The work landscape has changed dramatically this past year and more than ever, companies are hiring people to work remotely. According to FlexJobs survey, 65% of respondents report that they want to work fully remote post-pandemic, and 31% want a hybrid remote work environment. As a total 96% desire some form of remote work.
It has been reported that with working at home there are fewer interruptions, more focused time, quieter work environment, more comfortable workspace, and not being involved in office politics. Another benefit is that people who work are realizing that they have more real estate choices and opportunities.
As full time working parents, working remote has provided my husband and I flexibility while taking care of Franco. It is not easy, but we are thankful to have that option. The layout of our house is not ideal for remote work since there is a lot of open space and not much room for an office but we do our best to make it work.
I was talking to my husband the other night and we talked about what we would do if we were to buy a house today. We talked about how we would want more office space and more of an ideal location than where we are now. We used a mortgage calculator to compare and and get a better estimate if this is something we are seriously considering. According to Home Ownership Matters buyers want enclosed or flexible spaces within their home that can serve as a private home office. Homes that offer an additional bedroom or a finished basement or attic space are often in greater demand.
Because of working remotely, we are spending more time in our homes and it’s changing the way we look and the criteria we use when we shop for a new one. I have had friends move to another state this past year because their job would allow it. They finally got the dream they always wanted by leaving Upstate, New York and moving to the beach in North Carolina.
According to flexjobs.com these states have the most work-from-home-friendly counties:
Texas
Virginia
Colorado
Georgia
Florida
North Carolina
The pandemic and remote working went hand-in-hand in changing the way people conduct business and live their lives. The pandemic didn’t force us to embrace remote work; it accelerated our embrace of being a remote worker.
As more companies decide to extend remote work opportunities in the coming months, and as more people realize they’re not tied down to their locale for their jobs, the residential real estate market is likely to continue its shift. If you’re ready to hit the road, do your due diligence to make sure moving is your best all-around option.
After being on different trials of medication since my son Franco was born, I thought I finally found the one that would work. The past year had many transitions and struggles which unfortunately led me to feel that it was not working for me. My anxiety and depression increased and found it hard to complete simple tasks. In agreement with my therapist, I decided to call my psychiatrist and make a sooner appointment than already scheduled. I was lucky to get in the next day and just assumed it had to do with a cancellation opening.
I went in hopeful that things were going to change moving forward and this was the tool I needed to help me get back on track. I sit down in my doctor’s office and noticed something wasn’t right. There were no pictures on the walls including all of his degrees and licenses. Before I could say anything he said ” So, you are here for your last appointment?” I just stared at him and barely got the word “What?” out.
”Oh, you didn’t know?”
He asked insincere, “Someone was supposed to call you and let you know I am no longer practicing at this location and you are here today to prepare a discharge plan.”
”How would I know? No one called me!” I raised my voice out of fear and anxiousness.
” I just called yesterday and no one said anything to me.”
”Oh,” he said quickly, “well I moved to a different practice and you are welcomed to join me there, otherwise I can provide you with a list of providers you can try.”
There were two problems though, his new practice was too far of a drive for me and the list he provided was so old and unreliable, some providers weren’t even practicing anymore. I had such a look of disgust on my face I couldn’t even say anything. He told me I didn’t need to decide now and he would provide me with one more refill of my current medication. I explained to him the medication I was taking were not helping and possibly making things worse and I did not want to continue them anymore.
”Well, if that is the case then I think it would be best to part ways and for you to see someone new.” He didn’t even look me in the eye and continued to type on his laptop. At this point I realized my psychiatrist of 8 years has given up on me. I am too complex to fix and he just didn’t want to try anymore. I quietly nodded my head in agreement and didn’t listen to anything else he had to say. I left feeling pretty hopeless and hurt. The first person to ever give up on me was my own psychiatrist.
Taking this as a blessing in disguise, I called and emailed over 20 providers the next day and was able to land an appointment with a practitioner who was highly recommended by a friend. I was able to get in by the end of the week.
I was re evaluated and was put on some brand new medications I have never tried before. I was nervous but excited to make another appointment in four weeks to see how I was doing.
A week after my initial appointment, a pandemic has been declared and a national shutdown started to begin.
Schools and businesses have closed, and I was forced to work from home while trying to take care of my son. Fear was instilled into us and grief started to take over all while trying to live a new life. I never thought over the past month I would lose a loved one and not be able to say goodbye, try to explain to my four year old why he can’t go to school anymore and work from home acting like nothing has changed.
I would keep seeing articles to do yoga and drink smoothies to help reduce stress or watch webinars on ways to reduce stress which included doing yoga and drinking smoothies. Honestly, it only increased my stress.
