View Full Version : Doing better.....
gimmethesimplelife
4-29-20, 10:58am
Stimulus funds received this morning via direct deposit and I finally was able to file unemployment. So my life is far from say the February 2020 "normal" but with these monies and savings we should be OK for awhile. Oddly enough to date the pandemic has brought positive bits and pieces, too. I find myself grateful for small things and I feel more a part of society than apart from society.
Just grateful to sit here at this bus stop and listen to the birds chirping and see how much clearer the air over Phoenix is these days. On my way to Sprouts - very grateful to be able to afford groceries.
How are you'all doing at this point in the pandemic? Rob
Better...hmmm. I do know I am losing some of the "fear" and growing more impatient each day with the inability to do certain things. Our state has loosened up some of the restrictions so there were a lot more people out this morning when I went grocery shopping. Mostly masked but quite a few men without. However, it is now a hassle to shop so always glad to get home and have that done. Very glad it is almost spring here. Hoping this next month will bring some better news for all of us.
happystuff
4-29-20, 11:39am
Glad things are getting better, Rob. We're doing about the same - which I'll take!!! Motivating myself to actually go to the grocery store tomorrow - hopefully missing the crowd. Just need some basics and I think in-store options are better than order-online-and-pickup options here. Want to eventually get more dirt for when I can finally get a garden plot or two started. Queen Brown Thumbs here, but going to give it a try. LOL.
iris lilies
4-29-20, 11:50am
...Still trying to figure out Instacart… Not shopping effectively in pandemic mode...Paid obscene amount for Ka-me rice crackers from Amazon and they will undoubtedly arrive here crushed and broken....
gimmethesimplelife
4-29-20, 1:11pm
Glad things are getting better, Rob. We're doing about the same - which I'll take!!! Motivating myself to actually go to the grocery store tomorrow - hopefully missing the crowd. Just need some basics and I think in-store options are better than order-online-and-pickup options here. Want to eventually get more dirt for when I can finally get a garden plot or two started. Queen Brown Thumbs here, but going to give it a try. LOL.Thank You, Happystuff. Rob
Teacher Terry
4-29-20, 1:16pm
My fear has started to subside the past 2 days. I am getting impatient for restaurants to open and to see my friends.
gimmethesimplelife
4-29-20, 1:44pm
My fear has started to subside the past 2 days. I am getting impatient for restaurants to open and to see my friends.I work in hospitality as you know and my take is that it's too soon, at least as I see it, for restaurants to reopen. But I agree about seeing friends - I am very much an introvert but yet also well known where I live and I do miss chatting with people minus social distancing criteria and I do miss neighborhood cookouts. I have an idea to have a neighborhood block party - this time having nothing to do with Trump - but for whenever it is safe to do so. Rob
gimmethesimplelife
4-29-20, 1:46pm
My fear has started to subside the past 2 days. I am getting impatient for restaurants to open and to see my friends.PS - just curious as you live in Nevada TT - what"s your take on Carolyn Goodman wanting to reopen the Strip? Rob
As more solid information comes out, it's become apparent to me that it will be a while -- several months -- before we approach something that looks like the old "normal". So I've been adapting some.
I've turned down a cabin weekend with friends in a couple of weeks. It's just too soon for me to feel comfortable going. We can say we'll sit six feet apart at the campfire, but I'll guarantee the six-foot rule will be violated often. Gotta pass on this one.
I'm trying to figure out what kinds of projects I can work on and get done. Emptying a closet is rewarding; moving the stuff to be recycled or given away to clutter another part of the house -- because there's no place to take it now -- is not. It just feels like moving the problem, not solving it.
In addition to the good ideas people mentioned here for interacting with our grandkids from a distance, their mom heard about an app called Caribu that lets parents and grands and kids share activities (reading, drawing, etc.) while watching each other participate, so we'll check into that, too.
Some days are better than others. Some days I kind of wonder if what I'm doing is how I want to spend the last part of my life. Other days the virus is barely an impediment to what I'm doing. It's a new normal which will precede a newer normal. It was going to be a strange time in my life, anyway, with so many "occupations" coming to an end and with DW's retirement. To add the limitations of the coronavirus makes it harder to adapt easily.
