WFH – Danielle’s story

22 April 2020

22 Apr 2020

“I’m in my bedroom, four steps away from my bed, hiding from my children.” If ever a truer description of working from home (WFH) was spoken, this is it.

Danielle Thyer is a Case Manager for VMCH’s Carer Support Program. Like hundreds of VMCH employees, she’s juggling career, child and home responsibilities all at once. And while it’s challenging, she’s keeping upbeat.

“I was (working) in the kitchen but I relocated. I have a better window view here and a lock on the door!”

Danielle has four children, one in primary school and the rest in secondary. Her partner has been away for work for a month, so she’s flying solo with homeschooling.

“It’s organised chaos. I had been anxious before school started back, wondering how it was all going to go, but come Monday I just removed all of my expectations and went, ‘ok guys, you should know what to do’.”

Danielle counts herself lucky her kids are largely independent in their study. “Though I’m not sure if the eldest is doing anything because all I can hear is playing games and chatting to his friends. I don’t think he even knows there’s a pandemic!”

Danielle says her job supporting unpaid carers helps to put things in perspective.

“There are a lot of carers doing it really tough at the moment. The door is just opening on the levels of stress; it’s a pressure cooker environment.”

Her tips for surviving WFH and homeschooling are simple: lower your expectations.

“If it’s gets too stressful just pop on ABC for kids, it’s pretty educational!”

Good luck to all of our staff members either WFH or still working on-site – you’re doing an awesome job!

More news articles in Staff and Volunteers

View all

Personal care builds bonds and independence

Carol celebrates almost a half century of volunteering

Specialist Support Coordinator George helps people navigate NDIS

A Case Manager’s journey to home care

Dementia Action Week 2023

Intergenerational volunteering a benefit to both younger and older Australians

Volunteering is Carole’s calling

International Women’s Day – meet our leaders!

Aged care workers band together during Victorian floods

A little lost? Start here.

Locating the information you need has become far easier with our useful guide. Answer a few simple questions and you will be on your way.

Not sure where to start?

→

Who needs our services?

I am here for
someone else I am here
for myself I am
looking for a job

Acknowledgement of Country

We here at VMCH respectfully acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which we gather, and we would like to take a moment to honour the fact that we live on the lands of the oldest civilisation in the world. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander peoples, and pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.