As a content writer with ARIES, mornings aren’t too busy. Due to COVID–19 and the situation facing non–essential workplaces, I work from home Monday to Friday. I typically wake up between 7:45 to 8:20 AM, depending on whether I actually hear my alarm fully or not. Once I get up, I go through the usual routine that most others go through in the morning: showering, a decent breakfast, and brushing.
Once I’m ready to go for the day, I make sure to grab a cup of tea from the kettle; its both a refreshment and a way to help wake me up in the morning. I go online at around 9 AM and typically send a check–in email to my supervisor as both a good morning and an update on whatever project I’m working on if need be. If there is a Zoom meeting planned, then I use that in lieu of a check – in email.
Once I receive any updates concerning projects I’m working on or potential projects coming down the pipeline, I usually get to work on any projects I’ve been assigned. This typically takes the form of blog posts, web and social media copy, or other pieces of copy meant for either ARIES or organizations that work closely with ARIES, such as ACCEL, an organization that works to help entrepreneurs and small businesses find their footing and get their projects underway through expert assistance and expertise. Once whatever copy I’m working on is finished, I send it to my supervisor for feedback and review; the length of this can vary depending on the piece length and the subject matter. Sometimes, the pieces will be submitted to the wider ARIES team for their feedback and opinions.
While I wait, I typically keep myself busy through a variety of other means. Sometimes this takes the form of long–term ARIES projects, like a master file of content from the Centennial’s Book of Commitments, which makes it easier to find specific topics without having to dig through a longer document. Other times, it usually consists of job applications for writing positions. Concerning the latter, I recommend maintaining a table that can be updated every time you apply for a position. This helps you keep track of what you applied for, with who, and on what day, in addition to allowing you to set an application goal if desired.
By mid – day, its time for lunch. Hours aren’t rigid compared to other work–from–home jobs, so lunch isn’t rigidly defined either. When lunch is over, it’s back to the computer to work. If there’s feedback in my inbox, I’ll open it up and incorporate whatever it suggests for that specific project. I recommend keeping multiple copies of a project you’re working on in this context, as it helps you keep track of every version you’ve done and allows you to go back to potentially revert or modify changes. Working with a team means feedback can sometimes conflict with each other, so it’s nice to have that ability. Towards the end of the day, I submit whatever I’m working on for feedback and review, or otherwise keep an eye out for more emails in case something comes up. Sign–off is around 5 PM, although, given the situation, I don’t have a rigid ‘punch in, punch out’ style system. After that, I go about the rest of my evening and do it all again the next day.
There may be a lot of waiting around and such, but there’s plenty to keep me occupied and it’s always incredibly fulfilling to see my finished work go live, whether it be a blog or social media post.