Teacher Terry
4-29-20, 1:50pm
Rob, the mayor is a idiot. She is not mayor of all of Vegas and just a small part which doesn’t include the strip or any casinos. Google it because it’s funny. She is mainly a figurehead. The casinos don’t want to reopen. I think it’s too early for restaurants to. My guess is that we will start reopening the first of June.
Glad to hear you're doing better. I'm actually able to sock away a good bit of what I'm getting from unemployment, but only as I was able to get all bills taken care of through the end of May from last paycheck from old company. I'm able to dive in the region some, which is huge for my mood. Going this weekend to Ohio.
I think some sort of gathering where everyone keeps the proper social distance is fine. I know plenty of people who've done that.
I am so blessed. I am speechless. I just got a card and a check for $500 from friends in WI. They said that they did not lose their income due to CV-19 and so they were sharing their stimulus check with those who did lose their income. Oh, wow. I am SO grateful.
iris lilies
4-29-20, 4:18pm
I am so blessed. I am speechless. I just got a card and a check for $500 from friends in WI. They said that they did not lose their income due to CV-19 and so they were sharing their stimulus check with those who did lose their income. Oh, wow. I am SO grateful.
That IS wonderful! An amount to make a difference!
I am so blessed. I am speechless. I just got a card and a check for $500 from friends in WI. They said that they did not lose their income due to CV-19 and so they were sharing their stimulus check with those who did lose their income. Oh, wow. I am SO grateful.
That is awesome! Anyone who gets a check and didn't lose income should be doing the same. Wonderful to hear the goodness of people.
Teacher Terry
4-29-20, 4:53pm
That’s great Tradd!
I've spread part of mine around to support (Patreon) small businesses that are suffering under this, and charities, as well. What a nice gesture, Tradd!
No stimulus check for me yet, I should get a partial amount. We just moved into our new house. We are just about camping, the majority of our furniture is still in storage.
We are updating the house, new bathrooms, kitchen, floors, paint, and dock/lift. Since we are mostly stuck at home I’ve been doing much of the demo and painting. We are taking out a few walls also. Next week the plumbers are suppose to show up, we are having the water lines all replaced, along with moving some toilets and showers. They said it will take them about two weeks.
Then the painter is suppose to paint the exterior of the house, I’m just painting the inside.
The electrician has some work to do between the plumbers and flooring.
Then about Labor Day the flooring guys are suppose to show up, we are having tile put down thru the entire house.
Then the cabinet guys should be ready to install the new cabinets in the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry room.
Then the counter tops can go in and hopefully the tile guys can come back and finish the showers.
And sometime while all the above is going on the old boat lift and dock will be removed and replaced.
Not much else going on, Hopefully I’ll get some time to shop for a boat.
That is awesome! Anyone who gets a check and didn't lose income should be doing the same. Wonderful to hear the goodness of people.
I know someone who was furloughed for two weeks but then called back this week when the business received their SBA loan. This person is taking part of the unemployment she received and supporting several food pantries.
iris lilies
4-29-20, 5:54pm
DMC, I was just this moment going to put out a call for those who have not received their gubmnt stim check who believe they are getting one.
We have not received one. Who else has not?
I do not want to inquire because I do not want to add to any overburdened gubmnt communication tools because those channels should be left for people in need. I just wanted a figure, a dollar amount. Don’t need the actual dollars.
