#WFH Diaries: Dominika Haas of MobiWire

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage against the machine, we’re checking in with creative industry folks to see how they’re faring. Here’s an update from Dominika Haas, a senior industrial designer at mobile phone development firm MobiWire.

Give us a one-sentence bio of yourself.

I’m Dominika Haas, originally from Poland, currently working as a senior industrial designer at a French-Chinese tech company, MobiWire SAS, near Paris.

Where are you living right now, and who’s with you? 

I’m living in Clichy (four blocks from Paris 17ème) with my partner in an 87-square-meter (936-square-foot) apartment with a tiny balcony.

What’s your work situation like at the moment? 

Like everyone in my company, I have been working remotely for one week. I feel lucky; my work can totally be done from home, even for an extended period of time.

Describe your socializing strategy.

I try to stay active and do my daily routines with balance. In the morning I get up, take a shower, dress (pro/comfy look), have breakfast, turn on the computer and work!

In midday, I do a mix of yoga, exercise and meditation to stay fit in my body and mind. And in the evening, I have “apéro video” calls with friends, a good dinner, and finish with either a movie or book! 🙂

[Editor’s note: In France, apéro hour is cocktail hour.] 

What are you reading? 

I always have unfinished books to read. Currently I’m reading Dieter Rams’ Less But Better and a few cookbooks, like Yotam Ottolenghi’s Plenty, to get inspired.

What are you watching? 

We just finished the series Zero Zero Zero and Season 2 of Ugly Delicious, one of my favorite culinary TV shows. Most likely I will rewatch my beloved Call Me by Your Name.

In addition, I’m watching a lot of cooks cooking live via Instagram! I think I’m addicted.

What are you listening to?

During work time, I listen to what my partner puts on (our dining table has been transformed into a shared work space). If I want to have time for myself, I listen to jazz or classical music.

How are you staying fit?

As mentioned above, I try each day to do yoga, exercise and meditation for around 20 to 30 minutes. I also try to eat balanced meals. I love to cook, so this is a perfect occasion!

Also, I go out on our mini balcony to get fresh air. And from time to time, I dance with my boyfriend. 🙂

Have you taken up a hobby?

I’m a passionate cook, so I’m mastering my technique and enjoying slow home cooking.

[Editor’s note: Dominika has an Instagram account dedicated to recipes cooked at home, with a big Polish influence: @ChezDomia.]

Any tips for getting necessities?

Keep stocked with good food, wine and whiskey.

An awkward moment since all this started.

I think this whole situation is awkward. I’d like us to be able to occasionally stop and try focusing on the bright sides, like cleaner air and rivers.

Best work email you got since all this started.

From my boss, to keep us positive. He summed up, with great humor, the first week of quarantine at our company.

An aha! moment since all this started.

It was more like, “Aha, here we go!” Since I work with China on a daily basis, it was no surprise for me that this is where we ended up.

What’s your theory on how this is going to play out? 

I don’t have any specific theories. I just hope something good will come out of it—that we will respect our planet and each other more, and be happier with what we have.

See the full #WFH Diaries series here.