The 9-5 jobs have always been the reliable source of income for people. That was what society groomed you for. You were supposed to strive for that: The good job with benefits, 401k plan and a solid bi-weekly paycheck. Whether you went to college or not, only had a high school diploma, trade school or none. This is what the workforce was built on.

And for the longest time, that has been working. But now, it seems that especially since the pandemic, work looks a lot different now than it used to. When the pandemic started, obviously everyone was on high alert and rightfully so. We were not moving day by day, it was hour by hour. Most people didn’t know what work would like afterwards. If you were a healthcare professional myself and my Mom, you knew what you were up against. The most horrific pandemic known to man, effecting people you are seeing every day. At the pharmacy, we were administering tests through the drive-thru and talking them through the process with the phone. Because we weren’t allowed to open the window. And I can’t even fathom what Mom was going through every evening.

But you see, since we were both in this field, we had to work! But for many, work was on hold. And that in my opinion, is when a lot of people started becoming content creators. But I say all of that, to say this: Is the 9-5 job really the issue? Or is there something much deeper than that?

Some people say that it’s work schedule. Others say that it’s the lack of consistent help and hours. Others say that it’s the management and leadership. Others say that it’s the lack of respect and appreciation they receive for their work and their efforts. Some say it’s fewer opportunities available for advancement. Or that some people more inexperienced and undeserving, are getting opportunities handed to them. Then, some say that it’s the fact that they simply don’t get paid enough.

Whatever the reason that you may be, it might not be the simple 9-5 concept itself. It’s all of those reasons that I just listed and more. See for the most part, the 9-5 jobs are still good jobs to have. Because I mean let’s face it, everyone will not work from home. I mean, they’re still good, familiar and most of them are still reliable. But there are issues within the workforce. For me, one of the things that bothers me the most, is when Management hires people and the people come in, saying that they available to work whenever, weekends included. Then, upon getting hired, they ghost the job! It’s like you can’t find them anywhere.

The status of the workplace has changed dramatically. And I don’t know if it will go back to the way, it was before. Not sure if it should. But what I do know is the work dynamic changes have only begun. Who knows what work will look like in 5, 10 years. Even in the industry that I am in full-time as a pharmacy tech, I feel that the way medicines are able to be delivered through Wal-Mart and Amazon, someday pharmacies might become obsolete. You never know. Dynamics are different and so are the people. It makes you wonder, what will come of the workplace now?