We're back in the office full time this week, although numbers are still high and no one wears their mask appropriately. Fun, depressing fact: I work for public health. My employer has also made it clear they will offer no flexibility for childcare, even if a child must quarantine, and they don't care about us carrying COVID home to our families. So, I've decided to quit. My last day is Friday. I don't have a new job yet, but I have a few interviews lined up (all remote positions). After this pandemic, I'm not going to waste my time in an organization that doesn't care about my health (while they should!).
November 12, 2021
After the pandemic.... I wonder if we'll gradually go back to what was, and 'forget' what happened. There's been some writing on the 1918 pandemic, and how it seemed to disappear form the collective memory, with very little written after it. No, of course, with social media and the internet, it seems likely much will linger. However -two things occur to me... if you've ever gotten a speeding ticket, you'll be aware that for a few days or a few weeks afterwards, you drive carefully, within the limits. Then after awhile, you return to whatever your habits were before. Similarly, if you've ever had a life threatening event or a close friend or family member with one - and accident, medical illness, etc. For a time, you think, "I'll be so grateful and mindful and fully appreciative of this life, so I don't waste a moment!" And sure, for a while, you are.... but it's hard to live in that continuously, perpetually - eventually, you gain enough distance and become mired in the day to day of life:what's for dinner, did I pay the electric bill, etc. It's hard to maintain/continue the immediate sensibilities of these events. So, I think some will remain, but probably much will not.
June 6, 2021