A tiny diary post-lockdown. Spent the first wave in a three-generation family of five. I dedicated the first few days minutely planning every hour of the day & selling my strategy to the others. It was the only way to keep myself and my family sane. I do well in crisis mode. 1/4

Most of them, entirely to their credit, followed the plan to the t. We got some work done. We got some homeschooling and extracurricular stuff done. I oversaw activities and issued coaxes and threats. Shared parenting with my partner. 2/4

There was some shouting and some tears most days. There was a lot of silently getting mad at each other and building resentment (to be deployed later). There was crafts & music and cooking & eating together. I loved having everyone around. I hated having everyone around. 3/4

The kids are back at school (for now). And I am supposed to get back to work. I have all the time and the space now. Here's the thing though. I am completely depleted and exhausted. 4/4 Thanks @DrSarahLiu for the link. https://elemental.medium.com/your-surge-capacity-is-depleted-it-s-why-you-feel-awful-de285d542f4c

To be clear this is not (just) a pity fest. I am not sure that UK unis (or many employers) have the support system in place we all desperately need right now.