I am joining the hordes of people saying, “No.” A reorganization at work reset my job and team, and it is no longer a happy place. When they gave us a timeline for ‘return-to-work’ I gave them 8 weeks of notice that I’d be retiring. Seven days to go (June 30), and I might make it with my sanity intact. Going back to my terrible commute was absolutely not part of my plan; even before COVID I had been keeping my eyes open for something closer to home.
My dad also has stage 5 dementia, and my takeaway from his life (and mom’s, now that she is a full-time caregiver again at age 80) is that yes, you need enough money to retire, but don’t put off retirement so long that health problems prevent you from enjoying it. So I’m going to take on some caregiving duties and try to help mom enjoy whatever time she has left on this big blue ball.
I feel this in my soul. I’ve created an AM fitness routine. It already starts with a 4:00 alarm so things will suffer if the commute comes back. I like making lunch in my kitchen - more healthy than not (except for the part where I eat them at my desk). But most of all, I love my noon naps.
Right there with you. I love the freedom and flexibility of it, that if I need to, I can just lay down and take a break for 20-30 minutes, just to clear my mind. Things like that are just priceless now. Do you think you'll have to go back?
TBD. We are a finance team of three but my boss is resigning and I’ll be reporting in to an office halfway across the country. The job duties are relatively confidential/sensitive so it seems to make sense to leave the remaining two of us at home but that could be wishful thinking.
I am fortunate to be retired but my hubby is still working and has been for the entire time of this COVID-19 (we have been blessed). I see my one son who is a "manual worker" who had his hours reduced during the epidemic but able to work more hours at his other 2 jobs and his wife who is in healthcare - one of the essential workers. My other son, who is a senior software engineer, like you Terrell has been and appears to be able to continue working remotely while again, his wife who is an RN is and has been essential. The hardest thing for me is I keep seeing buildings closed with signs saying for sale or lease. I think of the employees who have a "new normal" which is great for them but then I think of the people who used to come in and clean that building, or the people who came in to refill the vending machines or even the people who had to service the HVAC, septic, etc. who now do not have their incomes or not as much. I realize technology is great but I just am concerned for those service people and what their lives are/will be. Kind of off track for this group but something to think about none-the-less.
All (very) true, Nelda! It's a big challenge for our society. I can see a lot of this shifting to different parts of cities (that's what is happening in Atlanta now) but undoubtedly something important is often lost in this transition. This is one of those things where I wish I had a magic wand and could make it all better... 😃
god i'm with you terrell i have zero interest in going back to the office. this week we started on a hybrid sched. i've been in office mon-wed and i'm so glad the rest of the week i'll be home. i miss nothing about office life and get less done here with the constant chit chat and interruptions. i still go for my morning runs but am back to packing a bag with work clothes and bringing breakfast and lunch and having to remember all the crap i need.
I agree. I found myself putting in about 8-10 hours more of actual work time when I was working from home. In the office, there are too many distractions and in a large office, I find myself having to take more time just to go from one place to another rather than just launching a Zoom meeting from my desk.
Our leadership is very old school and the mentality is that if you're not in the office at your seat you're not working. I thought we proved it over the past year that we were very capable of doing just as much from home, but that is not the mentality.
The time I spend preparing for my day by making lunch, etc. and the commute in take up so much time that a normal work week is using those 8-10 extra hours without actually working.
They are calling this "The Great Exodus". The uncertainty of Covid is largely over and all the pent up frustration of this past year is being exhibited in turnover.
I too am frustrated with my situation and have been looking for other jobs. I haven't yet found something that justifies changing companies. I am hopeful that my company will pay me more or i will find a new job.
Unfortunately for me, my company has been back in the office since June 2020 in a limited basis, but we moved to full-time in the office this month. I have been debating the value of being here in the office since we started coming back. I work in an industry that is very in demand and I can find another job that is primarily remote very easily, but its hard for me to give up my seniority and the benefits I have accrued. I think a LOT of people are having these very conversations with themselves to decide the best approach for themselves.
