As part of our #BASIL_* series, Sally gives us an insight into her work from home days

05.05.2020

Working from home is the new normal and as our entire team has had to adapt to different work schedules and surroundings across London, Manchester and Edinburgh. We have launched an interview series to catch up with some individuals and see what creative change, tips, and observations they've been experiencing.

First up is Sally Mackay, an associate up in the Edinburgh office who is currently WFH in her home by the beach with her two children.

How are you feeling given the current situation?

SM: I heard a novelist say it was like trying to work when you think you may have left a pan on the hob and that’s how I felt at first. I was very distracted by the horror of the unfolding news of the pandemic.

Who are you isolating with and how are you all finding it?

SM: My children. Actually I love spending more time with them. And I love not having to rush about getting them ready for school in the morning or cycling top speed across town to meet them. My teenage son spends a lot of time gaming. With kids off school right across the world they are having an incredible time. At night he sometimes says, ‘Mum, today was really great,’ and I feel like a really good parent. And then I remember he is meant to be home schooling.

During the times you've been outdoors, what are the biggest changes you've noticed?

SM: We’re lucky enough to live right by the beach which is almost deserted, apart from a few runners, dog walkers & brave swimmers.

What’s been the most challenging thing about lockdown so far?

SM: The schools being off has a greater impact on us than working from home.

What project are you working on?

SM: I’ve been working on an exciting feasibility study and writing a bid to to try to get on to a framework.

How are you finding working from home?

SM: Actually I’m quite used to it. But I miss the chat and I miss being able to sit down and design things together with bits of tracing paper and hand sketches. And I miss my cycle to and from work which acts as a clean break between one and the other and is welcome fresh air and exercise. And my new workmates are far more untidy and argumentative than my old ones.

What tools or tricks are you using to stay organised with work and on top of it all in general?

SM: The main thing is to decide when I’m working and when I’m not and sticking to it. Otherwise I’m trying to work whilst also trying to find a missing Sylvanian Family squirrel baby and wondering if it would be a good time to plant seeds.

What are you most looking forward to once we come out the other side?

SM: Like most people, I can’t wait to see my friends and colleagues.

Any particular building or space or city are you looking forward to visiting?

SM: I haven’t been the three miles into the middle of Edinburgh for nearly six weeks so that will be a treat enough it itself.

* #BASIL_ is an acronym for 'Bennetts Associates Self Isolation Loves', our curated content on social media that brings together inspiration for the #wfh days.