Today is my last official day on furlough (for now anyway, because this shit I think still has a few curve balls and things to throw at us), and tomorrow I begin back at my job.
In total I have been off for five weeks, due to the global outbreak of Covid-19. My workplace shut a week ahead of the UK lock down and I spent three weeks working at home before being put on furlough.
Furlough isn’t a word that we in the UK really knew, and certainly until recently never had cause to use. .
Furlough Life
I won’t lie, I have got a few niggles in the back of my mind about being on furlough, particularly as I was only back at work a few weeks following maternity leave. Reduced pay; concerns about other colleagues considered more essential even though you’re all part of the same department; and of course worries about possible consequences in the future for furloughed individuals.
That all being said, here are some personal positives –
Bonus extra time with my son
I returned to work following 10 months of maternity leave which was tough but being at home these extra few weeks has given me crucial time back with my son which I have been very grateful for.
Lots of time outdoors
Thank goodness it’s spring and the weather for the most part has remained dry and sunny.
Blogging
I have used this time at home on furlough to finally get some content finished and begin drafting some new ideas.
Cooking
I am definitely more of a cook instead of a baker, and I have made a real effort recently to discover new recipes and have been busy pinning some to try in the near future. One of my new favourite cookbooks is the The Hairy Bikers’ One Pot Wonders.
Staying at home does now feel like the new normal, even with lockdown in the early stages of easing I can’t imagine life going back to what it was.
What have you enjoyed about staying at home?
Until next time x