Feeling like a failure as a mom, wife and employee, my guilt was sky high and so was my anxiety. I had no idea if my medication that I just started to take was even working. Thankfully, I continued to work with my therapist and prescriber through virtual therapy and I feel comfort in that.
I have felt a lot of anger and resentment these past 10 months, but I have no one to blame. I want to blame my psychiatrist for doing this and the system for allowing this, but for me I saw it as a blessing in disguise.
Unfortunately, this is not the case for everyone.
Resources during this time of uncertainty: Crisis Text Line-Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor.
Postpartum Support International-HelpLine: As always their HelpLine is open, and available for calls from moms, dads, and families, or anyone who may be looking for resources to help a loved one.Call 1-800-944-4773 (4PPD), English and EspañolText a Message: 503-894-9453 (English) or 971-420-0294 ( Español)
Be kind, be hopeful and for the love of God, psychiatrists, please don’t give up on your patients.
The benefits of essential oils are astounding. Not to be replaced with medications or medical assistance, but these diffuser blends will definitely help prepare you for the New Year.
Essential Oil Benefits
Cedarwood
It has been known that inhaling the scent of cedarwood can decrease the effects of anxiety.
Rosemary
Rosemary is known to boost alertness, intelligence, and focus.
Frankincense
Frankincense essential oil is used to alleviate stress and relieve pain.
Sweet Orange
Aromatherapy with orange essential oil appears to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Lavender
Lavender may help improve anxiety, insomnia and depression.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit is known to uplift your mood.
Lime
If the lime essential oil may assist in spiritual and emotional aspects.
Bergamot
Bergamot help elevate mood and alleviate stress.
Lemon
Lemon is known to help Reduce anxiety and depression.
Vetiver
Vetiver is sometimes inhaled as aromatherapy for nervousness, insomnia, relieve stress, as well as for emotional traumas and shock.
Black Spruce
Black Spruce can help relax and calm the emotions. It helps reduce and manage stress and promotes feelings of clear and easy breathing.
Vanilla
Vanilla has a calming effect on the brain, which helps with anger, insomnia, stress and anxiety.
I used to say I don’t have time to read but in reality I just didn’t want to. I preferred to scroll on my phone in a daze instead of picking up a book on my down time. I am not one to make New Year resolutions, but I vowed to myself that I am going to try and read more this year.
I love listening to podcasts and audiobooks, but I usually listen to them while I am working or doing chores around the house. With reading, I have no choice but to sit down and do nothing but read.
I have compiled a list of books that I plan to read this year. These books all have something to offer to help better myself in today’s world. Whether you are a working mom, stay at home mom or not a mom at all, these books are a must read.
The revelatory, inspirational mom book needed for every mom to crush that “never enough” mentality and slay every day.
A little book about goal setting, prioritizing, and managing your time during the challenging mama years.
Be the best version of you that YOU can be.
This book is two things. It’s an eye-opener to the fact that we don’t have to do a million things to be productive (or successful). And it’s a coach that helps us trim the fat, get real with our purpose, and start living more intentionally-Goop.
Beyond affirmations this book also shares tips to journal and discuss your own feelings and thoughts in a focuses way.
No matter your past mistakes, relationship status, career choice, or feelings, nothing can change the truth that you are so worth loving.
Christy Harrison takes on diet culture and the multi-billion-dollar industries that profit from it, exposing all the ways it robs people of their time, money, health, and happiness.
Experience again that first moment you fell in love with your child!
Mondays can be the worst. Some weeks it seems like the only way to get through the day is a gallon of coffee and a prayer. Instead of drowning that start-of-the-work-week-bitterness in endless cups of caffeine, pour yourself a cup of encouragement.
Working Mother, provides solutions for moms tasked with filling the role of employee, teacher and parent, all while attempting to maintain a semblance of sanity.
For anyone who feels less-than about your work, worth, body, or the life you’re building, find here an incredible hope: you don’t have to have it all together to “qualify” for your life’s calling.
For mothers who love their children with a fiery fierceness but know what it is to feel crushed at the end of those long days, Dear Mother is like a warm hug that says, “I get it.”
Loaded with unfettered support from a mom who has been through it all, You Are a F*cking Awesome Mom offers a lifeline of encouragement, inspiration, and community for the new mama who got a baby, lost her mind, and desperately wants to find herself again.
If you are ready to be a part of building a society rooted in love, acceptance, justice, and equality,Where to Begin is the ultimate inspirational guide.
My name is Nicole and I am a full time working mom to my toddler Franco. I love creating and sharing ideas. You can find me rummaging at estate sales, binge-watching The Golden Girls while chugging Diet Coke, listening to old school hip hop, supporting small businesses and being an advocate for maternal mental health.