I have quarantine fatigue. It has been mainly cold and/or rainy, only two halfway decent days I was able to work in the yard. If the weather improves I will feel better.
gimmethesimplelife
4-29-20, 6:43pm
News from the Grand Canyon state: Arizona Governor Doug Ducey just made a speech and extended the lockdown until May 15th. There is loosening of restrictions but nowhere near "normal" - wonders never cease, I respect this Republican Governor (yes I did post that) for his sane and reasonable decision. He seems to be balancing the worth of human life vs the economy and I have SO MUCH RESPECT for him for not auto-placing money above human life. Don't drop dead of shock folks, but likely I will cross party lines and vote for him next time around. Yes, I did post that. His decision was sane and balanced and I have respect for that. Rob
gimmethesimplelife
4-29-20, 6:45pm
Glad to hear you're doing better. I'm actually able to sock away a good bit of what I'm getting from unemployment, but only as I was able to get all bills taken care of through the end of May from last paycheck from old company. I'm able to dive in the region some, which is huge for my mood. Going this weekend to Ohio.
I think some sort of gathering where everyone keeps the proper social distance is fine. I know plenty of people who've done that.Thank You, Tradd! And it's wonderful to hear of the generosity that came your way. Serious situations do bring out the good and the decency in some people. Good to hear/see. Rob
News from the Grand Canyon state: Arizona Governor Doug Ducey just made a speech and extended the lockdown until May 15th. There is loosening of restrictions but nowhere near "normal" - wonders never cease, I respect this Republican Governor (yes I did post that) for his sane and reasonable decision. He seems to be balancing the worth of human life vs the economy and I have SO MUCH RESPECT for him for not auto-placing money above human life. Don't drop dead of shock folks, but likely I will cross party lines and vote for him next time around. Yes, I did post that. His decision was sane and balanced and I have respect for that. Rob
Yet President Trump is coming there next week? For a campaign rally-----I mean, a supportive visit;)
gimmethesimplelife
4-29-20, 8:25pm
Yet President Trump is coming there next week? For a campaign rally-----I mean, a supportive visit;)LOL Just to be clear, my largesse does not extend to Donald J Trump. Is he really coming to Arizona again? Likely he would appear downtown near where I work(ed) - makes me relieved to be on furlough. Rob
LOL Just to be clear, my largesse does not extend to Donald J Trump. Is he really coming to Arizona again? Likely he would appear downtown near where I work(ed) - makes me relieved to be on furlough. Rob
He talked about it in his "round table" today. Clearly said, next week.
gimmethesimplelife
4-29-20, 8:30pm
I just googled. Egads Donald Trump is indeed appearing in the Valley May 5th. I think I'll go full quarantine that day - no news, no leaving the house other than fornyard work. I just don't want to have any microscopically smart part of the chaos that is Donald J Trump's signature. Rob
ToomuchStuff
4-30-20, 12:53am
I'm tired. Received my stimulus check, but the local economy has so much closed, and I thought the idea was to support local businesses.:confused:
Talked to Fed Ex and USPS, and both their vehicles have been fuller then Christmas. Fed Ex was filled up with what looked like TV's and laptops.
Work had been fully staffed, but with shorter hours, I've been the one working full time, unfortunately. We have been around 90% of normal business, but we increased to much more then normal. (the news and some big purchases with us) So as of last week, I think I am passed my normal OT hours.
Currently, May 3rd, the state shutdown stops (so if they have my friends funeral, all 30 members of the town could show up). My county stay is in effect until at least the 15th, and we have received some guidelines they are planning on implementing. (10% of your maximum occupancy, or 10 people, whichever is more)
We expect it to stay similar to how it is for a bit, but I am hoping it drops off some as people venture elsewhere (so I could get some time off).
rosarugosa
4-30-20, 6:34am
As more solid information comes out, it's become apparent to me that it will be a while -- several months -- before we approach something that looks like the old "normal". So I've been adapting some.
I've turned down a cabin weekend with friends in a couple of weeks. It's just too soon for me to feel comfortable going. We can say we'll sit six feet apart at the campfire, but I'll guarantee the six-foot rule will be violated often. Gotta pass on this one.
I'm trying to figure out what kinds of projects I can work on and get done. Emptying a closet is rewarding; moving the stuff to be recycled or given away to clutter another part of the house -- because there's no place to take it now -- is not. It just feels like moving the problem, not solving it.
In addition to the good ideas people mentioned here for interacting with our grandkids from a distance, their mom heard about an app called Caribu that lets parents and grands and kids share activities (reading, drawing, etc.) while watching each other participate, so we'll check into that, too.
