to think some of us enjoyed lockdown because

[beatrixpotterspencil]

we realised there was more to life than social obligations and work?

for clarification, this isn't neccesarily how I see it, but I have been reading a discussion about it and wanted to hear what others thought. I'm on the fence, personally

less pollution, less commuting, bosses not hanging over your head, less exhaustion, less of the treadmill lifestyle, less social posturing, less consuming crap we don't need, etc.

and more time with loved ones (only for some though), more time to read, learn, explore, self improvement, choosing own hours, working to own rhythm, etc.

this is a theoretic question really, about what we really want, and what has lockdown done to change how you perceive your life?
would a life without work be better, more humane?
the dole sure isn't fun, nor should it be considered a choice, and there's no other way to survive unless very well off.

(wish to add here that I know millions have not had the luxury of enjoying the lockdown, many have not altered their working life, and many are ill, afraid of redundancy, homelessness, anxious... and worse, those who have passed away).

[elliejjtiny]

4 of my 5 dc have been a lot happier being out of school. Dc3 has missed it though.

[Mawbags]

Been great not seeing my toxic in-laws,
I Am LIVING THE DREAM

[SauvignonBlanche]

I could get to and from work quicker.

[Itsallpointless]

I have found that it is ok to be at home. Before this, I was out ALL the time (FOMO) felt a saddo being indoors alone (single) but I actually now resent going out. I'm sure it'll wear off, but I've certainly got a different mindset now.

[OneKeyAtATime]

On a personal level it s been wonderful. We would happily carry on like that forever. However looking at the bigger picture it feels wrong to rejoice in this... but yes it s been lovely for all sorts of reasons.

[NotShiny]

I've loved it. For years I havent been able to totally relax in the evening. Nowhere to rush off to. No feeling guilty about staying in. No commute. No appointments. Been Brill. Kids have loved being off school.

[leafeater]

I've really enjoyed new walks from my house, getting up later due to the short commute from bed to laptop, saved commuter costs.

I've hated the lack of freedom, even thinking 'should I go to the shop?', lack of planning for getogethers and holidays and having everyone here all the time.

But it's been ok.....

[IamPickleRick]

I am surprised at how little I miss people. I’ve learned a lot about myself these past months and I’m pleased with me, actually.

I do miss the shops but I’d still want to go on my own anyway 😂

[thenightsky]

I've enjoyed having long lie-ins and doing my work at night (insomniac).

I'm also on the road to actually treating my fungal toe nails as I haven't had to varnish them, what with nobody seeing their vileness.

Other than that, I hate not seeing my mates and family who live a drive away.

[BillywilliamV]

I think the people who enjoy this most are exactly the people it will damage most long term! Its too easy to lock yourself away and disengage..and not ultimately terribly healthy!

[Hellothere19999]

I think it has been great to reassess everything.... my partner and I used to love going to the pub lol. Now they’ve reopened we’ve had one pint and realised we prefer sitting at home and chillin’.

[Monkeynuts18]

I think the bottom line is that people have really enjoyed being paid not to work. And who can blame them, it’s a good life. But it isn’t sustainable unfortunately.

[beatrixpotterspencil]

it does feel wrong to rejoice in enjoyment, in many ways.
it is a pity we couldn't have had a period of time (safe and paid up) like this without such a monumental tragedy.

I did notice, after going back into high street shops, that most of the stuff seemed off to me, just insanely expensive for what it was.
lockdown has repositioned my mind regarding value, and neccesity, I think.

it isn't sustainable, true. but there are some things to learn....

as an introvert, I've never gone in for social obligations anyway, so nothing altered there for me. I'm usually telling myself that I need to do more, not less...

[DontDribbleOnTheCarpet]

I'm having a blast! I've created a garden, made it bigger (twice!),planted two hedges and a windbreak, got hens and a new house for them, arranged for a new greenhouse to be built, built a pond, fenced off a new field, increased my income and finally sorted out a heap of niggling little jobs I'd been meaning to do for ages.
We are eating fresh fruit and vegetables from the garden, and we live close enough to our neighbours so they can stand in their field and we can stand in ours, and chat across the road between the two fields.

For so many years, I felt that this place was not my home. I felt like I didn't fit here, but now I've changed some things and I feel like I fit. I have everything I need here.

