Perks to this new way of living

Phoenix32 · 13-06-2020 05:08PM #1

I know there has been great hardship and loss for people due to covid 19 but I thought it might be nice to have a thread about the unexpected perks of life as we know it at the moment.

1. My parcels are left in my porch for me to grab when it suits me.

2. I don't have to feel guilty for staying inside.

3. My appointments have been switched to video call or phone call which is very handy and I hope this will be kept up where possible.

4. I got to virtually view an apartment and sign a lease online, I didn't once have to deal with anyone in person.

5. I've gotten a welcome break from the pressures of life and socialising and I'm functioning pretty well in my little bubble.

So what are the perks ye have found, if any?

corner of hells · 13-06-2020 05:19PM

Phoenix32 wrote: »

I know there has been great hardship and loss for people due to covid 19 but I thought it might be nice to have a thread about the unexpected perks of life as we know it at the moment.

1. My parcels are left in my porch for me to grab when it suits me.

2. I don't have to feel guilty for staying inside.

3. My appointments have been switched to video call or phone call which is very handy and I hope this will be kept up where possible.

4. I got to virtually view an apartment and sign a lease online, I didn't once have to deal with anyone in person.

5. I've gotten a welcome break from the pressures of life and socialising and I'm functioning pretty well in my little bubble.

So what are the perks ye have found, if any?

I've discovered my wife is quite a good conversationalist and has lots of interests.

ChikiChiki · 13-06-2020 05:36PM

For me living close to Dublin CC, the lack of expectations around attending various nights out and general temptations has me saving quicker than ever for a deposit on refurbishment property down west to create my dream house. Plus I will be able to live there and work remotely as my company is happy as things are.

I was always a **** saver, but the pandemic has inadvertently corrected that.

Phoenix32 · 13-06-2020 05:39PM

ChikiChiki wrote: »

For me living close to Dublin CC, the lack of expectations around attending various nights out and general temptations has me saving quicker than ever for a deposit on refurbishment property down west to create my dream house. Plus I will be able to live there and work remotely as my company is happy as things are.

I was always a **** saver, but the pandemic has inadvertently corrected that.

I am hopeful more companies will see remote working as a viable option now, so that will definitely be an advantage for people. I forgot about savings! Good point! I've definitely saved money too, not being able to go out shopping and pick things up or go to the pub or to a restaurant or get my hair done definitely has saved me a bit of money.

13-06-2020 05:40PM

I definitely get it. I’m going to miss so many aspects of lockdown.

Cal4567 · 13-06-2020 06:36PM

Speaking for a friend like. Hearing a fair few seeing it as a major turning point for those lucky to have employers who are happy enough for them to work from home. Some even contemplating buying property that's affordable for them, e.g. just that bit further away from Dublin. They'll pop up to Dublin a day or so only every week. Every cloud has a silver lining.

I really hope this also gives rural Ireland a lift that it needs.

ChikiChiki · 13-06-2020 06:46PM

Cal4567 wrote: »

Speaking for a friend like. Hearing a fair few seeing it as a major turning point for those lucky to have employers who are happy enough for them to work from home. Some even contemplating buying property that's affordable for them, e.g. just that bit further away from Dublin. They'll pop up to Dublin a day or so only every week. Every cloud has a silver lining.

I really hope this also gives rural Ireland a lift that it needs.

Certainly think it will spread wealth. Rural Ireland also needs to be open to the idea and welcome the influx of professionals into their communities. Off tangent slightly but I'm aware of divisions in the past between locals and "Dubs" in some places. An element of this is how we do things around here when it comes to new ideas in the community around things like GAA.

Why spend half a million on a semi detached in Dublin when you can get a bigger house on a sizable plot of land down west. With our great motorway network Dublin is incredibly accessible from all quarters in 2020 for the occasional meeting etc.

13-06-2020 10:15PM

I can find positives in almost any situation. I had to think very hard for this one. But. Here they are. No traffic. Not feeling like I have a million balls in the air and they are all going to drop.

Erm that's it.

Instead lockdown has been an exercise in fear, anxiety, what ifs, irrational thinking, rule breaking, comfort eating and too much drinking.
The hard feelings have mostly disappeared now as some normality is returning but it's been really tough. I missed my freedom and having choices.

There are days when I'm happy to sit inside and not see a single soul but I've always had a choice. Coronavirus took a lot of that.
Simple things like having a chat with the stranger next to me on the train, sitting in a Cafe or pub with my book, strolling around shops, booking a holiday, shaking hands upon an introduction, visiting friends.

