Member-only story
The New Normal is only for some
The luxury of reexamining one's life excludes essential workers
Many folks are re-examining their lives since the pandemic, just not the essential workers.
A surprising side effect of Covid is contemplation. As the country shifted to remote work, many are now reassessing their lives. Some like it better this way. They no longer have to commute to work, have more time with their families, and have the added bonus of job security. Allowing those of privilege to reevaluate and prioritize their lives. Some moved Upstate. Others quit their jobs, and many sat back at home, enjoying their new flexible schedules. Then there’s the essential workers, their freedom, introspection not so much.
As a teacher preparing to return to her classroom in a few weeks, I’m feeling a myriad of emotions, from fear to anxiety to a smidgen of animosity. I have no idea what my day-to-day work situation will look like, however, I’m certain it will be chaotic and dangerous for myself, my co-workers, and especially young children.
Conversely, my friends who work from home, (most people I know), now talk about their new lives. They have…
