People Share What They’ve Learned From Social Isolation

Social distancing can be hard. Many of us are used to getting up, going to work, coming home, going to bed, rinse and repeat- and all the while interacting with a bunch of different people. But, suddenly – unless you’re an essential worker – you’re not going to work anymore. Now, you have to work from home – if you even get to work, at all.

Yet, whether you’re home because you want to be, or home because you have to be, there’s no doubt that there are many lessons you can learn from living in self-quarantine. From discovering a hidden love of cooking, to the joy of reconnecting with your spouse and children, people have turned a challenging global situation into opportunities of all kinds. Here are stories from people who’ve learned some pretty valuable things from social isolation…

A Culinary Wake-Up Call

I’ve learned how much food I actually waste on a regular basis. I always thought we did pretty well with not buying too many groceries or making too much, ordering too much, etc. How wrong I was. I set a goal for our household that we’d use up all of our leftovers before making new stuff. It forced me to be creative and experiment in the kitchen.

It really shows you how long your pantry/fridge can actually last you. Plus, it’s been a wake-up call on how much I really can make from scratch. The store’s out of bread? No biggie. I can make some. No pasta? No worries, as long as I have eggs, I can make that, too. No avocados? Well, I’ll have to live without them, or remember to save the seed from the next one I’m able to buy. How long do they take to grow? Reddit user: casual_zeemo

I Married Right

I found out that I married the right person. We’ve been self isolating for two weeks now and being with him makes the biggest difference to my overall happiness. I have pretty high anxiety even at the best of times, and I’ve just been sitting here this week waiting to lose my job, and feeling very far away from my aging parents who aren’t really taking this very seriously.

He’s been my lifeline the whole time. Just having him here makes me feel at ease and able to let go of the things I can’t control. And we’ve been having a total blast locked up together. We’ve talked a lot about what we’d like to do with our lives together, and we’ve come up with some pretty great plans that we’re really hoping we can put into action sooner rather than later. Reddit user: [redacted]

My Work Means A Lot To Me

I didn’t realize how much my work defined who I am. I’m a barber and after a week and a half of not doing it, I feel very incomplete. As cheesy as it may sound, it’s my art form and it gives my life a lot of meaning. I’m very hopeful, though, that I’ll make it through this and be able to do it again.

My buddy is a dentist, and says it’s weird to be in healthcare but deemed ‘non-essential’ (he’s definitely also thankful that he got shut down during this time since he’s at high risk due to aerosols). We both miss our clients and the work, but it’s made us realize that we have no hobbies except for working. We’ll have to discuss this at our next Zoom hang-out. Reddit user: dacengavind

Kids Are Playing Outside Again

How much happier of a society we’d have if people didn’t have to work so much. Where I live, people are out exercising, walking with family, kids playing in the backyards. Normally it’s quiet and you don’t see anyone ever. Kids are either at school or doing homework, and both parents work. It’s sad, really. We need to slow down and design a society where we don’t have to work 40 hours or more a week to survive. It’s just not a balanced way to live.

I really, really hope that companies realize that allowing people to work at home is not only more efficient – if you’ve got the right amount of discipline, you can get more done faster – but that it makes for happier, more willing employees. Another plus would be that, if they could cut down on rented office space, they might even be able to pay more. Just a thought. Reddit user: Monsterrain33

The Same Hermit-Like Behavior

I’ve learned how much my best friend means to me. I heard his voice after a week at home. We’re both very introverted, so we don’t call that much. So when we finally found a game to play together, our first interaction was mostly just us talking about how much we missed each other, and how good it was to hear a friendly voice.

Otherwise, though, I’m not really having that hard of a time with the isolation. But, now that I can’t go out just because, I really, really want to. Like Chick-fil-a on a Sunday. You don’t want it until you can’t have it. But, who am I kidding? I’m going to be doing a lot of the same hermit-like things once this is all over, and life is a little more like it used to be. Reddit user: [redacted]

How Big Of An Impact We Have On The Planet

I’m amazed at how quickly the environment has bounced back during this period of isolation. I think we should make a one week holiday for everyone – a complete world shut down – for one week each year. If this is what can happen in just a short amount of time, just imagine what we could do with a few months of it. So many people are just now realizing the massive impact we have on the planet.