I have learned a few thing about myself and not all of them positive. I've also learned a few things about others and not all of them positive.
That new awareness is about all I have to be grateful to coronavirus for.

Lucky Lou · 13-06-2020 10:46PM

I am embracing this new way of living.
No rushing and racing, tailbacks, 9-5 and pacing.
Just being, living, loving and appreciating.
Seeing kindness shown to even a stranger
This is almost a poem but its not.

Church on Tuesday · 13-06-2020 11:06PM

Probably the peace and quiet TBH.

It won't and can't be like this forever though nor should it be, but I would hope that the time to reflect people have had will make folk appreciate what they have more than they did before. Remote working can only be a good thing all round.

Having struggled with anxiety for the first half of my 20's in which I barely left the house, the lock-down has been nothing new for me TBH but I have seen some people badly struggle with it, personal freedom and enjoyment of life should never be taken for granted.

13-06-2020 11:11PM

Its fascinating how different we are experiencing this and the reasons for those differences.
If you are someone who has a long commute every day and hates being stuck in an office then all of this might be a dream come true. Of course it could be a nightmare either if you'd gladly take that commute if it meant being able to meet family.

So many variables at play and lots of things to find out. For anyone who is only finding peace and stillness now then maybe when this is over you'll have learnt ways of maintaining that. I will learn to embrace the Long Mile Road at 5pm on a Friday

Lundstram · 13-06-2020 11:16PM

ChikiChiki wrote: »

Certainly think it will spread wealth. Rural Ireland also needs to be open to the idea and welcome the influx of professionals into their communities. Off tangent slightly but I'm aware of divisions in the past between locals and "Dubs" in some places. An element of this is how we do things around here when it comes to new ideas in the community around things like GAA.

Why spend half a million on a semi detached in Dublin when you can get a bigger house on a sizable plot of land down west. With our great motorway network Dublin is incredibly accessible from all quarters in 2020 for the occasional meeting etc.

The arrogance. :rolleyes:

We're doing fine in rural Ireland, thanks. Please stay in Dublin.

PoisonIvyBelle · 13-06-2020 11:22PM

It's hard to know about perks because it's made very little difference to my daily routine really. I was already working from home before all this, I'm not one for going drinking every weekend, and I wouldn't be too bothered if I didn't see anyone at all in the course of a week. It's been fine. Not significantly worse and no stand out perks.

ChikiChiki · 13-06-2020 11:26PM

Lundstram wrote: »

The arrogance. :rolleyes:

We're doing fine in rural Ireland, thanks. Please stay in Dublin.

This kind of proves the point I was making. Be open to new people coming into the community. Rural Ireland is on its knees. The fallout in towns across Mayo, Roscommon and Galway was horrific after the 2008 financial crisis. They never recovered. It will be worse again after the pandemic. I'm saying that as someone with a rural Ireland background.

I'm very pro spreading the wealth out of Dublin and evening things up. I'm talking about MNCs, people and everything that comes with it. Keep small towns and villages thriving and keep rural Ireland alive. Open your mind because as is, it's only going one way.

WashYourHands · 13-06-2020 11:32PM

Perks:

I've been able to WFH so my income hasn't been effected.

I ordered home gym equipment so I probably won't need to join a gym again after this.

I've watched some good TV (Tiger King, Dark, Space Force) and there's endless amounts of good TV.

Lundstram · 13-06-2020 11:35PM

ChikiChiki wrote: »

This kind of proves the point I was making. Be open to new people coming into the community. Rural Ireland is on its knees. The fallout in towns across Mayo, Roscommon and Galway was horrific after the 2008 financial crisis. They never recovered. It will be worse again after the pandemic. I'm saying that as someone with a rural Ireland background.

I'm very pro spreading the wealth out of Dublin and evening things up. I'm talking about MNCs, people and everything that comes with it. Keep small towns and villages thriving and keep rural Ireland alive. Open your mind because as is, it's only going one way.

"rural Ireland is on its knees"

Yes, we are all starving and have no clothes to wear. Please come and spread your superior wealth and knowledge to eradicate the slums of western Ireland.

Tripe.

Leg End Reject · 13-06-2020 11:35PM

I loved the peace at the beginning when traffic was reduced, no morning rush, no rush hour traffic, time to catch up on jobs about the house that were permanently on the long finger. It was a welcome break from reality.

That said, I'm glad it's coming to an end. I'd love to be able to work from home forever, but I want my freedom back.