Some days are better than others. Some days I kind of wonder if what I'm doing is how I want to spend the last part of my life. Other days the virus is barely an impediment to what I'm doing. It's a new normal which will precede a newer normal. It was going to be a strange time in my life, anyway, with so many "occupations" coming to an end and with DW's retirement. To add the limitations of the coronavirus makes it harder to adapt easily.
Steve: I had done some closet culling and offered up a few items on our local FB giving page. It took a little more effort than a drop off at a thrift store, but definitely felt more gratifying. It also gave me a little bit of a social feel-good something that's a little harder to come by these days, although the interactions were online and a wave out the window. Just a thought.
DH left his part-time job at the end of March since we are high-risk, and we decided the exposure wasn't worth it. He also said if we're going to die, he would rather be home with me for the last part of our lives. I agree and although I deplore the circumstances, we are pretty contented here at home.
DMC, I was just this moment going to put out a call for those who have not received their gubmnt stim check who believe they are getting one.
We have not received one. Who else has not?
I do not want to inquire because I do not want to add to any overburdened gubmnt communication tools because those channels should be left for people in need. I just wanted a figure, a dollar amount. Don’t need the actual dollars.
i got mine today, it was reduced because we made more than the 150, but my understanding is it’s just a rebate on 2020 taxes. So if I come in under 150 this year I can get more free money. Or am I just getting a little more of my money back?
my dad got his yesterday also, and I didn’t even send in his taxes yet. He got the full $1200.
iris lilies
4-30-20, 10:59am
i got mine today, it was reduced because we made more than the 150, but my understanding is it’s just a rebate on 2020 taxes. So if I come in under 150 this year I can get more free money. Or am I just getting a little more of my money back?
my dad got his yesterday also, and I didn’t even send in his taxes yet. He got the full $1200.
what? It is a rebate on 2020 taxes? I dont know what to think about that. I think I will NOT think about it, I am tired of living my life to maximize tax breaks. Our income bounces around...low in 2018...high in 2019...middle in 2020.
It’s based on 2020, so get that income below the 150k this year for the full amount,
https://www.forbes.com/sites/advisor/2020/04/06/dont-worry-the-1200-stimulus-payment-wont-cut-into-your-tax-refund-next-april/#4379682d5ea8
gimmethesimplelife
4-30-20, 12:42pm
what? It is a rebate on 2020 taxes? I dont know what to think about that. I think I will NOT think about it, I am tired of living my life to maximize tax breaks. Our income bounces around...low in 2018...high in 2019...middle in 2020.If it's a rebate on 2020 taxes, why are non- filers getting the $1,200 too, given that they don't pay taxes? It's also considered non-taxable money so I've read. Rob
gimmethesimplelife
4-30-20, 12:45pm
Steve: I had done some closet culling and offered up a few items on our local FB giving page. It took a little more effort than a drop off at a thrift store, but definitely felt more gratifying. It also gave me a little bit of a social feel-good something that's a little harder to come by these days, although the interactions were online and a wave out the window. Just a thought.
DH left his part-time job at the end of March since we are high-risk, and we decided the exposure wasn't worth it. He also said if we're going to die, he would rather be home with me for the last part of our lives. I agree and although I deplore the circumstances, we are pretty contented here at home.Your husband sounds like a keeper.....depressing words but given the circumstances, very beautiful and kind. Rob
I believe the stimulus is an advance on a tax break. I’m told our refund for next year won’t change.
iris lilies
4-30-20, 1:29pm
Rosa, one of my friends, over 70 years old, has a hisband who works part time st a grocery store. He is no younger than she is. She begged him to stop. He will not.
she says she has him Strip down when he walks in the door every day, and she put his clothes in the washing machine. She wiped down the soles of his shoes. She won’t get close to him.
I don’t get the thinking, I just don’t. They are not in real need of the money, she says. Their property is pretty fancy so if they have to work jobs to keep it up I would say they made some choices that are not choices I would make
I suppose some people, for some reason, just like to work.
