In this series, we speak to Xenomorph employees and ask them to share their experience of lockdown, how it has impacted their day-to-day lives and if they have any tips or recommendations for their colleagues. Today’s conversation is with Xenomorph senior analyst Keith Thomas in New York.

Xeno: Tell us a little about yourself and your role at Xenomorph?

Keith: I’m Keith, a senior analyst at Xenomorph in New York City. I work on the technical side of things, doing support, development, server maintenance, and client implementations.

Xeno: How has the lockdown changed your day-to-day routine?

Keith: Thankfully, most of my work can be done remotely, if a tad slower thanks to internet latency. Since I don’t need to worry about commuting, I am delighted to be able to sleep in a bit later.

Xeno: What aspect of the lockdown have you found hardest, either from a personal or professional perspective?

Keith: Of course, not needing to stuff myself into a crowded subway train each morning and evening does have its downsides as well: there isn’t as much of a clear demarcation between working hours and off-time. For me, the lack of variation in scenery seems to deeply confuse my Circadian rhythm, leading to me answering emails at concerning hours of the morning—I’m still not sure if my British co-workers are more amused or bemused by this.

Xeno: Are there any tips that you would offer to colleagues and industry peers at this time?

Keith: I daresay that my cat has kept to a better schedule than I have, and the best piece of advice I can give for making it through this quarantine with sanity intact is to emulate him (though not so much the backtalking and constant meowing for food). Messing with your daily schedule can impact your sleep, and even small changes in your sleep schedule can negatively affect your mental health and clarity. Stay strong, stay safe, and remember all of the lessons these trying times are forcing upon us.

Xeno: What positives can take from this experience? 

Keith: Despite time having lost nearly all meaning for me, I have managed to keep one constant, which is dinner with my roommates. I think the stress of these times has really brought us closer together, and it’s a pleasant feeling to have people in your life that you can rely on. I would love to say that this has also brought me closer to my cat, but he just seems indignant that everyone being home all the time is impinging on his sleep.