I originally wrote this in May 2020. Not sure why I didn’t post. I just found it in my drafts February 2021. So, why not post it. It may still be true today? Almost a year in to the global pandemic, new normal world with COVID-19.
I’m on week 9 working from home…really it’s week 10, because the week before our work at home order, I was working on my next year program budgets from home with my team at my house in early March.
I will be vulnerable and admit how I feel, reflecting on my 9 – 10 weeks of being in my house. I have had good days and bad. I have had major mental blocks of not wanting to work and emotional days missing my normal life, my freedom to go places without question or thought of being exposed to a virus. I have had days I thrive and get so much accomplished (with work and within my home). I’m a homeowner, single, and a pup mom, so I have responsibilities that keep me preoccupied. I don’t want kudos or praise…so I’ll set up the scenario for what I’m about to vent/blog.
When I ask my co-workers and friends how they are doing during the nationwide/worldwide stay-at-home orders, or quarantine – whatever you want to call it, I get a variety of answers, but I feel the same undertones in their conversation but not being expressed.
I hear in their answer, without saying these exact words: it’s hard, it’s a struggle, we are surviving, it’s A LOT, I miss people, I miss what was my previous normal life, I miss school for my kids, I miss my workplace and co-workers. But most don’t say that, and I don’t know why. Maybe out of courtesy and respect for those who don’t have the ability to “work from home” or a healthcare worker who has to go in to COVID-19 ground zero. Or an essential worker who has to do their job, to keep their job and insurance and are at risk to exposure.
But why can’t we all be honest and say I’m struggling in some way, no matter my scenario:
- single
- divorced
- partnered up
- roommate
- no roommate
- single parent
- two parents
- with kids
- without kids
- with pets
- without pets
- apartment life
- big house
- little house
- shared house
- lots of land
- zero lot land
- urban life
- rural life
Can’t we all just admit, we are struggling in our own scenario, without fear of what people will respond with? or without fear someone reminds them of others who don’t get that ability to be in their situation, so be grateful? or without a response, well you can have my kids for a while to see what it’s really like.
Us single people who live alone – some of us introverts and extroverts haven’t touched another human in 3 months. Some of us are monitoring our budgets because we are a single income family and need to ensure we prepare for the unknown with this upcoming pandemic. Some single people are thriving and some are lonely. Check in with your friends.
Aren’t we all just be struggling in our own way? Let’s be real, honest, authentic, transparent, vulnerable. This may be our way of life for a long time.
jennifer cofer 