I would understand if you were making art or scientific discoveries, or something--but stocking shelves?
Purportedly, it's a social thing. Or maybe habit. But when you're playing Russian roulette with your health, it's even less understandable to me.
early morning
4-30-20, 3:40pm
IL, we both qualify for the full amount of stimulus checks but do not have the money. When I log into the IRS site there is no place for me to input direct deposit info. We have not filed 2019 but did file 2018 - we do not generally get a federal refund, we owe just a bit. I guess we'll have to wait and see what happens. We could use the money but it's not imperative, so waiting will not kill us, but I'm confused as to why we can't put our bank info into the IRS site.
My husband cannot wait to get back to his volunteering at Habitat and to build wheelchair ramps for another group. But it is 95% outside, they will wear masks and do not work in huge groups on his projects. Wont be until June at earliest. He needs it for social interaction and physical work. His work is all outside the house envelope so even better.
gimmethesimplelife
4-30-20, 4:23pm
Interesting development. I was out and about picking up meds for my Mother when a reporter from Channel 12 news aporoached me and asked if I was open to answering some questions regarding the lockdown extension. I may be on the Channel 12 news tonight and without even thinking I answered honestly and said kind things about the Governor (a Republican). I hope I don't pay for this socially in the neighborhood should I make the cut and get on TV. We'll see. Regardless, I stand by my kind comments regarding the Governor. Rob
gimmethesimplelife
4-30-20, 4:25pm
Should have been approached above. Rob
I suppose some people, for some reason, just like to work.
I would understand if you were making art or scientific discoveries, or something--but stocking shelves?
I learned long ago that there is a certain nobility to the work that's necessary to keep the trains running and a pride that comes with doing it well. That kind of work rarely gets acclaim, but when it's not being done, people notice. Quickly.
I agree that the health exposure someone in their 70s is creating should be part of their decision, but I can see IL's friend choosing to work both for the occupation and for the ability to make someone else's day when they reach for whatever he has put on the shelf.
When I log into the IRS site there is no place for me to input direct deposit info.
Here's a hack that worked for me- try putting your address in ALL CAPS. I heard it on NPR's Marketplace the other day and finally was able to get in after a couple of weeks of trying.
Regarding the IRS website: I just tried again two days ago, and I was finally able to get in and put in my information and it was all accepted. So I guess the message is, just keep trying. I kept getting that error code "We don't recognize you" or something like that.. but it finally went through.
Hasn't hit the bank yet, but I have it filed.
The behavior I will never understand are people like friends of my sister, a couple. Both are 70 years old, one has HBP and the other is morbidly obese. They live in San Diego and apparently just across the border on the Baja peninsula there's a big outbreak going currently that is swamping hospitals on both sides of the border. This couple decided that they 'need' to go to Mexico to visit one of their sisters, who also is in her 70's and has health issues. How is that in any way rational behavior?
Meanwhile, back here in my little part of the world I'm finally starting to feel better about things. My zip code still has only 27 reported cases out of 48,000 residents, and no new cases for 4 days now. And testing in the city is finally including a decent number of people who haven't shown symptoms, so hopefully we'll be getting to the point where we can start relaxing some of the restrictions on activity because we can actually test and contain new outbreaks before they become major.
The behavior I will never understand are people like friends of my sister, a couple. Both are 70 years old, one has HBP and the other is morbidly obese. They live in San Diego and apparently just across the border on the Baja peninsula there's a big outbreak going currently that is swamping hospitals on both sides of the border. This couple decided that they 'need' to go to Mexico to visit one of their sisters, who also is in her 70's and has health issues. How is that in any way rational behavior?
Meanwhile, back here in my little part of the world I'm finally starting to feel better about things. My zip code still has only 27 reported cases out of 48,000 residents, and no new cases for 4 days now. And testing in the city is finally including a decent number of people who haven't shown symptoms, so hopefully we'll be getting to the point where we can start relaxing some of the restrictions on activity because we can actually test and contain new outbreaks before they become major.
