Is the virus making anyone reassess their life? What positive changes do you hope to make after?

[Canyoutellilikrchocolate]

DH and I both work in the City. Well paid. But long hours. Long commute. Toddler in childcare 4 days per week (mix of family help & nursery).

Normal life is so rushed. Everything is rushed, online shopping, quick & easy food all the time, etc etc. we both have hobbies we are passionate about but don’t spend enough time doing things we enjoy. Because we are always working / commuting. Most importantly family time is limited.

Although the virus is horrible and tragic, I have to admit it’s been nice actually having DH around in the evening and all spending more time together at home.

The virus has just got me thinking on so many levels.
Eg, I want to spend more time as a family.

I want to spend more (proper) time with my parents who live the other side of the country while I still can. They are 70s and we currently only manage occasional weekend visits. The virus has really brought this home to me.

I’ve wanted to sort out my garden for ages. We’re so lucky to have a large garden and I’ve always dreamed of growing my own fruit & veg, and never had the time, but this crisis has actually made me realise it’s something I should prioritise.

I want to cook better more nutritious meals instead of relying on convenience foods and wasting loads

I want to prioritise my health and fitness more instead of always being too tired for exercise.

I’m also not happy at work and totally fed up with ridiculous office politics and this crisis is making me question why I would want to be in that toxic environment. It’s also making me realise I’d like to do a job which is actually helping people.

Like most people, we do need to work to live so I can’t just quit my job and spend my days playing with my toddler and growing tomatoes. And I’m also realistic about the fact that - politics aside - I used to enjoy my job and have never seen myself as a SAHM.

Just wondered if the virus has put a few things in perspective for other people and is making them reconsider things?

It's made me realise I need to change my job (yes I know I am lucky to have one). I realise there will be a recession now, but I had put off changing job for ages and now that choice has been taken away from me I realise I should have done it whilst I could! I'll probably get made redundant now for thinking this - be careful what you wish for and all that.

I need to focus on losing weight and being as healthy as possible. This is the perfect opportunity to kick start. My heart sank when they said obesity put you at higher risk.

It has really made me think about how I shop, what I eat and how much food I throw away every week.

I have been thinking carefully about meal planning and only buying what I need.

I spent a day going through all my cupboards, and was ashamed by the number of out of date packets, tins and jars.

When this is over I will eat fresh and only buy what I actually need.

Yes. I’m going to top up my DipHE to a degree and maybe do an MSc. I don’t work at the moment as I’m a carer for one of my children but that’s going to change later in the year as they go off to university (with support in place). I’ll have a lot more time on my hands and this economic meltdown has brought it home to me that extending my education will really help me in re-entering the world of work if/when I do.

Its made me realise I don't care about studying for a promotion and shouldn't have continued after the basic professional qualifications. I am ok working shifts and homeschooling (our schools have been closed for two weeks, I work in adult social care) but the study was sending me over the edge, I just can't do it. Deciding not to even try removed a massive source of stress. I study in German and tje academic level required for a non academic job is just stupid (5 hour exam with one question on padagogy and psychology anyone? That's just one - the worst - of the four main and 13 minor subjects).

I should have been happy as I was 2 years ago.

I think for me I am thinking about a lifestyle move to somewhere more beautiful/rural. Also considering condensing hours so I can have a day off a week.

I have no doubt that severe PTSD awaits me.

Never have I enjoyed lung fulls of fresh air, simple things like mopping my floors, reading to my child and watching washing blowing in the sunshine.

Life already has changed for me.
Life will never be the same again and it’s just the start.

I can’t think ahead. I can’t plan because I’m not sure of my future.
I’m genuinely frightened to plan.

I’m an icu nurse watching a tsunami approaching and there’s nothing we can do to stop it.

If I survive this, I will be leaving the nhs, because the nhs doesn’t give a flying fuck about me.
Evident in the lack of PPE.

For me it’s made me more grateful for the things I DO have rather than wanting to make any changes.

But it’s highly likely that DH and I will have to sell our house as a result of this - our income has all but gone and we will struggle to pay the mortgage.

So while it has make me appreciate all I have, it’s too little too late

Yes - I’ve really been considering the purpose of my life. I do a job most people would probably consider worthwhile, and I love it. I have friends and passionate interests. I try to treat people well. Yet I find myself at an age where I’m looking back at how much time I feel I either wasted or spent feeling very unhappy - not all of the unhappiness was my fault, but it took me way too long to wise up. The person I ‘should’ have been keeps paying me unwanted visits . I should give my head a wobble and be grateful for what I have, I do know that. With the current crisis, I’m just feeling guilty.

I want to spend more time with my family. I want to go out more and I want to move north. And get a dog.

Relax more about things I can't control

That I love my boyfriend probably more than he does me. And that I need a new job

Yes - I've been re-thinking everything. I'm so enjoying being at home with my toddler, when usually I am rushed off my feet with a full-time job. I'm also reconsidering whether the UK is the place for us to be long-term. My DH's family live abroad and I'm wondering whether we would be happier in a family atmosphere rather than cut-off from everyone...

New job. Be

I’ve decided to become pescatarian. I’ve been thinking about it for years but now feels like the right time.

This sounds negative - but it really isn’t. It’s made me live for today and today only. Also made realise that I really don’t like people, and really don’t miss them - so I won’t be bothering trying to worry about what people think of me or worry about their life choices. I’m happy to be around other people in work but that’s it - just as colleagues. Just never ever want to socialise with any of them or any of those other social norms again.

for @crosser62

I will be less of a hermit and spend more time socialising and out in nature.

Yes, absolutely. I was burnt out, always ill, and needed a rest. I've no money but am glad of this period where I can't zoom about filling my life so that I don't need to think about what's wrong with it.

I need to make some deep, structural changes, so at least let covid19 end up with something positive happening as a result.

Definitely.
Work less. WFH more.
Spend more time with my children.
Put something back into society by volunteering/local council role.
Stay in touch with neighbours.
Look after my health more

All so predictable but felt so keenly now

And crosser62 I’m so sorry.

It's made me realise how much I love my DH and how brilliant he is. And my DC have been amazing. It's made me realise how lucky I am.

It's also made me realise how precarious life is and how you should grab it and enjoy it when you can.

We are also getting a dog when the crisis has passed.

Another person here who needs to lose weight.
I blamed my bad eating habits on being busy, I have been more or less stationary lately, and guess what, still ate like a fat fuck.
So nows the time to stop taking life for granted. I will lose weight and become healthier.

I need to stop buying crap and save more money. It’s a hindsight kind of thing. If I had savings I would not be as worried and feeling sick and scared as I am now. Never going to let myself get this feeling again.