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AIBU?

to think some of us enjoyed lockdown because

363 replies

beatrixpotterspencil · 07/07/2020 21:03

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).

OP posts:
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beingmum39 · 10/07/2020 12:09

The drive to and from work on any shift has been wonderful, as has being able to enjoy what's around me more as having the time, without having to pre-plan all the time

Spending time with my DS and living very much in the here and now has been wonderful... It's been peaceful and he has brought me so much happiness and joy. Smile

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NotShiny · 10/07/2020 20:00

It's been absolutely lovely. I reckon lockdown will have done the world of good for millions of kids. Bet loads are a lot more relaxed and chilled out as a result of no stress, no school, no excessive activities every night etc.

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tilder · 10/07/2020 20:14

Massively stressful to begin with as dh is front line NHS. Then you get used to his increased hours and sort of used to Covid stress. Dealing with transmission risk in the home.

I'm lucky that I'm still working too. It's been really busy, lots of video calls.

Then the 3dc. 1 pretty independent, 2 primary who need support and input. Increasingly dealing with their despondency.

Plus my parents who are constantly stressing on the phone.

Oh, and we started house renovations before lockdown that have yet to restart. So house is a building site.

I've been pretty stressed to be honest. Feel like I am supporting lots of people but I'm not sure who is supporting me. Usually dh. He is increasingly again as things at work ease. But it's been hard.

Sounds like a right winge! Not meant to beBlush

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arianwe · 10/07/2020 20:16

I'd just had my 2nd child as lockdown began and my partner was furloughed and off with me for the first 9 weeks of her life!

I'm also a bit anti social, and it was lovely not having to see people for a couple of months 😂.

Also not putting make up on or doing my hair every day was a dream!!

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tilder · 10/07/2020 20:40

Been thinking of positives!

No tube, which has been brilliant in terms of time and money.
Walks with the kids. Weather for the start of lockdown was amazing.
Erm. There must be more.
No ILs. Big plus.
No driving to clubs for dc. They miss them, but I don't miss the rushing.
Cleaner air has been great too.

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Ginfordinner · 10/07/2020 20:43

Also not putting make up on or doing my hair every day was a dream!!

I miss making myself look nice, but I totally understand that when you have just have a baby it is different.

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JosieJasper · 11/07/2020 09:46

Enjoying lockdown is predominantly the preserve of the well off and for those not in frontline roles

My DH is frontline, works long shifts so no change apart from actually working extra shifts due the various things that have been going on over the months. But his commute either side of the shifts has been a breeze, and he’s saving money as not doing anything else and in fact earning more through overtime.

I’m a key worker so still been going into work but I’ve felt so much less stress and had more time even though I’ve worked right through. Our hours have changed so start later and finish earlier so not rushing on school drop off/pick up. My DD loves school and has loved it being a small number of children. DS is 13 so we gave him the option to go to school or stay home if he could remain conscientious. He loved primary school but hates secondary so has been perfectly happy, plus we check his work before he sends it off each day and have a chance to give him pointers on where he can add more, improve grammar etc. 1:1 time that a teacher can’t afford to give in large classes.

I’ve saved money on breakfast club (over £60 a month), parking (over £100 a month), clothes shopping, cafés, meals out and the school run/drive to work has been bliss.

I have the people I love most around me so still get my love and hugs. We live near the sea and the South Downs so can still get out and about in great scenery when we want to. I’ve met up with friends in the last couple of months which has been simple but lovely (use to involve eating out/drinking).

I know I’m one of the lucky ones to feel this way but it’s just shown me how much pressure day to day living normally put me under and that I won’t be able to change all of it when things go back to normal but some tweaks here and there may help achieve a better balance in the future.

The only downside really for me has been seeing the rude and impatient side of the public in my job, despite them all knowing the current situation. But I just smile Grin

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sophiestew · 11/07/2020 09:54

I agree with JosieJasper and I think we must live very near each other as I am also blessed with being a few minutes walk from the beach and the South Downs National Park Smile

I am a nurse in a large busy hospital but I have still enjoyed the benefits of lockdown. Less traffic, far fewer patients as A&E dramatically decreased - partly due to no pubs/bars open and partly because people didn't want to come in.

I didn't have to do extra hours or anything, and have enjoyed reading, walking, watching box sets and all the other things mentioned by others already. So despite being in a front line role and not being wealthy (SP to two young adults) I have found myself a bit resistant to life getting back to normal and am looking for ways to carry on the benefits into my post lockdown life.

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Ginfordinner · 11/07/2020 10:06

I often say this on mumsnet, but there are a disproportionate number of extremely introverted posters who post on here.

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EnthusiasmIsDisturbed · 11/07/2020 10:45

*Enjoying lockdown is predominantly the preserve of the well off and for those not in frontline roles

I’m front line work has been very very stressful at times, certainly not wealthy, sp to one but I have actually enjoyed that I have an excuse to completely relax at the weekend. Wish I had a garden but we don’t so go for walks

Oh and I liked that getting to work took half the time and I’m surrounded by people at work needing from me to be away from people at the weekends has suited me well and my colleagues have said the same

I won’t go back to going out at weekends as much

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lilgreen · 11/07/2020 19:24

I’m a cover supervisor/hlta in school so a key worker, not well paid. I’ve enjoyed lockdown.

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ballroompink · 11/07/2020 20:55

Plus points for us have been:

No frantic school run/childminder drop off in the mornings
Lots of walks together and time in the countryside
DCs becoming a bit better at amusing themselves at home
DH and I have found we don't mind working from home and would be happy to do it at least part time in the future
DH and I have been a good team and supported each other well

Downsides

Not one bloody break. I'm an introvert. A moderate one I think. I like my walk to work after I drop DS1 at school. I like working alone with my headphones on. I like headspace. Lockdown has involved no headspace, pretty much no time for myself. I went for a run with a friend last week and it felt so good to be doing something like that! The first couple of months where we had an 8yo and a 2yo at home plus two full time jobs were horrendous and stressful. Each morning I would feel on edge about the day ahead. It has been much easier since DS2's childminder opened back up in June. But I just need a break from the kids!
Poor DS1 has hated home learning and not being at school. He is an extreme extrovert and has been so sad some days. He also misses swimming club and not being able to go and do some of the other things he loves. He can't wait to go back to school.
The constant exhaustion
The headfuck of never being able to focus on one thing, always juggling work/kids/house stuff all the time
Missing friends and family
Missing wearing smart clothes and makeup
My favourite work conference of the year was cancelled - a couple of days to socialise and learn stuff and stay over in London and BE ME. Ditto a retreat I was supposed to be going on.

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anxiousbean · 11/07/2020 21:32

I am really struggling now. Am just so tired having been working very long hours since March. And feel very guilty about how much I have ignored my children. I have no idea what they have been doing at school or how far behind they are. I have also been devastated seeing what has happened to the world. I would like my old life back.

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