The greatest resource we have is each other, and while we must honor social distancing to help flatten the curve of COVID-19, the employees of our firm, Feldman, Kleidman, Coffey & Sappe, LLP (FKC&S), want you to know that you are not alone. In this blog, our team shared: what they are grateful for; what they are looking forward to; tips for remote work and homeschooling, as well as what they are doing to carry on despite the circumstances.
What are you grateful for?
So many things at the moment. I am grateful that I am still able to work, that my children and husband are home safely with me, that in the midst of this chaotic and terrifying pandemic, I am still able to see so much incredible goodness in the world and that I am able to highlight that with my very young children so that they learn that in the darkest of times you can find the brightest lights if you just look for them. – Kathryn, Partner
Working at an excellent firm that truly cares about their employees and community, particularly during the coronavirus crisis. – Ed, Attorney
Now, more than ever, I am grateful for the health of my family, friends, and co-workers, and I am especially grateful for all of the first responders and essential workers who are doing their part to support our community during this time of crisis. – Samantha, Law Clerk
Doggie play dates (neighbor and I are keeping 8-10ft apart). – Jeanne, Scheduling Coordinator
That my family, especially my elderly, at-risk parents, has so far been spared the virus and that I have a job and a roof over my head and that food is still pretty much available. Also thankful for everyone who shows up at the hospitals and stores who are risking their health to help others and make sure we have things we need to survive. – Steve, Of Counsel
How have you been spending your free time while self-isolating?
Helping to make masks. – Wayne, Attorney
Studying American architecture; watching M*A*S*H TV series on DVD. – Terry, Attorney
Cooking more than usual, and doing little projects around the house that are always put off for when you have free time, but that time never comes, taking more walks than usual, especially with my dog, who loves having people home with her all the time! – Patricia, Office Manager
Is there such a thing as free time when one is self-isolating with three kids under the age of seven? After all are tucked in at night my husband and I try to watch something funny to end our days. Currently Curb Your Enthusiasm is our nightly medicine! – Kathryn, Partner
Working from home, going for walks/runs whenever we get some sunshine and binging Netflix! – Ed, Attorney
How have you been practicing self-care?
Going for walks, exercising and talking and sharing pictures and videos with family, and especially love FaceTiming with my daughter and grandchildren. – Patricia, Office Manager
Continuing to work out and focusing on the positive things. – Liz, Paralegal
This is a good time to take advantage of technology to set up group chats with family and friends. It’s also a great time to work on the “to do” list of projects that never seem to get done. I’ve been trying out some new recipes and thinking of ways to modify some of the old. – Bain, Attorney
My exercise includes one sit-up in the morning when I get out of bed. Then I walk my dog for about 20 minutes before breakfast, again at lunchtime and after dinner. For the most part eating healthy is not an issue as the stores are stocked with plenty of fruits, vegetables and other healthy choices (chicken, fish, etc.; you just cannot get TP, which I would not eat anyway). Obviously, the time at home with all of the family has led us to reconnect with our teenage children, who, otherwise would be out on dates, working, avoiding us, etc. – Bill, Attorney
What tips do you have for others who are working from home?
It’s helpful to keep a general schedule and work during the time you can be the most productive and that works for the rest of the family. – Nancy, Paralegal
Take one thing at a time and stay organized. – Liz, Paralegal
Take a deep breath, especially if you are trying to work from home while homeschooling, babysitting, and doing all of the other functions that in our past norm may have been done by others. You are not alone and you will find a new rhythm of what works best for you and most importantly your family. We will all get through this together and be all the stronger for it. – Kathryn, Partner
Set up a workspace that is separate from the rest of your house, if possible, to try and eliminate distractions. – Ed, Attorney
Roll with it – a rhythm will start. Loving my music in the background. – Jeanne, Scheduling Coordinator
Take a break every hour or so to stretch and move around. – Steve, Of Counsel
Parents – balancing homeschooling with work is challenging. What has been working well for you?
It’s a challenge for sure! What works for me is to start early and to try to stick to a similar routine most days. The kids do better in the morning than in the late afternoon. Sometimes starting work before the kids wake up is helpful too. – Nancy, Paralegal
Supervising my daughter’s work but giving her space to take breaks and choose what she wants to work on at a given time. – Liz, Paralegal
I find the threat of taking away the kids’ cellphones is a strong motivator for them to get their schoolwork done. – Bill, Attorney
Keeping a schedule. I created one for my kids and it keeps them motivated, on task and allows me to work with minimal interruptions. They have free time in between tasks to keep their spirits up but ultimately, it keeps them (and me) on task. – Stephanie, Billing Coordinator
Recommend a TV show:
Love it or List it (on HGTV) and Liv and Maddie (on Netflix – Yes, I know you’re an adult, just watch it J). – Liz, Paralegal
Parks and Recreation (laughter is the best medicine). – Kathryn, Partner
Tiger King on Netflix is crazy! – Ed, Attorney
Well, The Office of course… but we just finished watching Tiger King on Netflix and, if you need some comedic relief, this is definitely like a train wreck… you just can’t look away. – Stephanie, Billing Coordinator
Schitt’s Creek on Netflix. – Jeanne, Scheduling Coordinator
The Five. – Bill, Attorney
Hunters on Amazon; a bit disturbing but very well done. – Steve, Of Counsel
Money Heist. – Bain, Attorney
What are you looking forward to?
HUGGING MY SISTER!!!! – Jeanne, Scheduling Coordinator
Looking forward to the end of isolation, with family and friends remaining healthy, reconnecting with everyone in person, celebrating my grandchildren’s second birthday with them and last but not least, planning a vacation. – Patricia, Office Manager
Being able to hug the people I love. – Kathryn, Partner
Getting back to a normal routine and being able to see people in person! – Ed, Attorney
Getting back to normal so I can visit with and hug my dad and not just drop off food at his doorstep. – Steve, Of Counsel
Being able to spend time with friends and family and being able to work from the office again! – Samantha, Law Clerk
I am looking forward to a new normal. – Bain, Attorney
Sitting on a beach in warm weather without gloves and a mask. – Nancy, Paralegal
My daughter and I getting back to Ocean City, NJ in August. – Liz, Paralegal
I’m looking forward to normalcy returning…. But, until then, nice warm weather. – Stephanie, Billing Coordinator