Also, I already felt this but, we’re so mortal, so fragile, and not invincible. Some people forget that we’re flesh and blood, we’re not gods. The fact that those in power (as well as some celebrities) have caught the virus shot down our belief in their invincibility, or that their power could somehow stop them from catching it. You might even call it the great equalizer. Reddit user: Orpheus1996

I’ll Be Choosing Better Heroes

I don’t hold professional sports athletes in such a high level of prestige as I did before. Not just the athletes, but just professional sports in general. Not that I don’t at all anymore, but I now hold a lot more respect for those who are actually making tomorrow possible: grocery store employees, teachers, truck drivers, nurses, etc.

I know I’ll come out of this with my priorities in better order than before, and be a lot more choosy about who my idols are. Are they someone who’s actually contributing to a better future, or are they a temporary player on a field? I’ll still enjoy sports. I miss watching it, but I never realized just how much my life revolved around it. Reddit user: ArmchairSeahawk

My Boss Really Cares

I found out that my bosses actually care. The CEO cried when he told us that we were switching to a skeleton crew, with the majority of people going home for two weeks. My manager came up to me and apologized for sending me home. You could tell they were both heartbroken. Yes, they’re losing money, but the heaviness of the decision to send people home was felt. It was bittersweet.

I know a lot of people are finding out that the companies they work for are less-than-concerned about their health, but I’m lucky that I’m not one of them. It makes me that much sadder it had to be done, but that much prouder to work for the company that I do. I know when this all clears up, I’ll get my job back, too. That’s a lot more than many others can say. Reddit user: [fakingitsloan]

My Boss Doesn’t Care

My boss couldn’t care less about his employees’ health and safety, nor does he trust any of us. We could easily work from home. He can afford to give us paid sick leave, but doesn’t. There was an employee who came into work every day for over a week that was sick with the flu once. There are at least two employees with compromised immune systems that I know of. Boss doesn’t care. It’s all about the money.

One of those two began exhibiting flu-like symptoms. Having a compromised immune system, he went to his doctor right away. He was told to self quarantine. He’s now out of work for an indefinite amount of time with no pay. This man already lives paycheck-to-paycheck due to his medical expenses. We just found out that he tested positive for COVID-19 Choose your employer wisely, and not just based on the paycheck. Reddit user: dyam

You Don’t Need Equipment To Have A Great Workout

I’ve grown accustomed to taking 3-5 group workout classes at various studios near my home every week for the past two years. Prior to that, I was a regular at my local gym. When things went into lockdown, I didn’t know what to do with myself for the first two days, until I realized that YouTube was probably littered with useful ideas.

I found a few online group classes, and in the last week alone I’ve done Zumba, pilates, yoga, and body-weight training. I’m determined to not let this lockdown leave me with a body that looks vastly different than the one I had prior to all of this. There’s really no excuse for not staying in shape during this time, as there are some truly amazing classes online, and even some live Zoom training sessions. Reddit User: [Redacted]

I’ve Reconnected With My Family

Betting on sports was consuming more of my life than I realized. It was robbing me of quality time with my family after work. Even when I made an effort to not be checking my phone for score updates every five minutes, I was never fully engaged with my wife and kids because of the pending bet or bets in the back of my mind. It owned me.

Now that there are no sports to bet on, I’ve found myself really connecting with my wife and kids on a level I haven’t been able to do in months, and it’s amazing. In this regard, I’m thankful for the forced break in sports, and the time to reflect and see how all-consuming it actually was. Not going back there. Never, ever. Reddit user: [redacted]

We Can Do So Much From Home

I’ve learned that we can accomplish a lot more remotely than what we imagined. I’m the director of a home health agency, and all of our staff has been working remotely for the past two weeks. Visiting disciplines start and end from home, so there’s no need for a central location. It’s been incredibly efficient, and is making me wonder why we’re paying rent for a building.

If there’s one thing I’ll take away from this, when everything goes back to some version of the way things used to be, it’s that I can trust my employees to do their jobs. I can trust that they care enough about what they do to still be able to do it even when home is their home base. Plus, not having to rent a building will result in an increase in wages for them. Why rent a building when I can just pay for premium Zoom? Reddit user: _ER_Murse_

Nothing Is Certain

I’ve learned that many of us (myself included) run on the illusion that everything will be fine, that we’ll always be able to keep living as we previously had been. But it’s completely wrong, and things can change very suddenly. We don’t expect huge things to disturb our lives in any way, but there are plenty of things that are capable of turning our world upside-down.

