How will you use your time?

As I write this, just about everyone I know is working remote. Kids are taking classes online. Gyms are closed. We all find ourselves suddenly in this strange place called home with these people who are our family who we usually only see a few hours each day. This is an opportunity. Seize it. Yes, work has to get done. School continues in a new way. I get it. Real life goes on. And no, we did not ask for this opportunity and we would not have asked for it in this way, and yet, here it is. What will you do with it? Many people moan and groan that they want more flexibility at work and now that it's here, even though by unfortunate circumstances, those same people are complaining about it. Stop it. Change your mindset. Out of this crisis comes the gift of more time with your family. I'm not here to tell you what to do with the time, but I am suggesting that you do something other than spend it all working. Soon this crisis will pass and if you simply holed up in a home office (or wherever you do your work) while keeping your kids/spouse/parents/partner/whoever-else-lives-with-you at bay, you will wish for some of this time back. Your wish is granted right now. See those people there, in that same building as you? That's your home; they are the people who matter most to you. Use your time well. You won't get it back.