Like many people I have been vaccinated for COVID-19 and will soon have the maximum immunity. I understand that this does not mean I will be totally unable to catch or spread the virus, which remains deadly to many people.
Based on trusted guidance about the risks:
• I will avoid being inside with people who I don’t know are vaccinated unless they are masked and there is proper ventilation and room for social distancing (in which case I will also be masked and will minimize extended contact).
• When outdoors, I will wear a mask only when in extended close contact with people I don’t know are vaccinated.
• Until herd immunity is achieved, the need to occasional sneeze and blow my nose due to persistent allergies will make it difficult to avoid freaking people out, so I will avoid being with others (unless we are all vaccinated) for more than an hour at a time.
The main difference from behavior before vaccination is that I am considering going indoors for other than unavoidable medical reasons.
My preference for entirely remote employment is consistent with my attitude about the virus. I have recently decided that I will also be willing to make infrequent visits to an office subject to the constraints above. My other reasons for remote work remain strong ones:
• My creativity and productivity are maximized when not subject to interruptions and expectations inconsistent with my work style.
• Commuting is dangerous as well as costly in resources and time; it should be avoided where it can be.
• I am in the process of changing my living conditions to match my values and abilities; an associated move would not risk interrupting remote work.
• I intend to continue working on my own projects, which would benefit from spending more time at home and having more control over my schedule.