I know that a lot of people are really suffering, and I do know how fortunate I am. Everyone I talk to seems to be complaining bitterly, so I don't like to say that I'm having the time of my life, but I really am!

[thewisp]

It has made me refocus my mind on what is important. I will be limiting how much head space I give certain things / people outside of my immediate family.

[cafenoirbiscuit]

DH hasn’t travelled at all - is usually out of the country 50% of the time, and I’ve been reminded how lovely it is to have him here.
I hope he can avoid lots of his usual travel from now on and stay home.

[Stuckforthefourthtime]

I'm with Phillipa Perry, people who've enjoyed lockdown probably need to examine why they were living the wrong life before.

A lot of loving it comes from either that, or privilege - my parents quite liked it, but that's because they're on fixed incomes, with no work or caring obligations, in a nice holiday destination town that suddenly became empty and even more beautiful because of it.

Our lockdown has been a nightmarish whirl of baby care, homeschooling, work, cooking and cleaning. I'll take some lessons away about what we really need and what we really missed, but can't say it's been fun - and we've been.lucky, overall, given we've kept jobs, been able to.wfh etc.

[LaurieFairyCake]

Yes, I prefer it

I've just done work and nothing else. And my work is obviously more difficult as so many are struggling with Covid (lots of health professionals/lots of mental health issues)

I've not thought about anything apart from work and it's been great, it's freed me up to do it well.

[KeepingPlain]

It's been nice in some ways, a lot less stress (other than trying to find food at the start), saving lots of money.

But I missed hanging out with my friends, and I'm liking being able to see them again, go walking etc. I quite like this stage of lockdown, things are open, but it's not chaos like it felt before, everyone too busy to give a shit (although I did almost get driven into by some prat who wouldn't stop on a narrow road). We can see family and friends, but still get to work from home, and it's just not as busy still. Well for now..

[Foxinsocks1]

I’ve enjoyed having more time at home on the weekends. But I’ve been going to work as normal throughout. I’ve hated not seeing my family and some friends. My DC2 has really really struggled with not going to school and now 2 of them are back at school I’m seeing DC1 happier now also. I’m enjoying the simple things such as saying hello to people on the school run. I’ve not missed shopping, pubs or eating out but am enjoying having the odd day out now. We’ll try to rethink things in the future as we’re normally very busy but it’s all things for the DC we do which they are missing and want to get back to.

[SepticTankYank]

I enjoyed it mostly. There was so much less stress. Our house became our castle and we didn't have to deal with any external party such as slightly toxic parents or colleagues. Only some colleagues remained in touch and they were the ones I wanted to talk to. Everyone else was spoken to when I saw fit.

DP wasn't going out and coming back annoyingly drunk. We got annoyingly drunk together. We went and sat in the park once we were allowed and had picnics. Before that we had indoor picnics and camped in the garden.

DP says he has hated it tho and now resents the house/feels he has cabin fever.

[SepticTankYank]

I enjoyed it mostly. There was so much less stress. Our house became our castle and we didn't have to deal with any external party such as slightly toxic parents or colleagues. Only some colleagues remained in touch and they were the ones I wanted to talk to. Everyone else was spoken to when I saw fit.

DP wasn't going out and coming back annoyingly drunk. We got annoyingly drunk together. We went and sat in the park once we were allowed and had picnics. Before that we had indoor picnics and camped in the garden.

DP says he has hated it tho and now resents the house/feels he has cabin fever.

[SepticTankYank]

I enjoyed it mostly. There was so much less stress. Our house became our castle and we didn't have to deal with any external party such as slightly toxic parents or colleagues. Only some colleagues remained in touch and they were the ones I wanted to talk to. Everyone else was spoken to when I saw fit.

DP wasn't going out and coming back annoyingly drunk. We got annoyingly drunk together. We went and sat in the park once we were allowed and had picnics. Before that we had indoor picnics and camped in the garden.

DP says he has hated it tho and now resents the house/feels he has cabin fever.

[midnightstar66]

I honestly enjoyed the rest. Back to chaos now, but even through the stress of home schooling, not having to leave the house at the crack of dawn and be running around til all hours I had to admit I enjoyed.

[SepticTankYank]

I obviously feel strongly about it 🤦🏻‍♀️