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?

Definitely change of job. How, when there will be a recession after this I don't know but it needs to happen.

I hoping that this will give a lot of people up their arses, to be honest.
So many people cannot see beyond their own front doors.
We used to have some community spirit, now it's people fighting over fucking toilet roll in the supermarket.

Empathy for others. And I don't mean well others should empathise with me whilst I'm doing whatever. I mean from those doing the whatever. It's coming out in spades at the moment, the lack of empathy.

And more respect towards NHS, and all the workers out there at the moment. Industries that some look down on like it's beneath them.

Personally, keep the few changes to our diets. Over the past couple of years, things have slipped, last few weeks we've had to make changes that were long overdue. I worked out long ago, yea the money's nice from working long hard hours. But it wasn't worth, no time to actually relax and enjoy it.

crosser62

Not really to be honest. I'm really happy and enjoy my life in general, I just want to get back to that. I only work part time so I already have a good work/life balance to be fair and I eat well anyway.

I think I will probably appreciate the little things more though.

I'm dreaming about giving up one or both my jobs... Moving to the country, being surrounded by quiet and nature. Writing.

Like you OP I'm resenting the office politics that saps so much time and energy... And wishing for a simpler life where I'm not rushing around.

I like not having to go anywhere in the evenings. My DH is proving a fantastic house husband. If only we didn't need to work!

Sadly it's made me realise that DH dosent love me. He's never been protective but now he is not following guidelines and not taking this whole situation seriously, so in effect he is endangering mine and kids lives. Has made me realise that I have got some good friends though.

Enjoy being out more. I am a support worker and am doing week long shifts. This will end eventually end,but my heart goes out to all the animals in the food industry that spend their lives in caged and barned. A whole new level of hell waits for them at the end of of it.

It’s made me really appreciate how much I love my mum and how much I take for granted being able to go and see her at the drop of a hat (and how I often didn’t even when I could). And how all the bullshit niggles I have about her and our relationship are just that - bullshit. I just really really hope she doesn’t get ill

canigooutyet

Yes that’s it with me.

@tumpymummy
I had made a promise to myself late last year that at the next hugely stressful life event I would not try and battle through working plus trying to care for myself and my family. I would take a break from work and just focus on myself and family.
We are in lockdown where I am and I have told work that I cannot wfh and care for the kids at the same time. They can put me on sick leave if they like, I honestly don’t care. DH is a key worker and my dcs are finding lockdown very hard. They need all my attention right now.
This comes after two years of a very stressful project with no management support, and 1 dc with severe mental health issues.
It feels really good to follow thru on my promise to myself.

@crosser62 I remember feeling like that when working in the NHS. They would have us drive in heavy snow for miles along rural roads for non-essential clinics. Obviously that is small fry to what you now face, but I agree the NHS doesn't look after its staff.

Very best wishes to you.

Well done @Honsandrebels

It’s really sad but I’ve realised how desperately lonely I am, I left an abusive relationship late last year and I thought I had dealt with the issues it gave me but I so so haven’t so when this is over I am going to use any money I have spare to get myself some really good professional help not just for me but for my girls too as they deserve a happy mum

I’ve loved seeing all the families cycling passed on the road outside, children with parents, it’s wonderful and I wish it was this way when schools are open

All the joggers, some new, walkers - so many people walking

Very few drivers, it’s so much quieter without cars being driven.

Funnily enough I was actually really happy with my life before this. Only worked 2 days in a well paying profession that is probably now forever changed.
I was finally in a at a happy weight and exercising loads. After recovering from a serious illness. Had a cleaner!
Kids were really happy. Loads of family time and holidays etc. Youngest now 4yrs so life so much easier.
We had reassessed our lives a few years ago. Hopefully we can be as happy and as fulfilled again.

If I survive, I'm going to concentrate on my heart health, via exercise and hopefully, weight loss. My heart issues mean I am vulnerable to this virus and would happily lockdown until they have a vaccine.
I'm going to eat mostly locally produced seasonal food and grow more veg at home.
I'm going to stop spending money on crap - rewards because my work life balance is non existent... maybe reduce hours until retirement.

I have used my spare time at home more wisely.

• I am writing a story that has been floating around in my head.
• Homeschooling has helped me connect to my kids more, and from here on in, every Saturday will be a family morning where we play a board game with each other at home
• I need to get more active (thank you Mr Wickes and his PE lessons)

It's made me realise my life in lockdown is similar to life before, so I can't really be living.

Also, my family are incredibly selfish and I've wasted too much time needing approval from such shitty people.

I need to make some big changes.

I've noticed how much happier my one and a half year old is when he has me and dh around so much. I think I'm going to try to wfh more and -honestly- skive a bit so I see him more. Fuck it.

Marking place to read later need inspiration

I'm going to buy less and stay home more. Life needs to slow down. I've realised how happy I am this week, at home, with family and no stressful job. Also, I'm going to finally have time to sort my garden out.

I'm going to shop more carefully for food and make sure we don't waste any more. I made a chicken stock with a roast chicken carcass yesterday and turned it into a really tasty chicken noodle soup. I should be doing things like that all the time, not just now.

I want a job that actually means something to me. I want to do something good and something connected to nature and the environment. I'm not sure what that will be yet but I really want to do something different.

I stopped horse riding because I lost my nerve so I hope to do some private lessons when I can. I accept I may never hack out again but lessons once in a while will be enough. I'm going to visit my parents more often (hoping we all remain well)
I will stop wasting food.

@crosser62 ❤️

Some lovely ideas. Really hope people can get something positive out of this horrible tragedy.