Even as I knew the pandemic was coming, and talked with my classmates about needing more strict measures (cancelling sporting events, big gatherings, and all those things), it was always so distant, so ethereal. We talked about statistics and numbers, with no measurable effects on our lives. Of course, we were saddened by the tragedies we heard about, but there was some kind of disconnection between what was on the news and our daily lives. It’s a strange kind of feeling.

But, it didn’t feel tangible or real until a few days after the isolation started. As we had to cancel our graduation trip, we had to worry about our exams, setting up online classes, what’s going to happen, and all that. It started to sink in that this was a huge, unprecedented event. Options for the future aren’t limited to those written in history books, and what’ll happen tomorrow is uncertain. Reddit user: Bellidkay1109

There’s No Structure

Loss of structure in school/work leads to downward spirals in depression. Professors are struggling to provide adequate information, and have more difficult tests since they’re taken home, which leads to a huge disconnect for the students. My university hasn’t provided any real structure or guidelines for the professors to abide by, so it’s all over the place.

To make it worse, only a handful of professors are doing Zoom meetings. This is all spiraling into thoughts of possibly not graduating this semester.  My mom’s dying wish is for me to walk across the stage for my college graduation but, with all this going on, my university wants to do virtual graduations. My mom is heartbroken. Reddit user: gigglebox9000

I Appreciate Stocked Store-Shelves

I learned that I took so many things for granted, like going to restaurants and just being able to go to a supermarket without worrying about what they may or may not have. Grocery stores not having certain things threw me off, too. All of the cheap, store brand ice cream is gone. There were a few of the less popular flavors of the Breyers (at 2x the price) and whatnot, but nothing I liked.

Also, bread crumbs were gone, which seemed really strange to me. Why breadcrumbs? I guess I can just make my own, but still – I was going to make meatballs. I know I still can; I’ve been looking up recipes. Anyways, I know they’ll restock, and I can always find workarounds, but it’s still a very weird feeling to see all of those empty shelves. Reddit user: [redacted]

It Makes You Appreciate What You Have

I’m from Singapore and COVID-19 made me look at things in the bigger picture. While many of us are spoiled by our relatively efficient healthcare, we fail to see how badly affected the other regions of the world are (overwhelmed hospitals, people on the verge of bankruptcy, people having to choose between potential demise by virus or potential demise by poverty). Even supposed First World countries are struggling.

We failed to see how lucky we are – because we don’t need to worry about our day-to-day survival, we can focus on working from home, or social distancing; but there are so many who don’t have that choice, who must still work to provide for their families, or are considered essential. And so, COVID-19 made me appreciate what I have much more than I ever did. Reddit user: silentstar_

We Could Treat The Earth A Lot Better

I’m learning how poorly we treat our planet. I mean, I’ve never seen the roadsides so clean in my whole life now that there aren’t so many people throwing trash out of their cars on their way to and from work. Or, now that we’re not pumping so many emissions into the air because our cars aren’t constantly on the road. Plus, it’s making me realize that, yes, I can just walk to the store – it’s literally across the street.

Also, that I’m a workaholic and I’m addicted to the system. When I work, I’m stressed. When I don’t, I’m even more stressed. I’ve been breaking out in hives since my first day of “quarantine.” I literally don’t know how to do anything else. But, it’s mainly how terrible we are to our one and only home, the Earth- and this simply has to change. Reddit user: lagandhi

Working From Home Helps Me Enjoy People More

Being in an open office all day was killing my appetite for social interaction. I’m an introvert and the office environment just stressed me out too much. I’d come back home from a day at work and just be completely mentally and emotionally exhausted. I love my work, but being around and having to interact with people constantly was extremely difficult for me.

We’ve been working remotely for a while. Now I’m actually excited at the chance to talk to others, including my coworkers. I’m starting to get to know a few of them that I’d previously have tried to limit contact with, simply because I’d already talked to so many other people. I hope, beyond hope, that our company sees just how much happier and effective some of us can be working from home. Reddit user: rxan

I Actually Liked Going Out

I’ve learned that I maybe need to go out for my own mental health. I self isolate a lot (well, most days) because of depression. Now that everything is closed, though, and there’s nothing to do or look forward to, I miss it and am even more bored. When I could’ve done things, I didn’t. Now that I can’t, I miss them.

I know that might sound pretty selfish with all this going on, but being able to look forward to a nice dinner with a friend, or going to the movies, was a huge bright point in my life. Now, I’m scared to even go to the park to take a walk. I don’t know, maybe I’ll invite a friend to “meet” me at the park and go for a social distance walk. At least it’d be something to look forward to. Reddit user [redacted]

Fragile Supply Chains

Our manufacturing and supply chains are really fragile. We rely so heavily on other countries that we may not even be capable of bringing those manufacturing jobs and businesses back here. We need to bring this back closer to the consumers. Since there’s no technological reason to have them far away, it’s just down to cost – and corporations wanting to see the most profit possible.

