With the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic worldwide, many organisations have implemented safety measures and encouraged their employees to work at home to stay connected with customers and colleagues while keeping up social distancing. Whether you've worked from home before or you're new to working remotely 100 per cent of the time, this could be a significant adjustment. So, it's worth knowing that during intense situations each Zodiac sign has the capacity to perform well under pressure, even if we all work differently, including in the ways we work and function from home. This article will look particularly at earth and air signs. Passionate fire signs include Aries, Leo and Sagittarius, and they will likely struggle to adapt to this period of self-isolation and must channel their leadership skills through social media and video meetings. Practical and grounded earth signs like Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn are perhaps better-suited to working from home, but they need to remember to take breaks and not to be too hard on themselves or others. The emotional and intuitive water signs like Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces need to find a way to channel their creative energy so they don't spiral off into thoughts of doom and gloom. Meanwhile, the intellectual air signs of Gemini, Libra and Aquarius must continue to connect with their community so they feel supported during this challenging time. So, in addition to all the regular measures that can make working from home less stressful and more productive, here are some ways in which your Zodiac sign can emphasise your strengths so you can show up professionally during lockdown time.
Taurus (20 April – 20 May): Taurus is a grounded earth sign ruled by Venus, the enchanting planet that governs love, beauty and money. Taureans are dedicated, intelligent, ambitious and hard workers. They appreciate the art of luxury and may even prefer working from home to being in an office. To ensure your emotional health during working from home, take breaks and schedule a time for walks, baths and cooking. Staying connected virtually to friends and co-workers will help keep your mood up, and as a result, your productivity.
Gemini (21 May – 20 June): Many Gemini people are already self-employed. They do things their way and like to be in the spotlight. As a mutable sign, Gemini can adapt well to change and will quickly thrive while working from home. Yet, if a Gemini is working from home for the first time, they will likely have a hard time adapting to the lack of conversation and motivation. They're talkative, like to see, be seen and to be noticed for their professional accomplishments; therefore, scheduling video meetings whenever possible is essential.
Virgo (23 August – 22 September): Virgos are logical, practical and systematic in their approach to life. They can do incredibly well at the working-from-home game. Virgos are adaptable and see change as a challenge. You are a perfectionist, and even on a normal day, you can sometimes be a bit critical. We're all doing the best we can professionally, so try your best to only dispense critiques to yourself and others when the benefits outweigh the harm. You can also try writing down some positive mantras and taping them up around your workspace.
Libra (23 September – 22 October): Libra is the sign of balance. Focusing on work during such a chaotic time can be tough for Libra people. You are ruled by Venus, the planet of pleasure, so it would be helpful for you to channel your energy into a creative outlet. Picking up a hobby can help ground you and make it easier to show up for yourself during your work hours. Take care of yourself and keep on flirting with your partner or crushes because you work best when your romantic needs are fulfilled.
Capricorn (21 December – 19 January): Capricorns are skilled at navigating both the material and emotional realms, but the economic impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic can be exceptionally hard on them. They can be tender right now in particular. Because you believe in hard work accumulating into well-earned success, any setback out of your control can feel annoying. So, try to practise being adaptable. And even though you might be the last one to stop working during a pandemic, you have your limits. Try to learn to channel your energy in new ways in order not to get burned out, but don't stop believing in yourself.
Aquarius (20 January – 18 February): Aquarius is both a rebellious and a humanitarian sign. You are quick to adapt at home. You tend to put yourself, and your personal relationships second to caring for your community at large. So, don't forget to make time for yourself and your loved ones. Every Aquarius is a rebel at heart and has the skills needed to step up and be a leader.
*A version of this article appears in print in the 21 May, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
