#WFH Diaries: Makenzie Elkington of Barker
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to disrupt lives across the globe, we're checking in with creative people to see how they're coping. Here's an update from Makenzie Elkington of Barker.
Give us a one-line bio of yourself.
I'm an aspiring account manager from Ohio who moved to NYC for love, and to be part of the action.
Where are you living right now, and who's with you?
I am currently living in a 16th-floor one-bedroom apartment in Bayside, Queens. I am lucky enough to have my wife and two cats keeping me company at home.
What's your work situation like at the moment?
My working situation is great. I have a bar table in our living room that I have turned into my desk. I have a laptop, monitor, mouse, check scanner and a great view. We have a really great phone system that allows all calls from the office to be sent directly to my phone. The only thing missing is my Barker family in the background deciding what they are all going to order for lunch. I do miss the smell of Melt Shop.
Describe your socializing strategy.
Like a lot of people, I have been video chatting a lot with friends. I can't remember the last time I FaceTimed or had a video call with anyone before being quarantined. It's a strange feeling getting off a video call with someone and really feeling like you just hung out with that person.
How are you dealing with childcare, if applicable?
I do not have any children yet, and would hardly call my cats children. I will say that I am really enjoying seeing whole families really spending time together during quarantine. I know for some families this usually isn't possible, and it really warms my heart.
What are you reading?
I will admit that I am not much of a reader, but Barker has recently started a book club, so I am currently reading Where the Crawdads Sing. It is a fantastic book. We are currently getting ready to vote on our next agency book club book.
What are you watching?
I have binged watched Love Is Blind. There were too many memes out there that I felt I needed to be part of the conversation. The Stranger on Netflix is also an easy binge watch. I also recently started Little Fires Everywhere. Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington are phenomenal. Though I do wonder what we will all be watching next year if nothing gets filmed in 2020.
What are you listening to?
I haven't been listening to much. I really love the peace and quiet that I feel I don't get much of usually.
How are you staying fit?
Sadly, I'm not.
Have you taken up a hobby?
Annoying my wife. Coloring. And I am hoping to teach myself guitar.
Any tips for getting necessities?
Living in Bayside, I have not found any trouble getting necessities, which is lucky.
An awkward moment since all this started.
Now that I can't leave my apartment, I am realizing how much money I actually spend on going out and drinks.
Best work email you got since all this started.
Honestly, anything that has come from our CEO John Barker during this crisis. I have never felt so lucky to work for a man that truly puts his Barker family first.
An aha! moment since all this started.
It was only a year ago that I solely relied on my serving job at Tavern on the Green in NYC to survive. I can't even imagine what restaurant workers are going through in this moment. The aha moment for me is feeling grateful for my wife pushing me to get out of the restaurant industry and start following my true passion.
What's your theory on how this is going to play out?
I am assuming we will be living this lifestyle at least through the end of April. I am hoping that by May 1, I can go to a crowded rooftop and enjoy a glass of rosé with friends!