I study engineering and have work in manufacturing. These chains are insanely fragile for no other reason than so we could sell cheap items and make huge profit margins. I feel really idealistic right now, and I’m not even saying that importing goods from other countries is bad, but if the world shuts down, we might be out of luck. Reddit user: sinistercheese

Their Money Is Worth More Than My Life

I’ve come to realize that the company I work for, which prides itself on being an extremely family oriented company, thinks that the value of a dollar is more important than their employees’ lives, and the lives of their employees’ families. With their absolutely disgusting behavior and horrible handling of the virus and situation as a whole, more than half of the plant will be looking for another job once everything opens back up.

Companies who say stuff like, “we love you guys, you’re family” are sometimes just full of it. When your only connection is a financial one, rather than love or blood, how can they realistically be expected to look out for you when it comes down to it? There are places out there that do care, and they spend more time showing it and less time talking about it. Judge your employer based on actions, not words. Reddit user: Kotterman21

The Backbone Of Society

I’ve learned that grocery store, gas station, and food service employees should be making more than they have been. If they’re essential personnel, then they should be paid as such. I’ve also realized that these workers are the true backbone of the U.S. economy. Without them continuing to operate, we’d all be truly doomed. How long would you last without the grocery store?

I’ve also realized that, if it really came to it, I’d never be able to feed myself. I have no idea how to garden. Obviously, I’d have to learn, but what happens in the meantime? I guess it’s time to look into starting a new hobby, huh? But, it’s more than just that; we rely on the sorely under-compensated workers to make our lives comfortable. I’m shocked they haven’t staged a revolt. Reddit user: JRocketts210

I’ve Missed Out On A Lot

Honestly? Maybe how much of life I’m missing out on. As weird as that sounds, I’m pretty much a homebody. I don’t go out much – maybe a couple times a month, if that. But it’s different when you choose not to go out. And when someone tells you it’s a good idea to stay inside because of a deadly virus, it’s weird.

But, when you live like I have, you miss out on a lot of things people enjoy, so when my stay at home order ends – because I have faith it will end and things will pick up again – I think I’d like to get back out there and start making new friends, because you never know what can happen. I don’t want to be that sad, lonely guy anymore if I can help it. Reddit user: NerdRageDawg

I Spent A Lot Of Time Commuting

If I’ve gotten one thing out of this, it’s realizing that my commute is insane. It’s incredible how much earlier I get my hours in when I’m working at home. I knew that I spend 90 to 120 minutes a day in my car, but it never really felt like it was actually that long. Now that I see what I can do at home in that amount of time, I don’t ever want to do that again.

I love that my kids are home with me all the time, and it’s incredible how much more time I have with them now. I guess I do usually work a very hard and long schedule. This has given me time to reassess my priorities in life. I’ll be pushing very, very hard to continue working from home once everything opens up again. I don’t want to miss any more of their lives. Reddit user: TheRedGlen

Some Perspective

Just how privileged I am. Don’t get me wrong – I have plenty that keeps me up at night. But compared to the trouble a lot of people are in, my worries are nothing. The US is full of people having to choose between risking their family’s health vs. risking eviction, and there are folks with parents in nursing homes who they can’t visit anymore.

People with chronic health conditions who’re terrified they’ll have a flare-up while the hospitals are full. Hospital workers who are living in their garages because there are PPE shortages at work and they’re afraid of infecting their families. I can’t imagine how much stress a lot of my neighbors are under right now, but I’m sure it’s a lot. It really puts things into perspective. Reddit user: cortechthorwaway

She’s My Best Friend

I really missed working with my wife. We worked at the same place for about four years and then each advanced in our careers, taking jobs at separate companies. We’re now both working from home, and it’s been nothing short of delightful. I’ve missed working with her so much more than I even realized. It’s nice to see my bestie at work every day.

She is truly my best friend, and I don’t think I’ll ever go back to working in a different office than her. Also, working from home and having our two dogs as office mates has been completely wonderful. They’re the best co-workers out there. Totally useless? Yes. But, they don’t gossip and don’t complain much, so we’ll keep them on the payroll. Reddit user: [redacted]

Our Planet Is Resilient

I’ve learned that the planet is far more resilient and able to recover than we ever thought possible. Waters are clearing up, the air is noticeably fresher, and wildlife is returning to places where they haven’t been seen in decades. I mean, just look at the goats that have taken over that town in Wales. They’re out there walking around like they own the place.

