REMOTELY: Staying Motivated During WFH

by Elizabeth Sihombing & Erdira Wirengjurit
24th March 2020
With Work From Home policy in effect at many office-based companies throughout Jakarta, we realise the challenges and worries that arise from the new homebound work situation. In this special series of REMOTELY, we turn to creative freelancers on how to keep the grind going from the confines of home.


In our effort to make social distancing less monotonous, REMOTELY is a special series from Manual Jakarta where we roll out comforting and practical articles to keep you company and motivated during this period of self-isolation.

For most folks, work and home should never mix, but it’s not always the case, and increasingly so too. In many industries, there’s a surge of interest to pursue a career from the comfort of one’s home. Call it freelancing or remote employment, advances in technology and communications have defied the unthinkable into an option that many millennials, including in Indonesia, deem attractive and viable to advance professional careers with success, even within the comfortable confines of their bedrooms.

But as we said, working from home is not necessarily for everybody. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indonesian government has called for social distancing. To quote President Joko Widodo: “In this condition, it’s time for us to work from home, study from home, worship at home.”  Following this official address, many companies took action and prioritised their employees’ health (and by doing so, society’s too) by implementing a WFH policy. Suddenly, thousands of office workers in Jakarta find themselves in a work routine that many self-employed and work-at-homes know all too well.

With this newfound (ironic) freedom, questions and worries may arise: How can I be productive in pajamas? What if I’m bored? Will I actually work?  But since it has been established that office space doesn’t equate to success or productivity anymore, we asked a group of our freelancer friends—artist Agan Harahap, graphic designer Jordan Marzuki, photographer Chris Bunjamin, singer and actress Rayssa Dynta, music producer and DJ Dipha Barus, and fashion designer Peggy Hartanto—for their secrets to resist the temptation to midday nap or binge on a new series during our hustling at home hours.

 

 

Chris Bunjamin, Photographer

How long have you been freelancing and/or working from home?

Chris Bunjamin – I have been working as a freelance photographer since 2007. And until 2018, I have been working at/from home.

Do you think how you set up your workplace affects your productivity?

CBOf course, very much so. As a creative worker, it is important to have your space, for you to indulge in your creative world. The place to find inspiration, work and enjoy working.

What’s the worst enemy to working from home and how do you fight it?

CBThe biggest enemy to work from home is yourself. We need to have good discipline and time management. The know-how to separate work and play. To get the job done and maintaining the balance of creating and resting.

What do you do when procrastination hits hard?

CBUsually I just try to be easy on myself, take my time but of course putting a clear deadline. I’m kind of used to working on my own terms and I know when I take my time to actually procrastinate I will come into a more serene mind to craft something unique and of course, still make the deadline. Listen to your body and mind.

Does setting routines help? What’s your daily must before you start working?

CB – Setting routines does help. I was not really into routines when I was younger. I thought routines limit yourself on facing random circumstances and such. But the older I got, I feel the benefits of routines. A more stable life. Especially when you don’t live by yourself anymore. Breakfast in the morning is the most important routine in our home, it sets the mood of the day. We usually have fresh fruits, oatmeal, and coffee/tea for breakfast. Of course the blinds and windows open for the morning air, the sound of birds and sunlight. No music, just conversations with my wife about our plans of the day.

An easy but effective way to regain inspiration?

CBThere are a couple of ways for myself. A combination of hanging out with friends, movies, music, reading books, looking through my archives, and breaking my daily routine. I would randomly go out of the office for a lunch in Bogor or Mangga Dua, a place where I feel at home  Simple, home-cooked local culinary really bring a lot of inspiration to my creative sense.

What rules or boundaries do you make to separate work and home to remain productive?

CBI used to put rules and boundaries before, but not anymore now. I think each individual should first learn and get to know themselves. And find the best way of doing things your own way to feel great at what you do: because ultimately, that’s the most important. Breaking the way you do things from time to time might work. Yet again, what works for me might not be the best for you. So spend time to know yourself and find what works.

 

Jordan Marzuki, Graphic Designer

How long have you been freelancing and/or working from home?

Jordan MarzukiI forgot but I’ve been through a lot; I did an internship and went full-time at a graphic design agency overtime, until I can enjoy being self-employed.

Do you think how you set up your workplace affects your productivity?

JMYes, but not 100 per cent. There is a crazy video game set up next to my workplace, but I try and stay away from playing during my productive state, so it seems self-discipline matters the most.

What’s the worst enemy to working from home and how do you fight it?

JMMy worst enemy is my cat; it’s hard not to cuddle with them. Second, because I work alone with nobody watching, it’s obviously the internet browser, especially that wonderful low budgeted green screen music video on YouTube. I have a playlist dedicated just for that.

What do you do when procrastination hits hard?

JMTo tell yourself that there is a weekend for procrastination, and not during productive weekdays.

Does setting routines help? What’s your daily must before you start working?

JMYes, it has to start at 9 AM. I take a shower and change for a better outfit. Nobody will see what you are wearing, but it helps me to adjust my brain to separate between a personal and productive life.

An easy but effective way to regain inspiration?

JMStop working and do something else. Maybe it’s a privilege for a self-employed person like me, but I was already doing this when I was working in an office. During my internship, I would pretend to work even though I did nothing at all. I couldn’t execute ideas and this could last 1-2 days.

