#WFH Diaries: Taylor Linn of Rapidly
With the coronavirus pandemic ongoing, most folks are still working from home. We're continuing to check in with creative professionals to see how they're faring. Below, we chat with Taylor Linn of fintech startup Rapidly.
Give us a one-line bio of yourself.
By day I'm the head of marketing for fintech startup Rapidly, and by night I'm a multimedia triple threat—a writer, a visual artist and a photographer. Most notably, I curate a pop culture newsletter called Cosmic Content.
Where are you living right now, and who's with you?
I live in downtown San Francisco with one roommate and her adorable cat. I found the listing on Craigslist, then met my roommate virtually over FaceTime and moved in right at the beginning of the pandemic. It was a lot less stressful to move during the pandemic than I thought it would be.
What's your work situation like at the moment, and how is it evolving?
I am keeping strict 9-6 working hours to make sure I don't overwork myself during this stressful time. I have the world's smallest desk, which is both a blessing (I can't accumulate any clutter) and a curse (I can only fit my laptop and a cup of tea on it). I hope to evolve my work situation with a slightly larger desk soon. I try to work on our rooftop deck once a week to get some sun.
When do you expect to return to the office?
I don't expect to return to the office until January 2021 at the earliest, but I would predict it may be longer, perhaps until January 2022, since San Francisco has been cautious with reopening.
Describe your socializing strategy.
In my personal life, I try to have one longer phone call each week with a different family member or friend. My sister and I use Scener to virtually watch shows together.
Professionally, I'm still attending Women in Tech networking events as I normally would, but they're all through video call. I'm slowly getting used to virtual networking. I'm speaking on a virtual Women in Tech panel this month, and I hope to network with the other panelists.
How are you dealing with childcare, if applicable?
No children, but I cat-sit for my roommate whenever she isn't home. This entails mostly feeding and hanging out with her cat, who is slowly warming up to me.
What are you reading?
I recently finished The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame. I am currently about halfway through After Dark by Haruki Murakami. Next on the roster is rereading my all-time favorite novel, Catch-22 by Joseph Heller, for the 50th time.
What are you watching?
For a good laugh, Netflix has some amazing standup from feminist comedians. I adored Taylor Tomlinson's Quarter-Life Crisis special.
If I'm in a chill mood, I am watching the entire Miyazaki filmography on HBO Go, and I discovered his very sweet film Whisper of the Heart.
What are you listening to?
I'm mostly trying to stay zen by listening to audio meditations on the Balance app.
How are you staying fit?
Mostly by huffing and puffing up the hilly San Francisco streets whenever we have a sunny day. I also practice Yoga With Bird every day, in the morning and the evening.
Have you taken up a hobby?
I recently sold my DSLR camera and got a smaller mirrorless one, so I'm trying to spend at least one day each weekend outside on photo walks. I mostly enjoy taking photos of San Francisco's unique architecture and flowers.
An awkward moment since all this started.
A group of neighbors like to hang out and talk loudly in their backyard, which is right next to my window. I know everything about them, including where they work and their dating drama. I really feel like I'm one of the group. However, it's quite awkward since I don't know if they know we can hear them.
An aha! moment since all this started.
I realized I love eating breakfast before work and it is absolutely essential for me to have a good, productive day. I'm really thankful to have time for my morning tea, oatmeal, and avocado toast.
What's your theory on how this is going to play out?
This will definitely impact the 2020 election, and it's predicted voter turnout will be at an all-time high, which is absolutely fantastic!
I hope that going forward, workplaces will remember how productive everyone has been at home and continue accommodating virtual work, particularly for employees with children or disabilities.
