It’s difficult to comprehend the fact that a virus, ranging from .05 and 0.2 microns in diameter, has effectively turned the world inside out since it first appeared nearly a year ago. Since that time, hundreds of thousands have lost their lives, their jobs, their stability – all of which contributes to record-levels of anxiety. Consider these statistics from two separate polls conducted by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
APA:
- Nearly half of Americans (48%) are anxious about the possibility of getting coronavirus, COVID-19.
- 62% are anxious about the possibility of family and loved ones getting coronavirus.
- 59% feel coronavirus is having a serious impact on their day-to-day lives.
CDC:
- Over 40% of those surveyed said they had experienced a mental or behavioral health condition related to the coronavirus epidemic.
- 25.5% of respondents said they had experienced symptoms of anxiety disorder.
- 24.3% said they had experienced symptoms of depression.
Given these numbers, it’s understandable that many find it difficult to find silver linings in these trying times. That said, they do exist. Sprinkled throughout the daily news or on social media, you find heart-warming stories. These stories are a direct result of the pandemic: neighbors helping neighbors, companies shifting focus to produce much-needed PPE, families strengthening their bonds with activities on pause. There’s good to be found amongst the anxiety.
Our Silver Linings
Inspired by these stories, we challenged our team at VP Engineering to find their own silver linings, to think back over 2020 and recall all they had to be thankful for in a year defined by the unknown. Below is what they had to say:
“Working from home has been a blessing. Average commute time is down to 3 minutes! Getting to work from home has allowed me to get more work done at any and all odd hours of the day. Plus, I get endless entertainment from the miniature zoo that roams around the house.” – Dustin Martin, Electrical Designer
“Since working from home, my work commute has been reduced from 15 minutes to 15 seconds. I now get to spend that extra time playing with my son before he leaves for preschool in the morning.” – Nicholas Pappas, Mechanical Design Controller
“Since working from home, it’s been awesome not having to wear the typical office attire. True comfort in working is working in pajamas.” – George Lironis, Plumbing Designer
“Since starting to work from home, I’ve been able to blast music throughout my home office. It gives me just the motivation I need as the end of the day approaches.” – Alex Leven, EI, Mechanical Designer II
“I am thankful for the extra time I get to spend with my 5 year old son, and the less time I am spending in my car or in traffic! I am also getting better at cooking because there is more time to prep when I get off work!” – Nikki Lawrence, Administrative Assistant
“I’m thankful to know that my company values my life and the wellbeing of my family over seeing me in the office every day. I’m also thankful that no one said anything when I ran out of deodorant last week.” – Ian Childress, Electrical Designer
“I’ve always wanted an office dog. Now I have a daily work companion underneath my feet!” – Maddie Minogue, Marketing Manager
“Since starting to work from home, I have enjoyed the elimination of my morning and afternoon commute to work. The ability to avoid any possibilities of traffic and maximize my time has been a real blessing.” – Madeleine Harris, Mechanical/Plumbing Designer II
Despite the upheaval of the pandemic, it is clear there is still much to be thankful. From our team to our friends, family and clients, we wish you a very happy and thankful Thanksgiving holiday.
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About VP Engineering
VP Engineering is a top Charlotte-based MEP design firm offering engineering expertise in senior living, multi-family, hospitality, and retail/commercial markets worldwide. With experience in a wide range of building types, our MEP engineering services help keep projects on budget and achieve your goals. Learn more at vpce.com.
