2048

It’s my understanding that when planes had smoking sections, they pumped much more fresh air in. Now there is recycling. Of course through filters.

Damn. I can remember being a kid and sitting in the smoking section of a plane because my mother smoked. Awful experience.

2049

Less than a quarter of employed Americans are working from home every day. Workers with college degrees are more than twice as likely to be telecommuting than those without.

https://grow.acorns.com/whos-working-from-home-charts/

Interesting read, as I figured the number was still closer to 40%. I was wrong!

2050

I know that many people at my place of employment who were working from home before Covid that were let go as business started declining. I wonder if that number is a bit skewed. Plus there have been people who want to go into the office and not work from home (which I do not fathom at all). Some people were allowed to do so, their job was in IT so I suppose they may have been switched with someone else who can than work from home instead and probably grateful for the opportunity.

2051

The 25% figure doesn’t surprise me that much. IT, finance and professional services (i.e. white collar work) only account for about 20% of the workforce.

There are many jobs where working from home doesn’t work.

https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/employment-by-major-industry-sector.htm

2052

If you have children and a spouse who is not working, I could totally understand wanting to go into the office.

But I would imagine that group of people is fairly limited.

I knew a guy who declined an 8 week sabbatical. He was a consummate worker, always working and I asked him “why in gods name are you skipping out on 8 weeks of paid vacation?” and he said “I wouldn’t know what to do with my wife for 8 weeks”. I had a hard time fathoming that answer, why be married I thought to myself. But I bet he’s one who wants to go into the office.

2053

Agreed! And with perfect usage, condoms are 99% effective!

2054

@Tman already mentioned the other people issue but I can also understand the people who want the mental separation. I certainly feel that teaching from home is not nearly as productive as teaching from my classroom.

It might be different if I had the mindset that working from home would become the new normal and continue after the pandemic went away. I doubt that will be true in high school until after I retire (to be fair I’ll be retired within 10 years and most likely within 5).

2055

I think working from home is great, but the opportunity to go into an office and be around other adults who are also colleagues is rewarding too. I’d prefer a mix – maybe 2-3 days of WFH and 2-3 days in the office.

2056

I am bipolar (2), and being home-bound has made things harder. More rapid cycling, so more frequent depression. Not as deep as sometimes, though, so it hasn’t been terrible. When I do go out, I usually have no patience (intense dislike) for everyone I see. Eventually that flips, though, and I really like people. I need to get out more.

My outdoor time used to be going out to dinner regularly, but now my wife is scared to even go to the new outdoor restaurant parklets. I need to find other things to do to get me out of the house. I just have a hard time finding interest.

2057

I am under quarantine, myself. I have had mild cold like symptom for almost 3 weeks. Its likely due to my remicade infusions which suppress the immune system but my doctor ordered me to, pending the return of my test results.

I am going to get personal here. My older sister has covid. She will not survive it. She has been on a respirator for 20 days and Saturday her lungs filled with a viscous fluid. The doctors have said they are out of options and will be taking her off respiratory support today. She received many of the drug that often help but it was to no avail. Please people, stop politicizing this virus. Stop fear shaming mask wearers and take this thing seriously. My sister bought into the bullshit that our administration has spread and went to a bar with friends in October. She is now likely to die today. So please stop with the us vs them rhetoric. Do the right thing, even if you do not believe. It just may save the life of someone you care about.

2058

I am sorry to hear about your sister. Yes, please wear a mask and socially distance.

2059

I’m so sorry to hear about your sister @rshetts.

2060

I’m sorry that you have to go through this with your sister. This type of story if being repeated all over.

I’m not sure what will change people’s minds. A nurse in South Dakota told her experience a while back and reading her account ( and her reply to a comment so read the first comment) was disheartening.

2061

I’m really sorry to hear this, rshetts. I just heard today that a colleague at a campus across town died this weekend of COVID. Diagnosed last Monday, hospitalized Wednesday and almost immediately on intubation, had a heart attack Saturday night or Sunday morning. His partner also has COVID and wasn’t allowed to visit at all.

It just makes me want to cry. As you said, do the right thing, regardless of what you believe. Isn’t it better to be safe than sorry?

2062

That is terrible @rshetts. I can only hope your family takes heed, and you have no more such stories.

2063

I’m so, so sorry, @rshetts.

2064

I’m so sorry.

2065

Thank you, everyone. My sister’s nickname was the Dancing Queen because she was always happy and dancing through life without a care. She was one of the most loving, caring and giving people I have ever known. She was very social and loved being around people and sadly that was her downfall. I breaks my heart but she passed earlier today, shortly after they removed her from her ventilator. After 3 weeks of isolation, her husband was able to be with her at the end. I have nine siblings ( the youngest just turned 50 ) and until today we had all survived everything this world has thrown at us. I loved my sister with all of my heart. She was there for me so many times when I needed her and when she was fighting for her life I wasn’t even able to see her let alone help. I hope no one here has to experience what I am feeling today. Please stay safe, people.

2066

So very sorry, man.

2067

I’m so very sorry for your loss. Deepest condolences.