Take Me Off Speaker! When Did We All Lose Our Telephone Manners?

If you want to call me a boomer, I'll take it.

There are some things that never change or at least they shouldn't.

Since when did it become appropriate to answer every phone call on speaker (in your car, in your home, in your office) without notifying the caller that they're on speaker?

There's a reason to call person-to-person.  Otherwise, we could just use the "party line."  Uh-oh.  I think I just dated myself.

Nevertheless, if I wanted to talk to you, your boyfriend, your girlfriend, your kids, your nanny, your cube-mate or your housekeeper, I would have called them and not you.

There are times when you have to use the speakerphone (like when you're driving).  But, please have the common courtesy to at least notify the caller that you're not alone.

This should be right up there with not changing your profile photo on zoom to a cat picture.

Save yourself and the rest of us the embarrassment.

You're welcome.

Zoom Fatigue

I'm a people person.  I love people.  Most of the time.  Most people.

Which is why virtual activities and zoom meetings versus zero interaction with other people is a much better option for me.

However, sixteen months into the pandemic, post-pandemic, possible pandemic part two has me completely worn out.

I've run out of virtual backgrounds, zoom lighting tricks, outdoor options.

I am quite simply over it.

That said, please people get vaccinated so that we can get back together, in person, in office, in coffee shop, in restaurants, in community meetings and scream in each other's faces rather than at the screen.

Sure, looking presentable on top with sweatpants on the bottom was a real hoot for a while, it's no longer fun.

I want to go back to the pre-pandemic cautiously glancing at my phone while being bored in meetings.

That's all.

Remember when we were stressing about Working From Home - Not so Fast Forward - It's Time to Return to the Office!

 I'll never forget the beginning of pandemic.  I mean, who could? 

My firm was super about getting us set up to work from home and made the transition as smooth as possible.

Sure, we were all working from our kitchens, couches, bedrooms, you name it.

For me, it was a very difficult transition.  No social interaction, no coffee shop experiences, no office services, no one to talk to or to offer a second opinion on that filing or a second set of eyes.

Now nearly a year and a half later, and I'm in rhythm.  

Whereas, I once said "I can't wait to get back into the office," I'm now saying "how will I ever go back to commuting and traffic and the old routine?"

And if I'm really honest, it's causing me more than a little anxiety.

I, for one, would love a hybrid model.  I mean we've proven we can do it?  Or have we?

If you have thoughts about in-person return to work, I'd love to hear them.  All suggestions are welcome.  Remember, there are no wrong answers.