The Benefits of Covid-19 and A Taste of FI Lifestyle

This weekend marks the eighth week of social distancing for me and my family. My wife has been busy trying to keep our three kids, aged four and under, occupied all day and I’m trying to not lose my mind on continuous conference calls.

I’m fortunate that my work is busy as Covid-19 has increased my workload and we’re pushing our projects out faster. That’s been great as it’s been keeping my mind preoccupied and not allowing me to always be thinking about infection rates and logarithmic graphs.  

My wife is a teacher and is on extended mat-leave, so she’s flexing her professional teaching muscles at home with two preschoolers. I hear it’s easier when it’s not your own kids. Crafts anyone?

Our household has been busy, but we’ve all been together and making the best of it. We’re still sorting things out and as we get into a routine, things have gotten better. And even though it hasn’t been all happy times there is so much more going on elsewhere in the world and I wanted to call out the things I appreciate during this time.

To sum it up, it’s family-time. I could easily just put “Family-Time” and this list would be over, but that would short sell the daily experiences we’ve been having.

Being at home all day has given me a little taste of a FI (financially independent) lifestyle. I get to be with my young children at anytime throughout the day (unless I have meetings) and I’m seeing them more than I ever would with my day job. Even in our small city with my short commute, I’m gaining hours’ of time with them every day. I’ve got to say I really love my zero minute commute!

I would have never gotten this chance with my FI path otherwise. I’m still roughly 15 years out from being financially independent and at that point, I wouldn’t get to spend the quality time with my kids like I can now. If they were older, I’d be lucky if they even wanted to be around. They would almost be out of the house and have their own friends, jobs, and other stuff they’ll be interested in instead of hanging out with pops.

So that brings me to my list of Benefits and Experiences of Covid-19.

1. We have perfectly aged kids for the Covid-19 pandemic 

Our twin boys are pre-school age so it’s letters and crafts and we have zero concerns about them missing school time. Generally only people who have at least one SAHP can put their kids in preschool, so this is a luxury that we had them in preschool at all. Plus, we’re not dealing with homework or homeschooling, or sharing of the laptop.

Our youngest is 15 months old and is a super content baby. She brings calm to the household with two rambunctious older brothers who make their presence very well-known. She’s happy and smiles a lot and wants to be included in everything her brothers do.

2. More play time with the kids

I’ve been playing a lot of video games with my sons. A LOT more video games. I love that we get up in the morning and we play video games until breakfast. Then after lunch we’ll play for a while before I head back to work. It’s so fun to see how much they’ve improved their coordination and how they know which options and different screens to use without being able to read.

The sporadic dance parties! Dance parties in the living room are at an all-time high. Usually it’s when my wife and I are tired and just want the kids to burn off some extra energy. “Hey Googe, play Gangnam Style” and we watch our boys break-dance and their little sister tries to mimic them.

3. I get to see my 15-month-old daughter grow up

She is at such a precious age. She learns quickly and has been transitioning from thing to thing so fast I would have missed most of the little things she does or seen only bits and pieces being at work all day.  

I’ve been able to see a lot more of her firsts. So far during this time she has started mimicking and saying words (noises that could count as words), she’s cut 3 more teeth, has crawled, started crawling up the stairs, and is now fully walking!

I love that I get to be around for lunchtime and at sporadic times during the day. I’ll just come upstairs and pick her up and roll around and play and giggle and tickle and kiss. She is so cute. Did I mention that she is a happy, smiling baby?  

I love her giggling in her highchair. The face she makes when she’s being silly.  She LOVES yogurt and will yell across the room when she sees the container come out of the fridge.

4. I’m working on myself and my hang-ups

Being at home and around the kids a lot more is its own type of stressor. I’ve known for a while I don’t handle stress well and being home during this time has exposed me to more stress and more triggers.

That may sound like a bad thing, but it’s not. It’s a good thing because I’m getting more practice. I’m learning to identify my triggers and try to pause and correct myself.

I don’t always succeed, but every time it’s another learning experience for what works and what doesn’t. I’ve learned more about myself in these weeks than I would have otherwise.

5. My wife and I are connecting more

Life has slowed down and with that we’ve had more time in the evenings to just be around each other.  She’s motivating me to workout more and eat healthier. I’m working on myself to be a better husband and father (see #4).

6. I’ve started writing for this blog

Writing FI related content has been on my mind for a couple years, so now I’ve finally pulled the trigger and have published something. I’m looking forward to continuing to write and tell my story.

7. I’m eating healthier and have lost some weight

My wife’s motivation to get me to workout with her (see #5) and eat more salads is paying off.  I’ve lost about 7 pounds. There is no time like the present. I’m using my extra time to be a bit healthier. 

8. I have a stable job and work is busy

As I mentioned above, my work schedule has increased with Covid-19 as the market has changed and people are asking for the service we’re providing.  I enjoy my work, and now we’re pushing to get it out to more stores.

9. Technology to connect with family and friends

We live in a time when technology is at our fingertips.  Video calls, instant messaging, playing games online with friends.  We’re at a glorious time in history for this to take place.  The access to technology has never been more convenient.

10. I’m saving more

March was an average spending month, but the money went to different categories than normal. We spent less on gas, and eating out and way more on groceries, snacks and houseful supplies. We also stocked up on crafts supplies and other entertainment for the kids.

April spending was WAY down. We’ve spent about $2,000 less than normal. We still weren’t ordering in food and no large purchases to speak of. I plan to set the money aside to pay for upcoming bills like home insurance and vehicle plates.

What’s on your list of Covid-19 benefits?

Ten benefits. That’s my list.  Ten high-level points that pack in hundreds of experiences and thoughts that I’ve had during this time.

It’s a list with the focus on the positive. It’s more important now than ever to ensure everyone is focusing on the good things in their life.

Focus on mental health, stay positive and stay healthy everyone.

What have been your favorite experiences while at home? What other benefits have you experienced?