DH and I are pushing 70, and he states to everyone that he checks off all the boxes of people at risk. Despite the fact that he beats up his body in many ways, he has been religious about his quarantine. He always says "I could die of a lot of things, but I don't want to die of this virus!" We still haven't seen our grandkids 30 minutes away. We don't go anywhere without masks. We haven't been to a "real" store since mid-March. So point being, yes if you are 70-ish, it's a good idea to listen to the experts.
gimmethesimplelife
4-30-20, 8:35pm
Here's a hack that worked for me- try putting your address in ALL CAPS. I heard it on NPR's Marketplace the other day and finally was able to get in after a couple of weeks of trying.What we did that worked? We inputted direct deposit information on the IRS non-filers site even though we file. 15 days later we received the stimulus money. And to different accounts than used for prior tax filing. Just a hack that worked in this case. Rob
Jp1 I hope you do get back to normal soon. Didn't California shut down first? If so and that strategy works it should be able to open up first.
We've now gone in a couple of weeks from 1 in 8 workers unemployed to 1 in 6 and already some businesses deciding to shut down permanently. If California could reopen it would be a light at the end of the tunnel for the rest of us.
gimmethesimplelife
4-30-20, 8:57pm
Update: A star is born?
Totally kidding. I did make the Channel 12 5 PM news. Thankfully, all they aired was my quote that Arizona was not yet ready to reopen. So I don't have to worry about social consequences from the neighbors. Sometimes I really do have a big mouth, it's true. I should not have been disloyal in front of a TV camera like that but luckily, nothing will come of it.
SO and in laws are proud of me. My Mom told me I was impressive and handsome - but she's biased being my Mother. And Carlos, the roofer down the street said I need to be on TV more - he says I get my point across well and very directly. Whatever. I will not be watching myself at 6 PM should they reair my clip. Rob
ApatheticNoMore
4-30-20, 9:09pm
Why CA won't open up immediately if for no other reasons (although there are other reasons) is the southern part of the state although some of that is every nursing home seems infected or something, the bay area is no longer the epicenter of coranavirus in CA. And there is still minimal testing (less than 1% of the population). But a lot is still done on the local level in terms of shut downs.
Just missed the 6 pm news. Shoot. I wanted to look for you.
gimmethesimplelife
4-30-20, 9:38pm
Just missed the 6 pm news. Shoot. I wanted to look for you.My friend from my NAU days in Scottsdale called and told me I also made the 6 PM news. This time Ibwas among a few clips of other people they interviewed. I cringe at the thought of viewing myself on TV so I can't tell you my take on how I came across. But Thank You for wanting to see me - I still wonder if we have not crossed paths at some point but just not known we were. Rob
Teacher Terry
4-30-20, 9:43pm
Rob, it’s not disloyal to tell the truth. I am a democrat but we have had some great Republican governors. In 23 years the only bad governor was Gibbons. Congrats!
As others have mentioned the southern part of CA is still struggling, and nursing homes/assisted living facilities seem to be out of control still. But with those exceptions the bay area generally is doing ok. Acting early seems to have done exactly what it was supposed to do. Completely flattened the curve. Bit by bit things are going to start opening back up here. Starting monday a bunch of the hiking parks south of the city are re-opening. I'm actually confident enough about where we are that I may take a midweek day off during next week so I can get out and go for a really long hike.
As long as people are generally not traveling out of their regions I'm optimistic about life here gradually returning to some semblance of normal. If we start letting people from florida/tennesee/georgia/etc come here I'll go back to bunkering down until there's a vaccine.
Normal is definitely going to change though. A friend was telling me that her employer (a major insurance brokerage) is expecting that because of social distancing recommendations they will only be allowing 25% of people in the office at any one time. Since everyone can work from home this is doable. The whole "open office/jam everyone into as tight of a space as possible" concept is likely completely dead at this point.
I drove from suburban Chicago to OH today to dive this weekend. Still within my region - Midwest. Chicago is a hot spot, but with the population density and some folks having parties in the city, numbers there keep going up.
