Arbeta @ Home: Alex at EON Reality

Arbeta @ Home is a series of content designed to put a smile on people’s face as we realise that we’re all in this together during these tough times, as well as offering some tips and support during the Coronavirus outbreak. We’ve heard from Dave at Fabrik Games. Today we hear from another one of our Tenants, this time it’s Alex at EON Reality.


What do you do?

Hi, I’m Alex and I work for EON Reality’s Manchester branch. I have two roles; Training Instructor and AVR Developer. I work on networked VR and AR applications and travel the world teaching 3D Application Development. 

For the last couple of weeks, I have been on Furlough leave. This blog is based on my working life before I was placed on temporary leave. 

How did you get ready for a day ahead at home?

At the time of the outbreak, I was teaching in the USA. After being evacuated back to the UK, I worked with the Universities so I could continue my classes remotely. Due to the time zone differences, my working schedule has been very irregular. Sometimes my day started very late 20:00 – 03:30 and other days I was working from mid-afternoon to evening 13:30 – 22:00. 

The biggest change to my daily routine was breakfast becoming dinner (but let’s face it, who doesn’t love breakfast for dinner). General day to day home duties had to be adjusted to before I start work, when usually these activities would take place in the evening. The working hours weren’t too much of an issue as I naturally function better in the evenings in comparison to an early morning start! Once the USA teaching had concluded, I could commit to a midday start.  

How did you find balancing your work and home life?

I was lucky to already have a development workstation setup at home. However, other members of my household have utilised various spaces to separate home and working life. I am very much looking forward to getting back to Arbeta for a few reasons:

  • Although there are great services out there for team-based communication, being able to naturally interact with colleagues in the office is far more effective. 
  • Travelling to an office space adds a clear divide between work and home life, whilst working from home doesn’t give you that clear divide at times.
  • Working from home requires far more discipline when it comes to avoiding distractions, especially in a busy household.
  • No temptation to watch 4 hours of “Friends” reruns!

Once my teaching had completed, I have found it difficult at times not to get distracted when back to normal work duties. However, I found that extending my working day and taking frequent breaks really helped keep me motivated when completing work tasks. It’s important to find that new balance that works for you.


What are you looking forward to most when lockdown is over?

I can’t wait to head to my local pub and catch up with friends, followed by a trip to my hometown to visit family. 

What’s helped your well being during a time like this?

Picking up a hobby has really helped me through. Living in a workspace is mentally exhausting, especially when trying to switch off. I purchased a piano a year ago, so I made sure when my day is done, I shut down from technology completely and practice for 1-2 hours before relaxing. 

I live with quite a few people, so we have worked together to create occasions to keep our spirits raised. One event was a formal black-tie gathering in the living room whilst socialising, listening to music and playing video games. 

Plus, as I’m sure most people should agree, this lockdown is the perfect chance for a Lord of the Rings extended edition marathon! 

Written by:
Alex from EON Reality
Written by:
Alex from EON Reality