Covid Overwhelm + the ‘Accidental Slashie’

As a PR, you’re often quizzed on what
you *actually* do. And to be honest, it’s something I’ve asked myself far more
than I’d care to admit. But for such a simple question, it has quite a
multifaceted answer. 

Am I a Writer? Producer? Social Media
Manager? Financial Advisor?

‘Content Creator’? Strategist? Event
Planner? Talent Agent? Salesman?! The thing is, in one way or another I’m all
of the above, and the rest. 

I once heard someone say PRs could be
referred to as ‘slashies’, which I soon discovered is another way to describe
those with a multi-hyphenate. We’ve all seen the Instagram bios: Artist /
Photographer / Creative Director / Model / Content Creator, and after initially
recoiling at the term, I agreed that ‘slashie’, while not traditionally used to
describe someone with many roles within a single job (and more used to refer to
those chasin’ dreams and side hustlin’) isn’t a terrible way to sum PRs up.

But in the midst of a global pandemic,
as we’re forced to take on new roles within the comfort of our own homes, I’ve
noticed new ‘slashes’ creeping onto my *job description*.

See, now as well as being a PR (lest we
forget all of the aforementioned ‘slashes’ within that role), I’m a Chef /
Cleaner / Fitness Instructor / Handywoman / Beauty Therapist / Quiz Host / Barista
/ Hairdresser / Delivery Woman / French Teacher (don’t ask), and that’s just to
name a few. 

I know I’m far from alone in my
‘slashie’ status being upgraded as fast as Switzerland’s lockdown rules
dissipated, and I can’t help but think that even those in roles as simple to
define as Doctor will swiftly, accidently become ‘slashies’ too as we adjust to
this new normal.

For some, this may spark joy and ignite
otherwise undiscovered passions. For others, this will likely result in
overwhelm and increased anxiety.

As Covid-19 has brought with it no
extra hours in the day, but has rolled in loaded with a whole host of new
expectations, I don’t think I’m the only one immobilised by a never-ending
to-do list brought about by all of the extra ‘bits’ I’m having to do, now that
we’re confined to our bubbles. 

Couple this with the mind-bending
bewilderment that social media has become, with now not only ‘influencers’ but
friends (!) flouting Covid six-packs and a sourdough-a-day on Instagram
(‘smugsolation’ is the coined term for that, FYI), and it’s no surprise that our
already-full minds are overflowing.

I’d love to give some sound advice, and
then close by waxing lyrical on a six-step solution to manage this new-found
stress. But I’m afraid I can’t because there simply isn’t one, and I’m sure as
hell not planning on joining the other 864,759 people on the internet peddling
their ‘top WFH tips’. 

The way I see it, everyone’s fighting
their own battles, and these are times of stark contrasts. For all of those
who’s new ‘slashes’ read: GBBO Hopeful / Handstand Pro / Box Of Fluffies,
there’s someone who’s read: Wedding Postponer / Struggling Homeschool Teacher /
Anxiety Manager.

So, all I can offer, in this
all-too-terrifying modern of times, on day eleventy-nine of lockdown, is a
reminder that every day is a success. 

Whether you spent it writing, running,
practicing yoga, and baking the sh*t out of a banana loaf, or you slept in, ate
toast for every meal, binged an entire Netflix series, and parked up with a
pre-mixed cocktail at 5pm on the dot (ok, 4.30) – remember that both are
noble. 

To quote the infamous Kris Jenner
“You’re doing amazing, sweetie!”, keep it up.