That said we are DINK, so results may vary. However most of my coworkers with kids have figured out some sort of childcare arrangement and are happier than before. Several coworkers with small children are cherishing the extra time bonding that they would never have had before.
The people suffering are those who were probably struggling before - two income households who needed public schools open as a form of free daycare.
Also a lot of extroverts & type-a managers imagining they are suffering because it's harder to BS, appear busy and politic from home.
The only downside is that we live in a relatively small (900 sq ft) condo that does not have a balcony and does not get much sunlight, so my wife and I get cabin fever. We also take the pandemic serious enough that we do not venture out except for absolute necessities. We've decided our next place to live will be detached housing, or at least an apartment with a large balcony.
In terms of social life, this isn't a problem though since we are both introverts. We only have a handful of close friends, and most of them are also taking the pandemic seriously enough that they are likewise bunkering in at their homes.
So, I wouldn't say we're necessarily thriving, but we're doing the best we can to see the silver linings and I’m thankful that I’m able to work at home.
Our first was born this past June, and while it hasn't been easy—FYI TO ANYONE READING, BABIES ARE A LOT OF WORK—I feel like this pandemic couldn't have come at a better time, if it had to come at all.
There will be a point soon, I'm sure, where I may start to feel he's missing out on building relationships with other toddlers and trusted adults. But for now, all things considered, we can't really complain.
I need a lot of dedicated focus when I'm writing code, which I've spent much more time doing lately. Having a dedicated space for this really helps. I still miss travelling and having as much time for myself as I did then, but I also really like being able to spend more time with my wife.
(I also like having the office because I need a commute; being in our apartment all day was a huge letdown in the past, even with walks and such.)
The biggest positive change for me has been eliminating my commute, which usually takes 2-3 hours per day. I've used that time for weightlifting and have stuck with it 3-5 (usually 5) days a week since March. I have also been able to get more sleep due to not needing to get up as early to commute to work.
Beyond that, I have a much easier time focusing in my home office. Most workplaces are loud and distracting. Peopling walking by or having impromptu conversations by your desk is a major distraction that seems to happen every day in an office.
Do you know anyone who has really made the most (in an unexpectedly exceeding way) of this crisis? Personally all I can say positive is that I ride my bike far more than I ever have in my entire life.
That means I want now to change my job. Remote FTW!
2020 was one of the best years of my life!
I find that I exercise more regularly as the logistics are easier - no need to try and get up at 6AM for a class, or forget my running shoes, or try to lock my bike up securely. Everything I need is here at home.
With more time at home I've had the opportunity to improve my cooking which I've always wanted to do and the extra time with my partner has been great.
Downtimes have been learning to live with less alone time; whilst my partner and I are comfortable and do things separately its not quite the same alone as say a full day WFH whilst they were out for dinner or in the office.
Seeing my family in person less often is not ideal but I've compensated with video chats and in the process I now talk to my family more frequently and with more of them. I'd say that is a positive.
I see people on sites like instagram that seem to need to demonstrate how they have used this situation to somehow radically change their lives with extreme diets or levels of fitness etc. which is unrealistic expectations. For me its been about gradually doing more of the good and less of the bad, and overall found a good balance.
But the truth is I have thrived for kind of a dumb reason. I have been paranoid all my life and by the time Covid hit I was ready for everything. Somehow the fact that my family was totally prepared lifted me out of a depression I have been in for a long time.
To be clear, it is not that I am happy others are hurting. I think there was some kind of unconscious bit flipping where my slightly embarrassing habit of expecting the worst paid off.
Also I sold my office and bought an insanely beautiful farm 5 minutes from my house so I am over the moon about that.
Do I feel fortunate for my situation? Absolutely. But at the same time I worked my way up from a helpdesk-like position for $12 an hour to where I am now 25+ years later. I have earned this and then some.
I've never really though of it as anything but a positive. I don't have to drive to work. I can take a break when I want and start late and work late (or early) if I want.
I code so not getting interrupted or distracted and having a quiet place to work is a huge plus.
I've always been comfortable with solitude though. It's a lack of it that wears on me.
The important distinction for us i think is that we both have offices. Easily closing up as needed.
I do regret that the time-saving came at the cost of such damage to the economy, and to people working e.g. restaurant and hair salon jobs.
moved to the Appalachia’s