I believe this is an opportunity to change the way we do work as a society, to the betterment of employees, their families, and the environment. I believe we could see a renaissance on the other side of this, if only we will. I hope we do. I know I’ll be pushing hard at work to keep the work-from-home option available. Reddit user: Time_Mage_Prime

I Can Cook For Myself

I was eating a lot of takeout food. Almost exclusively, in fact. In the last week I’ve lost three pounds without even restricting my calories. I’m just eating food I prepared myself. It’s healthier, smaller portions, better tasting. Plus, it saves me so much money. Before all this, I saw cooking as a chore that I didn’t want to do.

Now, cooking is a hobby that I’m starting to enjoy. I’ve even tried making some of my favorite takeout dishes, and I’ve been totally blown away by how much better it tastes. Learning to make things myself has been a joy. I don’t know if it’s psychological – because of the effort I put into it – or if I’m really just that good. Probably the former, but still… Mind blown. Reddit user: fargmania

It’s A Great Time To Diversify Your Business

Once more for the people in the back: more jobs can be done remotely than you think. I’m sure every corporate IT department is stretched to capacity with people requesting to be set up to work from home, though. Suddenly an entire corporation that’s been sitting elbow-to-elbow can get the same things done remotely. This does, of course, depend on great leadership and trust.

It’s also a great way to see which businesses are essential and which aren’t. Some are adapting to remain or become relevant. I know of a flower delivery company that branched out into delivering groceries, as well. And Samsung did it, too. Diversify until you make it. I’m no expert in business or economics so don’t hold me to what I’m saying, but it sounds good. Reddit user: Saihils

Supply And Demand

I’ve learned that people honestly don’t understand how supply and demand works. Working at a grocery store and having to explain over and over again that we’re ordering toilet paper, paper towels, etc., but that the demand for these products has skyrocketed. And that warehouses and suppliers aren’t able to keep up with the demand, which is causing small shipments because they’re trying to get it out to everywhere, and not just our location.

Also, that there are more people in the world than in our little po-dunk town. So many people are used to only having to think about themselves, and are now seeing that they’re not the only ones that exist. For plenty, you can see the awakening on their faces. But, there are still some who’ll never change, and it’s probably the person blocking up an entire aisle at the store to touch every single jar of olives before picking the first one they touched. Reddit user: eltree

It’s Different In Person

I’m learning how different seeing people in person is to seeing them through your phone. How much I actually wanted my senior prom. If I get my prom I’m going to have the time of my life. I’m realizing how little time I have left to be young and have fun before it’s off to college, and then to join society as an educated new cog in the machine.

I also didn’t realize just how badly I need graduation to happen. I’ve been working relentlessly and struggling with school for 13 years because I got held back. My grandmother died in 2018 and all she wanted for me was to graduate. I’m still heartbroken over that. She was my best friend. Covid-19 is making me realize how much I love just being able to hug my friends, to just sit and talk with them. In person. Reddit user: rebpotato

I’m Not A Blank Sheet Of Paper

I’ve realized how much more I thrive when I have the chance to enjoy being outdoors in the afternoon. How depressed I get when I am stuck indoors all day. I suffer from depression, but one thing that really helps me weather the storms is being outside, either to work out or just to enjoy the fresh air and nature. It’s my happy place.

To clarify, I’ve recently had far more opportunities to take a long (and socially-distanced) afternoon walk, and it revitalizes me more than words could ever convey. Oh, and how much I love reading. I haven’t read a proper novel in years because of school. I’m starting to remember my identity after years of having felt like a blank sheet of paper. Reddit user: KikiDoesMath

We’re Making Memories

I realize that social distancing made no difference in my life. I have my wife and kids I hang out with, I walk my dogs, and go for hikes to get some photography in. Only difference is instead of sitting in my office at work, I am sitting in my office at home. So, I guess you could say that my lifestyle is social distancing.