I personally have been looking around a lot to see what options I have with other job opportunities, but I haven't pulled the trigger just yet.
It's a tough, tough question, especially when you're in the situation you're in, Jamie. Especially if/when you like your co-workers and manager -- that can be tough to replace! So you've been debating it since you guys went back last summer?
Yes. Obviously, last year was a bit nerve-wracking because there were so many questions about which businesses would survive and which ones wouldn't, so I was cautious. I did a couple of interviews but they didn't justify me leaving.
In addition, my current company moved to new offices 2 weeks before everything shut down. The office move makes my commute about 15-30 minutes longer each way so that is a huge factor in my decisions as well.
We also acquired 2 more companies over the last year, so its been a whirlwind since March 2020! There are opportunities at this company, but they are very clear that remote work is not an option, so I have to decide how much that is a deal-breaker for me.
I've been retired for just over a year and identify strongly with all the comments expressed here so far. But speaking only for myself, now that I've experienced the "flip side" of life, I would sell my soul right now to return to work...commute and all. All the annoying gathering of stuff, lunch, etc. to leave for the day kept my mind sharp and connected to the present. The endless, often unproductive, meetings kept me focused and adept at dealing effectively with conficting opinions and informed about diverse perspectives. Desperately seeking time to run, or do workouts before/after work reinforced my resolve to live a full, healthy life and fueled my creativity to make it happen somehow. Splitting my time between work and family demands was stressful, but reinforced I had a meaningful contribution to make in both worlds. I felt I earned my keep, earned whatever grudging respect I got from others, and had a worthwhile purpose on this planet. Life isn't horrible being retired, and I had many work days I wouldn't want to live over again, but only now am I coming to grips with the wealth of life affirming "gifts" workplace life brings that can get lost during the retirement years. Hope this helps some of you who are struggling to find your next, better, career path.
This is a really, really valuable perspective, Bren, and one I've wondered about as I see people I know who are retired try to navigate exactly how to spend their time (which could last a long, long time!) in ways that make them fulfilled. You've given us all something important to consider here.
Thank you Terrell. I'm really struggling with excess time, dwindling relevancy, age stereotypes, and personal "value". I guess the takeaway is that work has more value than just amassing enough $$ to retire...a lot of the intrinsic benefits of work life can be traded away in the bargain. #grassnot alwaysgreener.
I hope I'm not overstepping my boundaries here, but something I remember years ago from a temp job I had with the Red Cross is how often retired professionals volunteer with them in all kinds of roles. I just Googled this and found a page on their site devoted especially to encouraging retirees to volunteer: https://www.redcross.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer/nhq-opportunities.html
Another thing I remembered was an old friend of mine sharing with me that his parents had taken on class on transitioning into retirement, so they didn't have the feeling of "falling off a cliff." Here's an example of one that's available at Emory University here in Atlanta where I live: https://www.hr.emory.edu/eu/work-life/transitioning-to-retirement/index.html
There might be a lot there to chew on and maybe take, depending on where you live? Let me know what you think.
I recently switched jobs and my #1 criterion was full-time work from home. So, I feel you. I like the flexibility, I HATE commuting with a fiery passion, and though I don't have kids at this time, I know I'll value the flexibility then, too. We're working on getting my husband to a hybrid schedule :)
Terrell—I totally felt this way when I was required to go back to the classroom. One thing I am taking from this past (weird) year is that my time is WAY more important to me than I thought it was. I was super stoked to see my students & I will give them 150%, but the ridiculous, wasteful meetings & bull crap, I no longer have patience for. Several teacher friends have retired or left teaching. (I wonder if this has happened in all jobs?!?!) It will be interesting to see how this next year goes!
P.S. That lady has an amazing story! Her experience was included in a textbook I taught from a few years ago. The kids are always impressed when they hear how injured she was, but that she didn’t give up! 👍🏼
I am joining the hordes of people saying, “No.” A reorganization at work reset my job and team, and it is no longer a happy place. When they gave us a timeline for ‘return-to-work’ I gave them 8 weeks of notice that I’d be retiring. Seven days to go (June 30), and I might make it with my sanity intact. Going back to my terrible commute was absolutely not part of my plan; even before COVID I had been keeping my eyes open for something closer to home.
