Last week, we shared a few tips for grounding yourself in a new work from home routine during Covid-19.
They were great! Honestly, any one of us reading this could use a little extra help getting in (and sticking to) a routine that prioritizes our health and well-being, while also letting continue making a living and supporting ourselves in this time.
But while Holley and I were thinking about what’s particularly different for us during this time, we realized it’s that both of us are home right now. Like, all day. Every day. With our brand new co-workers, Cholula and Parker.
As it turns out, we’re not alone. Apparently, Holley and I are just one of over 2,000,000 couples who choose to live, love, and work alongside each other. And, in this moment, with Coronavirus forcing all of us out of our offices and into our homes, couples all across the world have become unexpected coworkers, without even having a proper on-boarding session.
Some of us are finding out that we’ve been married to the “I want to pause you right there” or the “Circling back to the top of our agenda” person. Some of our partners just found out that we’re the “This isn’t fully formed, but I’m throwing it out here anyway” person.
Talk about immediate threats to your feelings of safety, belonging, and esteem.
If you find yourself in this number, Don’t worry. We’ve got a little help fo you.
This week, we thought we’d source and share some communal learnings from couples who are currently living and working together.
And Holley and I have shared a few of our own #workfromhome tips to get through this couple’s corona moment!
Meet Marrion and Allen Micheal .
Marrion is actually a former HOLI. employee. He worked for our now shuttered brand, Khafra. And was in charge of Strategic Communication + Partnerships. Plus, he helped me run KC Cohort, one of our community favorites!
Today, Marrion and Allen Micheal are currently both full-time students. Marrion’s pursuing a Masters in Creative Writing. And Allen Micheal is in a Ph.D. program in Sociology.
To survive Coronavirus quarantine together, they’ve been making space to hold each other’s fears when they arise.
Fortunately neither of us have freaked out at the same time. And we’ve also been giving each other space throughout the day and making little dates out of the little moments. So, cooking together, ordering takeout to replace going to dinner, and isolated outdoor excursions like the one we recently did at Joaquin Miller Park.
- Marrion
Meet Maggie and Talia.
Maggie and I used to work together at a publishing startup. Out of all the things we learned there, I think one of the greatest lessons is that if you place really amazing people together in a company, and give them the space to learn and love each other, you’re not just building a team, but creating the space for lifelong relationships to develop.
Today, Maggie works for a big tech company. And Talia is a social worker. Talia’s work has been non-stop and emotionally taxing all day. And Maggie’s is way more stop and go. She can take more breaks and tend to household tasks more. In moments this has felt hard because they’re in different head spaces but want to connect and savor that we get to be together during the day.
To survive Coronavirus quarantine together, they’re focusing on ease while also being willing to have the hard and necessary conversations.
We’re in our first year of marriage but have lived together for almost 3 years.
Like dutiful queers we sat down together and wrote out intentions for how to share the space 24/7 and support each other. We wrote down screen-free activities, schedules and other self care reminders. In practice we’ve hit some and missed others. …We’ve talked about how anything that was an issue before this time will feel amplified now, given the intensity and anxiety of this time. We’re practicing being easy on ourselves and each other and trying to put kindness above all else.
- Maggie
Meet Perrine and Will.
Perrine is actually my baby cousin - and one of the panelists from last year’s Hella Black Brunch High Tea, if you remember! Will, is the co-owner of Blk Mrkt Clt, one of our first community partners here in NC. And together, the two have just created The Quarantine Couch - a podcast for all of us trying to stay sane during the coronavirus with a little help from our friends.
To survive Coronavirus quarantine together, they’re leaning into continued collaboration.
Collaborate with one another on new and old ideas. Have brainstorming sessions and build on one another's strengths to uplift constantly. And keep communicating. Have regular check-ups and check-ins throughout the day because things are constantly evolving and changing.
- Perrine
Here’s me and Holley.
Here’s me and Holley (HOLI. Brands founding partners) being very excited about buying our first home where we would (unbeknownst to us, then) spend our first quarantine.
To survive Coronavirus quarantine living and loving and working together as two type A individuals, we’re actually leaning into EVERYTHING on this short list below!
We talk to each other about our schedules for the day before bed, or first thing in the morning.
We have dedicated spaces where we work (together or independently).
We keep necessary routine items in our schedule (therapy, dog walks, cooking, nesting).
We agree to “stop” times in our work day.
We stay flexible and don’t shy away from changing up the schedule if unexpected things happen (like Parker getting out of the backyard, wandering over to the neighbor’s house, and barking at us until we came to rescue him).
We’re developing and maintaining a good relationship with our neighbors, and taking breaks to catch up with them.
We are prioritizing nature and taking advantage of our yard and neighborhood.
We’re laughing together and often.
We’re committed to strategic reorganizing in order to better serve you!
Hope this is helpful!
Feel free to follow us on Instagram where we’re sharing even more ideas and resources to help you grow.
with <3,