidelines to ensure the health and safety of our community. For more information, visit baptistjax.com/covid19.