I’m far suburban Cook County. I don’t know anyone first hand with the virus. We’ll be social distancing on the surface. The drive was lovely. About 5 hours but I love being on the road with my favorite music loud. It was very therapeutic. I love driving and have missed it.
jp1 - hope you can get out for a hike. Getting out for a bike ride has been great for my mood. Blows away the cobwebs.
gimmethesimplelife
4-30-20, 10:41pm
As others have mentioned the southern part of CA is still struggling, and nursing homes/assisted living facilities seem to be out of control still. But with those exceptions the bay area generally is doing ok. Acting early seems to have done exactly what it was supposed to do. Completely flattened the curve. Bit by bit things are going to start opening back up here. Starting monday a bunch of the hiking parks south of the city are re-opening. I'm actually confident enough about where we are that I may take a midweek day off during next week so I can get out and go for a really long hike.
As long as people are generally not traveling out of their regions I'm optimistic about life here gradually returning to some semblance of normal. If we start letting people from florida/tennesee/georgia/etc come here I'll go back to bunkering down until there's a vaccine.
Normal is definitely going to change though. A friend was telling me that her employer (a major insurance brokerage) is expecting that because of social distancing recommendations they will only be allowing 25% of people in the office at any one time. Since everyone can work from home this is doable. The whole "open office/jam everyone into as tight of a space as possible" concept is likely completely dead at this point.Just curious, jp1. Do you think many office workers will miss "normal" office life? I find this an intriguing question as for myself, office work sets my teeth on edge. It's not a good fit for me - but working from home would alleviate a lot of what I don't like about office work. I wonder if others see it this way? Rob
ApatheticNoMore
4-30-20, 11:07pm
I do worry they are going to force us back to the office, they have not extended lockdown yet, and if we have to wear masks 40 hours a week that will be pretty annoying too. Look um I wear mask at the grocery and stuff ok I wear them. But 40 hours isn't a trip to the grocery store, and it just seems COMPLETELY POINTLESS when one can work from home in the comfort of one's home at LESS RISK than going to the office in even the best possible mask. Now the VPN is bad and no priority for anyone to fix apparently (guess they don't plan on us working from home anymore than legally necessary), but one works around it.
APM, a mask at the office would be SO annoying. Ridiculous they won’t fix the VPN.
Just curious, jp1. Do you think many office workers will miss "normal" office life? I find this an intriguing question as for myself, office work sets my teeth on edge. It's not a good fit for me - but working from home would alleviate a lot of what I don't like about office work. I wonder if others see it this way? Rob
My completely informal opinion about this is that there are two groups of people. The first group are people like me. Introvertish people who mostly like working from home but like also getting out for meetings from time to time. (I took 9 work trips between past June and February. Yes, I work from home full time but the reality is that before covid I didn’t just sit at my desk 5 days a week week after week) Let me leave the house once in a while and I’ll be good with continued working from home.
The second group are working from home ‘under duress’. They would much rather work in an office. At my old employer I had a lot of coworkers in NYC. Basically none of them liked working from home during hurricane sandy. They all lived in typically tiny nyc apartments and both liked the socialness of working in an office and the ‘not being stuck in my tiny apartmentness’ of getting away from home every day.
ApatheticNoMore
5-1-20, 12:30am
One thing about working at home and somewhat later hours is I'm never tired anymore well except when it's time to sleep (they staggered the shifts initially for less people in the office but also for the poor VPN if we went to work from home >8) - that's why later hours)).
So many times I'd get home from work exhausted, just crushed with fatigue, from all my jobs, later hours with long commutes didn't help, early hours with shorter commutes didn't help, but not anymore. At this point I just want the covid crisis under control and to work from home until then. But yea working from home even with no covid, I could totally get used to it (and more than used to it with no covid as I could hit a coffee place for a break sometimes instead of being very stuck at home), but doesn't mean very many employers would allow it. At my previous job where I was a contractor the full time employees worked from home, but contractors forget it - they had to come to the office, and they loved my work as a contractor, I had fans, but there was no path into that place as a full time employee.
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