My dad also has stage 5 dementia, and my takeaway from his life (and mom’s, now that she is a full-time caregiver again at age 80) is that yes, you need enough money to retire, but don’t put off retirement so long that health problems prevent you from enjoying it. So I’m going to take on some caregiving duties and try to help mom enjoy whatever time she has left on this big blue ball.
Very, very well said, Steph.
❤️
I feel this in my soul. I’ve created an AM fitness routine. It already starts with a 4:00 alarm so things will suffer if the commute comes back. I like making lunch in my kitchen - more healthy than not (except for the part where I eat them at my desk). But most of all, I love my noon naps.
Right there with you. I love the freedom and flexibility of it, that if I need to, I can just lay down and take a break for 20-30 minutes, just to clear my mind. Things like that are just priceless now. Do you think you'll have to go back?
TBD. We are a finance team of three but my boss is resigning and I’ll be reporting in to an office halfway across the country. The job duties are relatively confidential/sensitive so it seems to make sense to leave the remaining two of us at home but that could be wishful thinking.
I am fortunate to be retired but my hubby is still working and has been for the entire time of this COVID-19 (we have been blessed). I see my one son who is a "manual worker" who had his hours reduced during the epidemic but able to work more hours at his other 2 jobs and his wife who is in healthcare - one of the essential workers. My other son, who is a senior software engineer, like you Terrell has been and appears to be able to continue working remotely while again, his wife who is an RN is and has been essential. The hardest thing for me is I keep seeing buildings closed with signs saying for sale or lease. I think of the employees who have a "new normal" which is great for them but then I think of the people who used to come in and clean that building, or the people who came in to refill the vending machines or even the people who had to service the HVAC, septic, etc. who now do not have their incomes or not as much. I realize technology is great but I just am concerned for those service people and what their lives are/will be. Kind of off track for this group but something to think about none-the-less.
All (very) true, Nelda! It's a big challenge for our society. I can see a lot of this shifting to different parts of cities (that's what is happening in Atlanta now) but undoubtedly something important is often lost in this transition. This is one of those things where I wish I had a magic wand and could make it all better... 😃
god i'm with you terrell i have zero interest in going back to the office. this week we started on a hybrid sched. i've been in office mon-wed and i'm so glad the rest of the week i'll be home. i miss nothing about office life and get less done here with the constant chit chat and interruptions. i still go for my morning runs but am back to packing a bag with work clothes and bringing breakfast and lunch and having to remember all the crap i need.
Yes! 100% this! There's so much at work that actually has NOTHING to do with work. I'm with you.
I agree. I found myself putting in about 8-10 hours more of actual work time when I was working from home. In the office, there are too many distractions and in a large office, I find myself having to take more time just to go from one place to another rather than just launching a Zoom meeting from my desk.
Our leadership is very old school and the mentality is that if you're not in the office at your seat you're not working. I thought we proved it over the past year that we were very capable of doing just as much from home, but that is not the mentality.
The time I spend preparing for my day by making lunch, etc. and the commute in take up so much time that a normal work week is using those 8-10 extra hours without actually working.
They are calling this "The Great Exodus". The uncertainty of Covid is largely over and all the pent up frustration of this past year is being exhibited in turnover.
I too am frustrated with my situation and have been looking for other jobs. I haven't yet found something that justifies changing companies. I am hopeful that my company will pay me more or i will find a new job.
I've heard that too! (About the "Great Exodus") I'm hopeful for you as well, Brian!
Unfortunately for me, my company has been back in the office since June 2020 in a limited basis, but we moved to full-time in the office this month. I have been debating the value of being here in the office since we started coming back. I work in an industry that is very in demand and I can find another job that is primarily remote very easily, but its hard for me to give up my seniority and the benefits I have accrued. I think a LOT of people are having these very conversations with themselves to decide the best approach for themselves.
