Madolyn Claney-Ranson – Workplace Learning Coordinator
What are the biggest challenges for you working from home?
Switching in and out of work mode. I find it a bit more distracting as well, because all my favourite people are at home with me. I’ve found having a set ‘work’ space has reduced this a bit. I’ve also had to adapt to new day-to-day duties. Work placement has been put on hold for this term, so I have found myself helping other staff who have gotten busier since working from home.
What do you like about working from home? What has surprised you?
I love having my dogs around all day. They are never far from my lap or my feet. It isn’t necessarily surprising, but quite a few of my co-workers have been reaching out every few days just for a check-in and to say hello. It has felt nice that even though we aren’t at work we have been able to catch-up and have a quick video chat.
Have you got a favourite place at home to work?
Mostly I sit at my desk in the back room, however if it’s a really cold day, I will sit in front of the fire with my laptop. Occasionally, if I am feeling lonely, I will sit at the kitchen table just so there are more people around me (even if they are just coming and going).
What’s you iso exercise of choice?
Dancing, always dancing. I always have music playing in the background, and I usually just dance around the house as I go about my day. Half of the time I don’t even notice it until someone points it out.
Any funny, unexpected things that have happened as a result of working from home?
One of the dogs keeps stealing things to put in her bed. This morning she successfully stole my apple watch off its charger. I’ve also lost a couple of pens and even my glasses.
What do you miss most about physically going to school?
People. I miss seeing students and staff every day and having face to face conversations with them—mostly the people you don’t expect to see, but who walk past and stop to have a conversation with me. I also desperately miss coffee. Usually I get a coffee every morning and I haven’t had one since we’ve gone into iso.
What’s something you do to completely switch off from work?
I’ve taught myself how to crochet, so lately it’s been putting on a silly movie and trying to crochet my way through the next project.
Anything you’d like to say to the rest of the BSSC community during lockdown?
Check in with each other. Even if it is just a quick message to share something funny or a phone call/video chat. It really warms the heart knowing someone is thinking of you. It makes this crazy time just that little bit lonely.
