Planning for the (Sort Of) Re-open
Today I learned that my workplace will be tentatively re-opened in the middle to late part of this month. Two weeks at the earliest, four at the latest. It won’t be anything close to a “full” re-open. Meetings will be by appointment only, and will be remote (not in person) unless absolutely necessary. Everyone will need to submit to daily temperature and symptom checks. Face masks will be worn and six-foot distancing will be practiced. Not to mention all the copious sterilization and hand washing….
On the one hand, it’s nothing short of thrilling to get a piece of normalcy back to my life after working from home for 2+ months. I’ll get a change of scenery, and I believe time will regain some of its meaning in my brain. And as limited as my interactions will be, it’ll be nice to talk to human beings other than the grocery cashier and my wife, even if it has to be through masks 6+ feet apart.
On the other hand, it won’t be normal at all. I’ll be spending as much time cleaning and sanitizing as I will working. There won’t be any guests, friends, or family at the office. No going out to lunch. And of course every cough, sneeze, or sniffle will be met with the utmost scrutiny and skepticism by coworkers, even though it’s the middle of allergy season. Perhaps most importantly, a lot of the stress of the job melted away after staying at home and adapting to a much more leisurely pace and style…will any or all of the stress come back?
Regardless, I’m beyond blessed to have a paying job right now, and I’m excited to be going back to the office even though I know it’s going to be weird.
Bike Newbie 