Has working from home during the pandemic affected how you view work, career? What Chicagoans say.

With many people working from home during the pandemic, we asked how no longer having to commute to an office has made people rethink their jobs and career goals. Some answers have been condensed and lightly edited for clarity.

“I love working from home! I don’t think I can ever go back to five days in office or the long commute!” — Lucia DiNicola Bertrand

“Jobs can work while being at home and not in an office. It’s really not necessary. I saved so much more money not commuting.” — Chris Silva

“I would love to keep working from home. Our office adjusted to the change, and we get even more work done now than being in the office. Fewer distractions at home. Plus, the benefit of saving money on commuting and parking and childcare is a plus. And I get to spend more time with my family.” — Carrie Taylor Carlson

“Hard to replace impromptu conversations that occur in the office. Other than that, great working from home.” — Bruce Smith

“It’s made me 100% sure I don’t want to have to go to the office five days a week ever again.” — Shannon Heath Jeropke

“What do people do with themselves all day? I’m a homebody, but working from home is not for me.” — Agnes Magdalena

“The remote working opportunity has given me the option to move out of the city into more rural areas for living versus staying in the city to lessen the commute.” — Curt Notre

“Actually, commuting on public transit during the pandemic has made me rethink my career. It’s been considerably worse compared to before the pandemic. I’d rather be safely working from home.” — Dot Lane

“I struggled at first, but now I love working from home. Work-life balance is a little more balanced. No sitting in traffic for hours, spending money on lunch, gas. I love it!” — Joy Murphy

“I was going to retire this month, but, since I didn’t have to get up and go to the office every day, I put it off for a year. That will increase my pension and savings benefits when I finally do.” — Mary Jane Tala

“Yup and made personal changes to avoid a long commute with public transportation, not to mention the money I’ve saved.” — Tanya Badea