October 9, 2020

ActioNeter Janelle and her daughter

by Janelle J.

In the middle of March 2020, the whole world seemed to shift. We were thrust into living a completely different way and we experienced what all of us have never experienced before – Quarantine.

Suddenly, due to the inability to leave our houses except for necessities, Bring Your Child to Work Day became every day. ActioNet recognized the need to protect the staff from Covid 19 and instituted teleworking protocols. Schools shut down and the term “virtual” became more widespread than ever before.

Another term which has almost become synonymous with the year 2020:  The New Normal.

Working from home and homeschooling my child became the new normal for me. Juggling work tasks and overseeing school tasks simultaneously is not a breeze. As one of my co-workers eloquently explained, it is like spinning plates. I am sure many of us have probably experienced the same hiccups such as giving loud redirection to our children while falsely believing we were muted during our Teams Meetings. 

There has been more than one occasion when I have been immersed in my workday only to turn around and see my little one daydreaming, even worse sleeping. And I believe I said, “put the phone down” more times than I can realistically count. Often, I have found myself trying to learn specific topics so that I can teach them to her. Google is my savior.

Janelle works from home while her daughter virtually learns

Janelle finds herself working while helping her daughter virtually learn

The silver lining (and there is always a silver lining) is that I am doing it. Finding a balance was not easy but I have learned from mistakes (always double check to ensure you are on mute) and I believe I am not just surviving the new normal but thriving in it.

At ActioNet we work hard and play hard. The quarantine has not changed that. Since the beginning of our time at home, our CEO Ashley Chen has rallied and challenged us to be sure we get out, get up from our desks and exercise! So, at the end of a day filled with meetings and deadlines for me, and tests and redirection for my daughter, we try to make it a point to go for a daily walk.

We enjoy our walks, laugh and unwind.

Janelle and her daughter go for daily walks to keep exercise up

Janelle and her daughter go on walks after the workday to unwind

While I am learning to live in my new normal, I cannot deny the fact that not everyone is as lucky as I am. I know millions are still without jobs and more than 200,000 Americans have lost their lives. That means millions of Americans are suffering from the loss of a loved one, mother, daughter, father sister, son… friend. To all those suffering, you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Remember to stay safe, wear a mask and practice social distancing. We are in this together.