October 29, 2026 by Cassandra Johnson
Being back on the bus and metro was kinda weird (straight out of DC Union station, that is.) Funny how adaptable humans are – thinking about the normalcy of pretty much being used to navigating it everyday like an old hat or worn out shoe.
I was happy to not have to take the bus and/or metro every day once I finished my last 9 to 5 in the area. I had become really accustomed to it since 2006. It was a little nicer during the broad time I had my car there, because I could sprinkle in some driving time and also consistently drive on the weekends and in the evenings for errands and trips.
I got used to the old hat routine once I came back and started working again after being abroad and having donated my car. In that instance, however, I started to form a plan for no longer working for a company or association and to move into working for myself.
Solo work had its ups and downs and I am going more now for the combination. I enjoy the sometimes freedom it brings but not necessarily the uncertainty.
Needless to say, having the experience was a little interesting and surreal. I am thankful I don’t have to be used to that routine, anymore. Bounding down endless stairs, walking up escalators, flowing into the crowd. It was a break when I could just go to happy hours and events and every trip was pleasure, not work. I am happy I don’t have to be that agile and positive workforce-minded for the moment. I can make my own lane.