Despite some folks making more money from their investments than their jobs, there’s a case to be made that the best time to work could be during or just after a pandemic. Why? Because work has become a lot more flexible, and that’s a game-changer.
Take me, for example. I used to hate commuting to work. But now, with my son back in preschool, I’m back on the road, dropping him off by 9 am and picking him up by 3:45 pm. It’s not the 15-20 minute drive that bothers me, but the obligation of being somewhere at a specific time.
But here’s the thing: this routine has put me back in work mode. I listen to my favorite podcasts on the way, and it got me thinking. If I’m already dealing with the daily grind of commuting, why not make it worthwhile and get a job?
So, if you’ve been a stay-at-home parent, considering coming out of early retirement, or just unhappy with your current job, this one’s for you.
Why Now Might Be the Best Time to Work
I’ve been chatting with my friends about their work lives during the pandemic, and here’s why now might be the best time to work:
-
Flexible Work Hours: My friend Jake, a software engineer at Facebook, enjoys extremely flexible hours. As long as he gets his work done, he can even catch a baseball game on a weekday.
-
More Vacation Time: Qubert, an analytics consultant, took four vacations this summer thanks to his company’s unlimited vacation day policy. With remote work, it’s easier to take time off without feeling the pressure of always being seen working.
-
Greater Ability to Side Hustle: With more flexibility, it’s easier to work on side projects outside of work. I’ve noticed that many employers don’t mind what you do outside of work hours, as long as you get your job done.
-
Higher Pay: With more people quitting their jobs during the pandemic, companies are offering higher salaries and benefits to retain and attract employees.
-
Kids Are Back in School: With kids back in school, parents have more time to focus on their work.
The Ideal Work Day Schedule
Here’s a potential work schedule that could work for me:
- 6:00 am – 7:45 am: Write an article for my blog, Financial Samurai.
- 7:45 am – 8:30 am: Spend time with family.
- 8:30 am – 9:05 am: Drop off son at preschool.
- 9:05 am – 3:30 pm: Work, with a lunch break at noon.
- 3:30 pm – 5 pm: Pick up son and spend quality time with him.
- 5 pm – 7:45 pm: Unwind at home, spend time with family, and catch up with work.
- 7:45 pm onwards: Free time.
This schedule allows me to spend quality time with my family, work on my blog, and earn a good income from my day job. The only downside is that I won’t get to nap after lunch, but I’m hoping to work from home at least two days a week.
Work Isn’t What It Used to Be
I left my job in 2012 because I wanted more freedom. But the pandemic has changed the way we work. Now, it seems like I can have the best of both worlds: the freedom of being a solopreneur and the security of a regular job.
However, I’m aware that not everyone might have the same flexibility. When I pick up my son from preschool, I notice that most kids are picked up after hours, suggesting that their parents might not have flexible work hours.
So, I’m curious to hear from you. Do you think now is the best time to work? How has your work life changed since the pandemic began? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