RandomViewer · 13-06-2020 11:41PM

Not having to talk to people
no back slapping and over familiarity
You can eat your lunch in peace
Been chilled for the last 3 months

arybvtcw0eolkf · 13-06-2020 11:44PM

For me there's been very little, if any positives to this new way of living.

As a soldier I'm well used to a certain amount of restricted movement, recruit training, various courses & exercises plus oversea's come to mind.

But at home I'm a sports person and a social butterfly, I've lots of interests outside of work and home, all of which bar swimming have been severely curtailed. I can still run alone, I prefer running alone but races and events have all been cancelled. So too have cycle events, my gym has been closed since March, I use the pool for winter swim training but they're not re opening the pool so I've had to use the cost of membership to purchase two wetsuits for winters in the open water.

I love my Saturday night in the local, its my one night that I call my 'me time', I bring my Kindle to the bar, have a few pints, a bowl of hot chicken wings and a read. I miss that.

My Judo club is closed and all competitions have been cancelled for the rest of the year, that's a major bummer for me.

Personally right now I can't think of a single perk for me.

whisky_galore · 13-06-2020 11:49PM

No hoors calling to the door selling lines or raffles for charities or GAA, and no "travelling" sales or tradesmen either.
Now if they could only stay the fook away for good.

13-06-2020 11:50PM

Oaklynn Deep Target wrote: »

For me there's been very little, if any positives to this new way of living.

As a soldier I'm well used to a certain amount of restricted movement, recruit training, various courses & exercises plus oversea's come to mind.

But at home I'm a sports person and a social butterfly, I've lots of interests outside of work and home, all of which bar swimming have been severely curtailed. I can still run alone, I prefer running alone but races and events have all been cancelled. So too have cycle events, my gym has been closed since March, I use the pool for winter swim training but they're not re opening the pool so I've had to use the cost of membership to purchase two wetsuits for winters in the open water.

I love my Saturday night in the local, its my one night that I call my 'me time', I bring my Kindle to the bar, have a few pints, a bowl of hot chicken wings and a read. I miss that.

My Judo club is closed and all competitions have been cancelled for the rest of the year, that's a major bummer for me.

Personally right now I can't think of a single perk for me.

Do you think will people be able to go in to a pub by themselves when they open up? Surely one person in a quiet corner is no risk. I miss the pint and book as well.

Purple Mountain · 13-06-2020 11:51PM

Being able to WFH, I saved a tidy sum on diesel, along with only going to the supermarket once a week.
I have saved and am putting that towards something I was saving for anyway.
I loved the joy of rediscovering what was always on my own doorstep with the 2km and 5km restrictions.
We went exploring 2 wild forests and found a mini waterfall at a river in one of the forests.
Usually on a fine day, we would head off in the car to visit somewhere like that but all along they were in walking distance of home.
I think I've more appreciation for my local, natural environment now.

13-06-2020 11:54PM

Another negative I've thought of. €17 for parking because I haven't been taking the bus. That will change next week.

Potential-Monke · 13-06-2020 11:55PM

I'm loving it. I have a bit of a hermit lifestyle for the last few years, I gave up on trying to be the person everyone wants me to be, or what society expects me to be, so I was already not going out anymore, got a night job so asleep during the days, and it's been far better for my mental health than trying to be everything that everyone else says I should be.

With the lockdown, I can finally tell people to back the f up if they get too close, whereas before this you'd be seen as a mad person. It's made me more aware of other peoples hygiene too, and I hope it has spelled the end of shared workspaces. My job is networking support and can completely be done from at home, and I've told them in surveys they've sent that, because I live with my parents who are both over 70 and both with different breathing conditions, I can't chance coming back in unless I'm guaranteed my own desk, pc, peripherals, chair etc, which will never be used by anyone else. Not something they can guarantee so makes sense to keep me working from home.

While I do appreciate people seem to think that everyone should have been able to take a lesson on personal space, hygiene and general wellbeing of others, I give it a few months without a case and everyone will be back to normal, throwaway fashion, keeping up with the Jones', not washing hands anymore, etc. We've already proven we can't even keep social distancing in the first stage, most people will fall back into old routines in no time.

arybvtcw0eolkf · 13-06-2020 11:58PM

Deleted User wrote: »

Do you think will people be able to go in to a pub by themselves when they open up? Surely one person in a quiet corner is no risk. I miss the pint and book as well.

I don't know.