I personally have been looking around a lot to see what options I have with other job opportunities, but I haven't pulled the trigger just yet.
Golden handcuffs can be a challenge to escape. I hope you find a key!
It's a tough, tough question, especially when you're in the situation you're in, Jamie. Especially if/when you like your co-workers and manager -- that can be tough to replace! So you've been debating it since you guys went back last summer?
Yes. Obviously, last year was a bit nerve-wracking because there were so many questions about which businesses would survive and which ones wouldn't, so I was cautious. I did a couple of interviews but they didn't justify me leaving.
In addition, my current company moved to new offices 2 weeks before everything shut down. The office move makes my commute about 15-30 minutes longer each way so that is a huge factor in my decisions as well.
We also acquired 2 more companies over the last year, so its been a whirlwind since March 2020! There are opportunities at this company, but they are very clear that remote work is not an option, so I have to decide how much that is a deal-breaker for me.
I've been retired for just over a year and identify strongly with all the comments expressed here so far. But speaking only for myself, now that I've experienced the "flip side" of life, I would sell my soul right now to return to work...commute and all. All the annoying gathering of stuff, lunch, etc. to leave for the day kept my mind sharp and connected to the present. The endless, often unproductive, meetings kept me focused and adept at dealing effectively with conficting opinions and informed about diverse perspectives. Desperately seeking time to run, or do workouts before/after work reinforced my resolve to live a full, healthy life and fueled my creativity to make it happen somehow. Splitting my time between work and family demands was stressful, but reinforced I had a meaningful contribution to make in both worlds. I felt I earned my keep, earned whatever grudging respect I got from others, and had a worthwhile purpose on this planet. Life isn't horrible being retired, and I had many work days I wouldn't want to live over again, but only now am I coming to grips with the wealth of life affirming "gifts" workplace life brings that can get lost during the retirement years. Hope this helps some of you who are struggling to find your next, better, career path.
This is a really, really valuable perspective, Bren, and one I've wondered about as I see people I know who are retired try to navigate exactly how to spend their time (which could last a long, long time!) in ways that make them fulfilled. You've given us all something important to consider here.
Thank you Terrell. I'm really struggling with excess time, dwindling relevancy, age stereotypes, and personal "value". I guess the takeaway is that work has more value than just amassing enough $$ to retire...a lot of the intrinsic benefits of work life can be traded away in the bargain. #grassnot alwaysgreener.
I hope I'm not overstepping my boundaries here, but something I remember years ago from a temp job I had with the Red Cross is how often retired professionals volunteer with them in all kinds of roles. I just Googled this and found a page on their site devoted especially to encouraging retirees to volunteer: https://www.redcross.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer/nhq-opportunities.html
Another thing I remembered was an old friend of mine sharing with me that his parents had taken on class on transitioning into retirement, so they didn't have the feeling of "falling off a cliff." Here's an example of one that's available at Emory University here in Atlanta where I live: https://www.hr.emory.edu/eu/work-life/transitioning-to-retirement/index.html
There might be a lot there to chew on and maybe take, depending on where you live? Let me know what you think.
Thank you again! I very much appreciate your help and support and will look into these great suggestions 😊
I recently switched jobs and my #1 criterion was full-time work from home. So, I feel you. I like the flexibility, I HATE commuting with a fiery passion, and though I don't have kids at this time, I know I'll value the flexibility then, too. We're working on getting my husband to a hybrid schedule :)
Terrell—I totally felt this way when I was required to go back to the classroom. One thing I am taking from this past (weird) year is that my time is WAY more important to me than I thought it was. I was super stoked to see my students & I will give them 150%, but the ridiculous, wasteful meetings & bull crap, I no longer have patience for. Several teacher friends have retired or left teaching. (I wonder if this has happened in all jobs?!?!) It will be interesting to see how this next year goes!
P.S. That lady has an amazing story! Her experience was included in a textbook I taught from a few years ago. The kids are always impressed when they hear how injured she was, but that she didn’t give up! 👍🏼
Interesting read today. I missed seeing the NYT article in my subscription. Thanks for the summary.