Career By Design

Many states are in some phase of reopening, and I think I can safely say we are all ready to put COVD behind us. But, before we rush back to so-called normal life, what are some habits that you implemented during the pandemic that you plan to maintain in the future?

I worked from home some before COVID and plan to continue doing so after. One thing I started trying to do this year is quitting work at 5pm, at least for a few hours. I have young children at home, so at 5pm, I try to take a break from working. Some days I go jump on the trampoline with the kids. Some days I work in the garden while they play. Some days I end up supervising some much needed clean up time! After the kids go to bed, I tend to get back on my computer for a bit, but I always come back feeling refreshed from the mental break and with a little less of that mom-guilt! 

I'd love to hear about other habits that people have developed this year. What things help you work better, or help you maintain mental sanity?

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Kelly Farabee P.E., P.T.O.E., M.ASCE
President, ASCE Savannah Branch
Savannah, GA
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One habit I am trying to maintain is making time each week to watercolor. It is one of the most effective ways I unwind and let go of the stress of whatever is going on. It is also a way that I try to bring joy to others. Sometimes that is through painting together or sending them a hand-painted card.

It is easy for me to get overbooked with work and volunteer activities, but I can tell a difference in my mental wellbeing when I make time to paint.



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Heidi Wallace EI,P.E.,M.ASCE
P.E.
Tulsa OK
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Before the spread of Covid-19 , I was very busy, I was preparing my last book for publication in Elsevier, I worked for about 16 hours a day, after the time of the spread of this disease, I worked more telecommuting and in this regard I was able to spend more time with my children and wife.
I was almost like old fathers, I used these problems as an opportunity with all the difficulties. I read books with my daughter and talked more with my wife, I was less involved in daily routine, in this regard, I knew my family's wishes better and As a result, I plan to have only my family and children when I am at home.
Also in the social responsibility of my life, I decided to help others more and share my experiences with them.
Because I think this virus sent me an important message: time, health, family and helping are the most important parameters of life.

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Reza Mokarramaydenlou, Ph.D., C.Eng, P.E., S.E., M.ASCE
Structural Engineering and Seismic rehabilitation Consultant
Author of the book in Elsevier
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-09-2020 03:37 PM
From: Heidi Wallace
Subject: Post-COVID Habits to keep

One habit I am trying to maintain is making time each week to watercolor. It is one of the most effective ways I unwind and let go of the stress of whatever is going on. It is also a way that I try to bring joy to others. Sometimes that is through painting together or sending them a hand-painted card.

It is easy for me to get overbooked with work and volunteer activities, but I can tell a difference in my mental wellbeing when I make time to paint.

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Heidi Wallace EI,P.E.,M.ASCE
P.E.
Tulsa OK
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Heidi, These are great!Keep sharing your art. I'm an urban sketcher and watercolor painter myself. I find that I mostly enjoy landscapes and urban scenes. I enjoy it a lot and have made it a mission of mine to incorporate art and storytelling into the projects we create. If you think about it philosophically, and perhaps a bit romantically, when we create a built environment we are defining the setting for an untold number of personal stories to unfold. Engineers can be intentional about this.  We can use our "artistic side of the brain" to invoke emotional responses to our designs. When an engineer, builder, or architect exercises their artistic skills they become better accustomed to what Daniel Kahneman calls system 1 thinking and that makes you a better engineer. Also....It's a lot of fun!

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Jesse Kamm PhD, PMP, A.M.ASCE
Senior Vice President of Construction Management
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-09-2020 03:37 PM
From: Heidi Wallace
Subject: Post-COVID Habits to keep

One habit I am trying to maintain is making time each week to watercolor. It is one of the most effective ways I unwind and let go of the stress of whatever is going on. It is also a way that I try to bring joy to others. Sometimes that is through painting together or sending them a hand-painted card.

It is easy for me to get overbooked with work and volunteer activities, but I can tell a difference in my mental wellbeing when I make time to paint.

------------------------------
Heidi Wallace EI,P.E.,M.ASCE
P.E.
Tulsa OK
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Thanks, Jesse!
And I love that perspective on what we do. If you would like to share any of your urban sketches, I would love to see them.

A phase that is used frequently at our company is "dedicated to the art of engineering"
https://www.wallacesc.com/redefine/who-we-are/

When I went with one of our structural principals to present to an ASCE student chapter, I was asked to define civil engineering. In keeping the phrase above in mind, this was my definition:
"The science and art of designing for the construction and maintenance of public and private infrastructure, including utilities, roadways, and waterways, for the safety of the public and preservation of the natural environment"

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Heidi Wallace EI,P.E.,M.ASCE
P.E.
Tulsa OK
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-14-2020 09:35 AM
From: Jesse Kamm
Subject: Post-COVID Habits to keep

Heidi, These are great!Keep sharing your art. I'm an urban sketcher and watercolor painter myself. I find that I mostly enjoy landscapes and urban scenes. I enjoy it a lot and have made it a mission of mine to incorporate art and storytelling into the projects we create. If you think about it philosophically, and perhaps a bit romantically, when we create a built environment we are defining the setting for an untold number of personal stories to unfold. Engineers can be intentional about this.  We can use our "artistic side of the brain" to invoke emotional responses to our designs. When an engineer, builder, or architect exercises their artistic skills they become better accustomed to what Daniel Kahneman calls system 1 thinking and that makes you a better engineer. Also....It's a lot of fun!

------------------------------
Jesse Kamm PhD, PMP, A.M.ASCE
Senior Vice President of Construction Management
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 10-09-2020 03:37 PM
From: Heidi Wallace
Subject: Post-COVID Habits to keep

One habit I am trying to maintain is making time each week to watercolor. It is one of the most effective ways I unwind and let go of the stress of whatever is going on. It is also a way that I try to bring joy to others. Sometimes that is through painting together or sending them a hand-painted card.

It is easy for me to get overbooked with work and volunteer activities, but I can tell a difference in my mental wellbeing when I make time to paint.

------------------------------
Heidi Wallace EI,P.E.,M.ASCE
P.E.
Tulsa OK