I was chatting with the owner of my local this evening, he's hoping not to have too many restrictions, including perspex partitions at the bar, staff in masks etc but he hasn't been issued any guidance but he's hoping to retain the experience of a normal bar.

To most people its not a major thing, but I try cram in a lot in my week, I hate time wasted so when Saturday night comes around I like to wind down with a few beers and my Kindle.

Another thing I miss is dogs, this might sound silly. But when I'm running (mostly on the beach) I can't resist stopping to pet and have a friendly chat with a friendly dog, now when I do this most owners drag the dog away and look at me like I'm a leper.

Jurgen Klopp · 13-06-2020 11:58PM

ChikiChiki wrote: »

Certainly think it will spread wealth. Rural Ireland also needs to be open to the idea and welcome the influx of professionals into their communities. Off tangent slightly but I'm aware of divisions in the past between locals and "Dubs" in some places. An element of this is how we do things around here when it comes to new ideas in the community around things like GAA.

Why spend half a million on a semi detached in Dublin when you can get a bigger house on a sizable plot of land down west. With our great motorway network Dublin is incredibly accessible from all quarters in 2020 for the occasional meeting etc.

The vast majority of rural folk are "professionals" as well who commute to the nearest large town or city for work. Plus the arrogance of how its said. As if the slack jawed yokels can't be having our educated betters coming in to show us the error of our ways. Small hint, when we get a college degree it's in a specific discipline, it doesn't mean people have to doff the cap to you on everything you spout

Ya I'm sure the odd dub gets a rough time but most of the ones who come in and then whinge about not being accepted into the community are the types of fools who move to rural house then spend half their time burning the arse of the poor local Gardai making noise complaints about cattle roaring or tractors coming and going in the neighboring fields early morning and late at night during the summer doing sileage

Or hilariously arrive to a community and make zero effort to get to know locals then whinge when they sell up they were never accepted. If you move to any place you need to make yourself known in a nice polite way. It can be harder rurally as there's not as many groups etc to get involved in. But my God the amount of people from cities or other countries who buy a rural place and don't even salute someone back then you hear they are moving out again and have been whinging they felt pushed out.

Or some ignorant type who automatically assume all these culchies are thick and in need of educating, that won't get you far in any community looking down your nose, rural or not.

Sound dubs get seen as sound and be treated as such, in fact surprisingly if you are nice and friendly you might even get invited to gatherings or just to people's houses for a visit.

Act the knob and you get treated like one whether it's in a rural community or an urban area

14-06-2020 12:03AM

WashYourHands wrote: »

Perks:

I've been able to WFH so my income hasn't been effected.

I ordered home gym equipment so I probably won't need to join a gym again after this.

I've watched some good TV (Tiger King, Dark, Space Force) and there's endless amounts of good TV.

You’re the first person I’ve heard or read with anything even remotely positive to say about Space Force.

Leg End Reject · 14-06-2020 12:07AM

I think you'll only be able to to a pub if they've always served food and you order food too. You'll be ok Mak with your chicken wings, chips and pint, but you probably can't sit there for a few hours.

That said, the coffers are empty and there's a lot of tax on alcohol, so things will return to normal soon enough. We have to live with this, not avoid it.

As an aside, I was in a shop earlier and the second person in the queue. An elderly lady and her daughter approached the checkout from the wrong side. The person working there abruptly told them where the queue was. Given the elderly lady is in a higher risk group I told her to go ahead of me. Her daughter was going to wait until I'd been served, she couldn't see around the aisle that there was more behind me, so I told her to go on too. No mutterings behind me which was nice, but a pity to see that not all shops are giving priority to older people. It was probably one of her first trips out and about.

Mrsmum · 14-06-2020 12:07AM

1)Saving loads of money.

2)Realising if I didn't actually buy clothes for five years, I have plenty that need a wearing.

3) Not being under pressure to visit family down the country. Zoom working just fine.

4) Attending to maintenance jobs around the house that needed doing.

B.A._Baracus · 14-06-2020 12:18AM

No long commute to work each day being the biggest one for me.

Aisling(",) · 14-06-2020 12:27AM

No commute was nice. I I exercised and saved more.

I live with my cocooning parents so I didn't see anyone apart from them for nearly 3 months including my boyfriend. I'm saving for a house but living at home meant I was sleeping, working and studying in the one room.

I felt really lonely and my mood which is generally very stable went up and down a lot. I like aspects of it but I think if I lived with friends or a partner I'd have enjoyed it a lot more. My friends didn't do many zoom calls either because they already had a lot on which made me feel more isolated.

Perks to this new way of living

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