So a little on me, for those who do not know. I’ve done my part 1 & 2 and will be starting my part 3 this September. I've worked in what you would say is a large architectural firm for over a year now. Prior to the the Covid-19 Pandemic the firm was making cuts with a large project ending. This game as a shock and honestly saw a lot change in the company.
I am giving you this backstory as honestly I want you to understand how grateful I am to be in a position to be made furlough rather than to be made redundant. Of course, not too toot my own trumpet, i would not be made redundant for my lack of work or anything like that, but these occurrences that happened around the time along with this pandemic came as a really big blow, leaving uncertainty & really took a toll on my mental state. So you could say furlough really saved my bacon and it is a blessing to be having some money coming in & to be honest, it’s even better when you don’t work to get any of it.
But of course it’s not always roses, not working can create room for ‘the funk’ and that’s that sad, glum feeling you will get at some point on your furlough experience.
Fortunately, ‘the funk’ won’t last long as a creative as there so many things we can get into at the moment with this time off. Some of the things I’ve been doing:
1. Drawing & Illustrations
Got anything to draw with, got a computer. put them together. A whole world of opportunities. If your lucky enough to be already registered as self employed then even better as you can make some money whilst not breaking the rules and stipulations for the furlough agreement.
2. Skills Upgrade!
If your office or work colleagues are not running some kind of software training there are a few fantastic websites for this along with the obvious choice for YouTube too.
- this has pretty much anything you need for creative software and they are detailed! From video editing, 3D software and more, this site has it. It is a subscription but it is very much worth it.
- this one is great as they have a forum for you to connect with other creatives.
- this online magazine for creatives has Honestly the most straight forward tutorials for Adobe software in particular that I’ve seen. Easy to follow and you can search what you need.
3. Health is Wealth.
Fortunate to have family nearby, I was able to borrow a bike to ride around in. I’ve definitely been neglecting my health when I was back in the office so this time I’ve been getting on to it. With gyms closed, grab a skipping rope, get a bike, go for a run. Do anything to get in shape as staying at home it’s less tone moving than you normally would.
4. So Much DIY?!
You know why I have so much!? because of procrastination, that’s why! Everything I had on hold around the house to do will be done in the furlough period because I’ve got nothing but time. There painting, hanging up shelves, cleaning the garden, the list can go on.
5. Having Fun, Creating Memories.
Honestly, once we get out of this pandemic we will look back at this time on furlough and wish we could have it again,(well minus the corona-virus of course). But honestly, it is a blessing to be alive, have family, have friends and this is something I have been able to really appreciate in this period. I have been using this time to get creative when communicating via video and have sent fun edited videos, spice up the zoom chats with crazy backgrounds and create memories we can look back on.
Furlough has given me a lot of time to think and reflect on what I want in my future, I do not think if I was back on my normal schedule I would have had time to do so, if I am being very honest. I've been fortunate to have time to prepare for whats ahead, which includes getting back into university in September to finally be an architect! push on ventures that I have started and neglected (including this blog, I know) and honestly just take some 'me time'.
This post is really just to encourage whoever is feeling down or even for those who are not on furlough. In light of the troubling world we are in at the moment, light and good can come from it, and we as creatives are in a position to do that.
Much Love,
Your Writer,
Nat.
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