COVID-19 has brought about significant
changes in the way I live. During my 20s and 30s, I worked like crazy. Overtime
and work-related dinners were part of my daily routine, and I even stayed at
the office until 2 a.m., neglecting everything else. But now, I absolutely
can't do that anymore.
How COVID-19 Altered My Life
With the rise of remote work due to
COVID-19, many people have returned to their offices, but I continue to
advocate for a combination of remote and in-office work, emphasizing the
efficiency of working from home. Since my work is mainly independent, with
tools like Zoom, chat, and mind maps, I can collaborate effectively without
being physically present. I owe a lot to our understanding CEO, who
acknowledges the effectiveness of this approach. With determination and a
resilient mindset, I proudly champion remote work, even if it means being
referred to as an "ahjumma" (a middle-aged woman).
The Downside of Remote Work
However, working from home isn't always as
comfortable or time-saving as it may seem. Most of the time, it feels like
working relentlessly while attending to the kids, cooking meals, and juggling
various tasks. As I reduced my work hours through negotiations with the
company, my monthly paycheck, which was already light, became even lighter.
Meanwhile, my kids, thinking I'm just a stay-at-home mom, often misunderstand
my presence and assume I'm just enjoying leisure time.
The Emergence of Work-Life Balance through
Remote Work
By chance, I joined a book club. Last year,
I completed an online course called "Book Curation" in our
neighborhood, which led to subsequent book club gatherings. At the time, the
weekly online classes allowed me to manage my work alongside them. I wasn't
sure if I could continue participating in the offline gatherings that required
more time commitment. However, during our first meeting, I met people who lived
in the same area but knew nothing about each other, except that we shared a
love for books. It turned out to be a delightful experience. We now have around
ten members, loosely connected by our shared interests. We select and read one
book per month, gather once a month for a two-hour discussion, have lunch
together, and then part ways. Apart from the selected books, we also recommend
and receive recommendations for other books. Our book club was selected for a
city-supported adult reading club project, where we receive a designated number
of books we applied for and return them afterward. It's astonishing that our
city alone has over 100 adult reading clubs supported in this way. Some members
even belong to multiple book clubs and have been attending meetings twice a
month for over ten years. Can we really keep up with that? It requires
practical time and mental flexibility.
My Book Club
Before COVID-19, I couldn't have imagined
participating in something like this. The discussions we have in our book club
are not extraordinary. Sometimes, even after reading an excellent book, we
blame ourselves for using only the similar expressions in our reviews. However, our club
is characterized by politeness, seriousness, and warmth. No one takes control;
instead, we listen to each other's opinions and share our own. These chance
encounters are intriguing and much appreciated. They also provide an
opportunity for self-reflection and self-awareness in unfamiliar group
dynamics.
The Changing Lives of Middle-Aged Women
I've noticed a significant increase in
activities where people gather to read books, write, and support each other.
These changes are evident both online and offline, and they have become even
more powerful since COVID-19. Women are reading, writing, and posting online
every day, engaging in self-reflection and personal growth. We cheer on the
growth of others through comments without even knowing their faces, and we also
receive support in return. As the author of a certain book once said,
"Each individual's life story is something we write ourselves." And
so, we continue to record and connect with one another. It's truly wonderful!
Notice: This is a personal story and may differ from the general life of Korean women.
