Working From Home: The Good, The Ugly, The Surprise

Lisa Murphy
Hospital Liaison
Harbor Oaks Hospital

1. Describe what you do and who you work for. 

My typical work week is a split between meetings at/tours of our hospital, meetings in the community, and making contacts with new referral sources either in person or via phone/email. The last part regularly involves many eye-straining hours on the computer - for which I finally broke down and got new prescription reading glasses with blue block and glare filters. Wow! What a difference from using “cheaters”!! Totally worth the $150 - would highly recommend this for anyone “of a certain age” ..... we know who we are.

Amy's serene and cozy home work-station

2. How does it feel working from home, what is your daily routine like now? 

I’ve attended my first few ZOOM meetings and learning their pluses (get to still have our regular meetings) and minuses (microphone feedback). After several attempts at finding just the right space to work — (very old) desk...too cramped; couch (dog loved it - but it killed my back); occasionally outside on deck table (papers blowing, sun glaring on screen), I have arrived at the perfect spot—- coffee, teapot, cookies and apples...and just enough natural light!

3. What is the most challenging aspect of working from home?

My least favorite thing is sometimes focusing so intensely that I forget to take those stand-up breaks!

4. What is the biggest positive change since you've started working from home? 

My favorite part of working from home is being able to intensely focus in relative quiet. And occasionally being able to get a jump on laundry when I need a stand-up break.

Stay safe and healthy — look forward to seeing everyone in person again when COVID crisis is gone.