What rules or boundaries do you make to separate work and home to remain productive?

JM – Daily time schedule sometimes works, just like office hours. I also maintain normal sleeping hours—that means avoiding any kind of ‘siesta’ during the day. Last, wines and spirits are good for productivity and relaxation. 

 

Dipha Barus, Music Producer and DJ

How long have you been freelancing and/or working from home?

Dipha Barus – Since I started my music career, I have always worked from the studio.

Do you think how you set up your workplace affects your productivity?

DB – Yes it does! To me personally, I tend to work much better in a peaceful state—in a cosy and comfy workplace.

What’s the worst enemy to working from home and how do you fight it?

DB – I think a lot of the distraction is social media (Instagram, Twitter, YouTube) or perhaps it’s because I’m working from home that I am easily distracted. But usually, I always prioritise and finish my work so I could relax without being haunted by unfinished tasks.

What do you do when procrastination hits hard?

DB – Meditate and always remind myself to focus.

Does setting routines help? What’s your daily must before you start working?

DB – Sometimes it does. I usually start my morning with meditation, a little stretching, a cup of coffee and breakfast. Afterwards, I will probably head over to a boxing session.

An easy but effective way to regain inspiration?

DB – Listening to music is the key. Always.

What rules or boundaries do you make to separate work and home to remain productive?

DB –  Make a schedule, set targets for myself and always set my mind to work based on what I want to achieve during the day.

 

Peggy Hartanto, Fashion Designer

How long have you been freelancing and/or working from home?

Peggy Hartanto – Our workshop in Surabaya has remained open with only the production staff. Any work that can be done remotely is done remotely. 

Do you think how you set up your workplace affects your productivity?

PHYes, definitely.

What’s the worst enemy to working from home and how do you fight it?

PHSelf-motivation, because there will be so many distractions, especially if you have younger kids.

What do you do when procrastination hits hard?

PHSetting up daily goals, designate a time, and setting a designated space for working. E.g. converting the dining table into your working desk, etc.

Does setting routines help? What’s your daily must before you start working?

PHYes, it surely helps. I start with a workout and breakfast.

An easy but effective way to regain inspiration?

PHOpening Pinterest. It is an explosion of inspiration there.

What rules or boundaries do you make to separate work and home to remain productive?

PHSetting designated working hours and having a designated working space will definitely help. And back again, working from home is all about self-motivation and having the right tools.

 

Agan Harahap, Artist

How long have you been freelancing and/or working from home?

Agan HarahapI’ve been working from home/studio since 2012. So it’s been 8 years now.

Do you think how you set up your workplace affects your productivity?

AHI can work anywhere as long there’s an internet connection. Sometimes I set up my studio differently just to change my mood, but usually, I don’t really care. I can work in bed, in front of the TV or even while playing with my children.

What’s the worst enemy to working from home and how do you fight it?

AHMy worst enemy when working at home is my children. Hahaha. I have to be creative and have a lot of patience, but since school is closed, I’m starting to run out of creativity to entertain them during the day.

What do you do when procrastination hits hard?

AHThat’s one of my weaknesses. For someone who works in a creative field, I can’t force the inspiration. Inspiration to me comes at the very last minute. So I’m just enjoying that process and time to surf on the internet, browse memes or watch movies.

Does setting routines help? What’s your daily must before you start working?

AHMy daily must is to keep my children safe and cared for. Usually, I would take them to school. But in this situation,  I have to keep my children busy with their toys, movies, feed them well and exhaust their energy. And when they’re sleeping,  I begin to work. 

An easy but effective way to regain inspiration?

AHListening to music, watching an NBA game, drinking beer and having a smoke.

What rules or boundaries do you make to separate work and home to remain productive?

AHDiscipline is the most important. I make targets. What should I do today? Doing some research, editing photos, or just watching Narcos could it be it. Everything should be planned well.

 

Rayssa Dynta, Singer and Actress

How long have you been freelancing and/or working from home?

Rayssa DyntaIt’s been a few years now.

Do you think how you set up your workplace affects your productivity?

RDGreatly. I personally find it hard to work at home and now that I have to, I set up a desk for myself in the most remote part of the house. It’s not working as well as I’m hoping it to be but you’ve got to work with what you got. 

What’s the worst enemy to working from home and how do you fight it?

RDThe comfort of the home itself is my worst enemy. I have this mindset that home is where I rest and it’s been a challenge for me to ignore that.

What do you do when procrastination hits hard?

RDThis rarely happens because I tend to keep myself busy. But when that does happen, I lean into it, I let myself take a break; probably feeling like a lazy potato after a while. Let the shame sink in and catch up on what I missed at full speed.

Does setting routines help? What’s your daily must before you start working?

RDI find routines helpful in a way that it gives stability. I’ve been trying to exercise every morning for quite a while now but my must has got to be coffee.

An easy but effective way to regain inspiration?

RDTalk to someone. Meet new people. Life other than yours can be so different and fascinating to listen to.

What rules or boundaries do you make to separate work and home to remain productive?

RDI don’t really have rules nor boundaries but I try and trick myself into thinking that I’m going out to get some work done by getting ready as if I got plans. Can’t work in PJs except unless it’s a middle of the night for an impromptu songwriting session.