This is my first time writing in my notepad. Back in March, when we faced a temporary lockdown while still working in the office, we had a meeting to discuss transitioning to a work-from-home setup. Since I had a laptop, it wasn’t a problem for me. Before the announcement, lines in supermarkets were getting longer, and essentials like alcohol and disinfectants were always out of stock. This situation also led to the temporary closure of my side food business due to a lack of orders. It was a tough week initially, but I soon started enjoying working from home, finding myself more productive and able to accomplish more tasks.
What was initially supposed to be a week-long lockdown extended into an Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ). While I could work with my laptop, I preferred using my work computer. Our boss and HR decided to terminate the office lease and switch to a fully remote setup. Since I lived near the office, I volunteered to store all the office equipment at my home and childhood house.
Strict protocols were enforced everywhere, with mandatory facemasks and face shields, limited capacity in establishments, and social distancing to avoid physical contact.
Financially, I faced challenges and started looking for additional income opportunities. Unfortunately, I fell victim to scam websites promising easy money. Despite these setbacks, we were fortunate to have our needs met, and most importantly, we remained healthy.
Reflecting on this period, I realized how the pandemic changed my life. It taught me to appreciate the little things and adapt to new challenges with resilience.