It has improved my life, though. I’m less concerned about what everyone else is doing or thinking and more focused on my needs and the needs of my family. It’s allowed me to be more fully engaged in quality time, which helps me enjoy it that much more. I mean, we made a pizza from scratch the other night. I’d never have said “yes” to that before, too much could go wrong. But, now? Why not? Let’s do it. We’re making memories here. Reddit user: [redacted]

So Many Good People

I think I’ve learned that, even though there are plenty of not great people, there are so, so many wonderful people out there. Seeing the community efforts to bring much needed supplies to the vulnerable, and the dedication of healthcare workers working in unprecedented and dangerous circumstances (without proper PPE) shows to me that although the weirdoes will always make the headlines, there are selfless people out there.

When they first announced a stay-at-home order in my town, I immediately hit the grocery store. I was in awe of just how kind everyone was to each other. No shoving, no fighting over food. Just scared people getting what they needed and making room for others to get something, too. Like Bill Burr said, “You should never look into your neighbor’s bowl to see if they have more than you; you look to make sure they have enough.” Reddit user: dabhoys

It’s So Easy To Stay In Touch

I took a lot of things for granted. For example: I usually go out for drinks with small groups of different friends to catch up regularly. I’m still doing it with Google Hangouts, but I guess the concept of leaving for the night, getting ready, and being in a social atmosphere was really something I looked forward to, and miss very much. I can’t wait to do it again.

That being said, it’s made me realize just how easy it really is to connect with people who live far away. There’s really no reason why we can’t hop on Hangouts and chat. I did a video chat with my brother across the country for the first time. I hadn’t seen him in forever. Sure, it was a little weird, at first, but it was so comforting to talk to him. We’ve got another chat scheduled for tomorrow. Reddit user: mumbling_87

There Are Things I Never Needed To Do

I’ve slowed down for the first time in 40 years. I teach college online now, and realize there’s little to no need for standard college classrooms and lumbering, expensive campuses. I realize that a video visit is as good as a person-to-person conversation; it works, and my students are more than happy to meet me via Zoom.

I see love and compassion almost everywhere I go. So many things I did even a month ago, I see I never needed to do in the first place. Oh, and I really love my home, my yard, my sense of peace, the wind, and the hope of clear streams and never, ever going back to the old ways. I just hope this sense of peace and contentment is something I get to keep. Reddit user: friendswithdog

Working At Home Isn’t What I Thought

As much as I still think working from home is the future of my own career, it’s not at all what I thought it’d be. Before this, I’d work from home one or two days back-to-back at a time, then go back to the office like normal. With this, it’s been every day for two straight weeks, but I’ve been behaving as if I’ll be going back to work in a few days, and haven’t really tried to discipline myself at all.

This isn’t going to work out long-term if I keep doing it like I have been. It hasn’t changed my eventual goal, but it has changed how I think about it. I need to learn how to have more self-discipline, or working from home in the future is just going to be a nightmare, and I’ll pine for the office days. I don’t want that. Reddit user: seancurry1

What’s Truly Essential

I realized that I love touching my face. Like, a lot. I touch it when I’m not even thinking about it. What’s up with that? I also realized that my mom can get anxious. She never shows her stress in order to keep me from stressing too much. But, this morning she cried because she’s scared, and it scared me.

Also, people need to stay home. I work in a hardware store and we were deemed essential – home improvement stops for no virus, right? People come in just to look around because they have nothing better to do. Last I checked, Netflix was still going strong. I don’t know – read a book, or something, but do it at home where you’re not at any risk of what’s going on in the outside world. Reddit user: [redacted]

So Many Of Us Live To Work

I think that very few of us treat ourselves right. We let jobs take advantage of us and we get burnt out. Instead, we need to spend a lot more time with our family and loved ones. We need more home-cooked meals and daily time to unwind. How did we become a society that lives simply to sell hours of our lives to corporations?

This has been sorely lacking, and I think it may be a bit of a watershed moment for people knowing their worth at work a bit more. I especially hope that essential workers have seen how much they’re valued. Bosses need to take a step back and realize how many workers are essential for their businesses, and reward them appropriately. Reddit user: WY_the_second

It’s Better With The Right Person

Firstly, I realize that I totally picked the right person to spend my life with. I still get sick of being in the same room with him day in and day out – we share a home office; I work from home, and he plays video games. But, I’ve been able to watch him grow into an incredibly supportive man who’s interested in seeing me grow as a person, too.

Secondly, I’ve learned that he’s an essential worker. Yes, I work, but I work for myself, and it’s slow going. If it weren’t for his income, we’d be screwed. Plus, we’re extremely lucky that he works in security on an overnight shift. The whole point of his job is for no one to be there, meaning that he’s at lower risk than most other essential workers. Still, I worry… Reddit user: IGuessYouHaveAPoint