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Original poster

Have you been "using your time constructively" during the pandemic?

118 replies

Eastie77 · 15/07/2020 16:54

A colleague shared on LinkedIn "If you don't come out of the pandemic with a new skill, a new income or a new expertise you didn't lack time, you lacked discipline". Made me laugh I have to say.

What is the most useful thing you have learned in the last 4 months? Thanks to DS and a rather unfortunate increase in his screentime I can now correctly name all of the characters in PJ Masks.

OP posts:
GuppytheCat · 15/07/2020 16:58

I can say ‘We had really terrible weather at the beach last week’ and ‘This laptop is not working at all’ in Welsh, thanks to a lockdown Duolingo habit. I feel this will be useful most of the time in our U.K. holidays.

AIMD · 15/07/2020 17:00

I learned that 4 months working 30hts from home alongside childcare for 2 children is the point as which I break. 😂

Jrobhatch29 · 15/07/2020 17:00

🤣🤣 I love this! I have done nothing constructive but I did have my 3rd baby in lockdown haha. I have learnt that youtube is an excellent babysitter and that the major in paw patrol really is just as incompetent as boris!

Jrobhatch29 · 15/07/2020 17:02

@Jrobhatch29

🤣🤣 I love this! I have done nothing constructive but I did have my 3rd baby in lockdown haha. I have learnt that youtube is an excellent babysitter and that the major in paw patrol really is just as incompetent as boris!
Mayor*
peppermintteadrinker · 15/07/2020 17:04

This rather assumes we've all been on furlough. It's been an incredibly varied experience. For some they've had this opportunity. For others, they (me) have been working arses off and juggling looking after children. I won't even say I've done much home schooling as a lone parent working from home. Something had to give and that was it. If I come out of this with my mental and physical health in tact that is achievement enough

TheCountessofFitzdotterel · 15/07/2020 17:05

I already knew how to knit socks but because I have been bored in lockdown I have learned two obsolete ways to knit the heel which nobody ever uses any more because they’re uncomfortable.
(Dd says ‘so you learnt to knit bad socks?’)

She has become an expert on Orange Is The New Black and learned to dye her hair without making a mess.

SueEllenMishke · 15/07/2020 17:07

That statement gives me the absolute rage.
It's so patronising and completely ignores the many, many people who have just been surviving the last few months.
I barely have time to shower never mind learn a new skill.

frozendaisy · 15/07/2020 17:07

I've just learnt I lack discipline......does that count?

Springersrock · 15/07/2020 17:08

I did fuck all constructive

Watched a lot of Netflix

Bought a lot of crap online
Started a lot of knitting projects that I’ll probably never finish

I did learn that 5 Curly Wurlies on the trot make me feel sick

BigSandyBalls2015 · 15/07/2020 17:10

I've learnt that deep down I'm actually a lazy cow who is happy to waste hours of the day reading shite on mumsnet.

elQuintoConyo · 15/07/2020 17:12

Oh great, another stick with which to beat myself!

I learnt nothing knew, no new skill, no new job, no new expertise. Oh, except the best way to eat Brie is simply cut the smallest corner off the triangular packet and just squeeze it straight into your mouth.

SueEllenMishke · 15/07/2020 17:13

Oh and i'm not blaming you for it OP it's just I've seen it a few times this week and it feels like its being posted to make people feel bad.

My DS is now completely proficient in using the ipad and no longer needs me to set up netflix for him. He knows he's only allowed to watch things that have a green triangle ( U rating)

theneverendinglaundry · 15/07/2020 17:14

That gives me the rage too.

I've been busier than ever cooking, cleaning, food shopping, homeschooling 3 children...barely get a minute to myself, never mind learning a new fucking skill! How about this for a new skill - not losing my fucking mind over the last four months!!

Jrobhatch29 · 15/07/2020 17:14

@BigSandyBalls2015

I've learnt that deep down I'm actually a lazy cow who is happy to waste hours of the day reading shite on mumsnet.
Haha yes. Sometimes too much net and not enough Mum 🙈
soberfabulous · 15/07/2020 17:17

I've been working 12 hour days the entire time trying to hang onto my job and home school.

New skills, don't make me fucking laugh! It hasn't been a bloody holiday!

CurlyhairedAssassin · 15/07/2020 17:19

I'd better not see that anywhere near my FB feed. Some of us come from households with 2 key workers and kids to try and give some time to.

Appuskidu · 15/07/2020 17:19

That can only possible apply if you’ve been furloughed though?!

We’ve all been working as normal here-no time to learn new skills!

Drogonssmile · 15/07/2020 17:19

Ha! I've been working, trying to keep body, soul, mind and my family together. No time for a new skill Hmm WTF.

Lemons1571 · 15/07/2020 17:19

The statement suggests that people have had more time on their hands during lockdown. This his only true for some people. Hardly true for those wfh / homeschooling lets be honest!

Drogonssmile · 15/07/2020 17:20

Sorry op the Hmm wasn't at you, at the linkd in post!

MsAwesomeDragon · 15/07/2020 17:22

I've learnt how to record instructional videos and email them to my classes. I've also learnt how to use MS Teams to set and collect assignments from pupils working at home. That's work based stuff.

I've also tried my hand at diamond painting, origami, more complicated crochet, needle felting, baking (I now make a delicious cheesecake without needing to look at the recipe), and watercolour painting. When I get bored I do crafts, lol.

AnnieCartwright · 15/07/2020 17:22

@Eastie77

A colleague shared on LinkedIn "If you don't come out of the pandemic with a new skill, a new income or a new expertise you didn't lack time, you lacked discipline". Made me laugh I have to say.

What is the most useful thing you have learned in the last 4 months? Thanks to DS and a rather unfortunate increase in his screentime I can now correctly name all of the characters in PJ Masks.

I'd love to have had the time tbh. However, as frontline NHS, I have worked many hours over my contract looking after ventilated patients.
AnnieCartwright · 15/07/2020 17:23

Not a dig at you btw OP.

saltycat · 15/07/2020 17:24

No, not at all, early retired, no young kids, parents gone now sadly, family on Facetime and the internet.

Sailed through it and still am thankfully. Mucho vino helped lol.

puffinkoala · 15/07/2020 17:26

If you don't come out of the pandemic with a new skill, a new income or a new expertise you didn't lack time, you lacked discipline

Ha ha. I have been working throughout, but as I am fortunate enough not have a child or children to "home-school" I have had time to do some courses in my spare time. I imagine lots of, if not most, people haven't, and don't have, spare time!

There does seem to be a viewpoint that nobody is working whereas a lot of people have worked full or part-time all the way through.

I've learnt that deep down I'm actually a lazy cow who is happy to waste hours of the day reading shite on mumsnet This!