The world as we know it changed early this year. One moment
I had a busy day job in the travel industry, and my biggest challenge was
carving out time to write. Finding time meant getting up at insane hours in the
morning and staying up late at night. It
meant giving up fun weekend social events and passing on workshops and
presentations.
In March, as Covid spread, ports shut down and refused to
allow our ships in and our guests to debark. Due to an executive order, the
majority of employees were sent home to work. The remaining handful were made
to go home when one employee tested for Covid. Sadly, he later died. Working from home meant I inherited a totally different
team and a totally different department. I was stretched to the max.
Needless to say, the transition didn’t go smoothly. Technical problems. Needy employee. Challenges managing an unfamiliar department. An apathetic team. This all contributed to twelve-hour days. Instead of working less hours, I worked more, and at times I forgot to eat meals. My phone rang at all hours, sometimes with questions it was impossible to answer.
Things worsened in Europe and our European operation shut
down. All employees took a pay cut. Then furloughs began. Both my new and old department
were eliminated, although it was called furlough. No one knew when operations
would resume. The company generously provided us with benefits for half the
year while we transitioned.
Pivot time. I was determined not to get caught up in
negativity and to keep busy. I had unfinished writing projects. Closets that
needed cleaning and clutter to dispose of. Running off to the beach or indulging in
outdoor music was a thing of the past. Lockdown had been imposed.
Luckily, I have a tightknit supportive social group; many
with aging parents. To keep everyone safe, we decided to keep our distance. Not
interacting in person meant more frequent and meaningful phone calls, and really
connecting. Sharing honestly was the way
we coped.
Change #1: Instead of getting up at my usual early hour
I get up around 9am.
Change #2: I eat a full breakfast. No more bagel on the
run
Change #3: I actually
do a full email check not just a scan
Change #4: I now watch TV something I normally don’t do
Change #5: I write
for several uninterrupted hours in the day
Change #6: I now can make a morning gym class
Change #7: I run errands mid-afternoon
Change #8: With lockdown
easing, I can make the outdoor Happy Hour
Change #9: I clean
closets, declutter and donate
Change #10: I took up
crafting and gardening, neither of which makes me an expert
Change #11: Bedtime
these days is closer to 2am
Change can be rewarding and life changing. You grow. What changes have you made during this time of
isolation and lockdown, and were they for the better?
Summer's coming to an end, but it’s not
too late to pick up a copy of Last Chance Beach: Summer’s End. The free
companion cocktail book is a lovely added bonus.
If that’s not enough, join The
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Happy end of Summer all!
About
Marcia King-Gamble
Romance writer, Marcia King-Gamble
originally hails from a sunny Caribbean island where the sky and ocean are the
same mesmerizing shade of blue. This travel industry executive and current
world traveler has spent most of life in the United States. A National
Bestselling author, Marcia has penned over 34 books and 8 novellas. Her free
time is spent at the gym, traveling to exotic locales (when that was possible).
Her animal family keeps her sane.
Visit Marcia at www.lovemarcia.com
or “friend” her on Facebook: http://bit.ly/1MlnrIS
Be sure to email me and join my
mailing list.
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Marcia...you had an inside track on what the rest of the world saw through news reports. I can’t imagine the confusion! I’m so glad that you’ve weathered this storm and you’re so upbeat about all the changes. Good on you!
ReplyDeleteI like how positive you are. Pivot is a great word to use. I can't imagine how tough this has been for some people. Me and my family have been pretty lucky.
ReplyDeleteI count my blessings every day Kara. I think it's all in attitude. Please stay safe.
DeleteThank you Bonnie. In the travel industry world you learn to pivot quickly, add to that as a reputation manager, you learn to put a good spin on things.
ReplyDeleteI love your positive outlook, and that you have more time to write these days. Our lives didn't change much, as I was writing full time, and Steel's job was secure, but I sure missed our winter vacation and family times at Easter and during the summer.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kathleen. Give me limes I make lemonade. I am s grateful I have this disposition. So glad that you are able to still get out and about and enjoy the occasional vacation.
DeleteI admire you for making the best of a bad situation. Like most of us, I imagine you're looking forward to the day when we can travel freely again. I hope the cruise lines survive.
ReplyDeleteThanks Joan. I have to admit I have the travel itch. This has been the longest I haven't been on a plane. The European market is having a slow come back so I am optimistic.
DeleteMy daughter was a travel agent too. The week before shutdown she spent all her time canceling cruise reservations. It was painful for her. The job was truly something she loves or loved. Gone now. Hopefully someday, it'll revive. We actually have reservations for next Dec. Always hoping.
ReplyDeleteOh, Nora and then your daughter has to deal with all the screaming people who did not get their money back. My heart goes out to her. There really is nothing like cruising so hopefully your December trip will become reality.
DeleteYeah, the travel industry was really hard hit. I had retired a few years ago and was writing full time already when this hit. My day didn't change much other than allowing my husband to do all the food shopping (I have asthma so didn't go anywhere public after Feb). I do miss going out to eat or with friends, but we've adjusted to phone calls and video hangouts.
ReplyDeleteMy neck of the woods got hit especially hard, Kari. We've opened back up slowly. Luckily we have a lot of outdoor places to eat so that helps. Do take care of yourself. Asthma is no fun especially during this time.
DeleteChange #6 morning gym class!!! My gym has been closed since March, so no water aerobics. The indoor and outdoor pools at my condo complex are closed. I was swimming almost every day. Now I go on two hour hikes with my husband, not the same thing at all. And work...my little part time job has become at least full time if not more, at an assisted living. So no cleaning out closets for me! Hugs on the changes in your work situation, Marcia. I hope something works out for you.
ReplyDeleteThanks Hannah. I take Zumba, kickboxing and step n sculpt classes. We have to stay in our 6ft circles and wear masks working out. I'd love to have a new career writing Hallmark cards. A girl can dream, can't she?
DeleteGood for you! I hope everything comes together, but you're doing a great job with making lemonade. :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you Liz. I do believe this too will pass.
DeleteHoly Cow, you've been busy! So have I, I guess, but not that organized. I guess that comes from working in an office all those years. Sounds like you are enjoying the break.
ReplyDeleteTell you a secret, Judy. I am more organized in my head than in reality. You should see my house.
ReplyDelete