Not too long ago, I caught up with a friend living in San Francisco, and the current situation there is nothing short of heartbreaking. Though I left six years ago with only sweet memories, the reality now is grim. Post-pandemic, as remote work took off, the intellectuals left San Francisco, leaving the streets barren, filled only with the homeless. With dwindling customers and frequent petty crimes, big stores like Whole Foods and Nordstrom have started pulling out, leaving the streets littered with trash and people lost in addiction. The population has reportedly dropped by 30% over the past few years, proving that the city’s decline is not just a baseless rumor focused around Market Street. It’s reminiscent of the tragic fall of Detroit, once thought to touch the sky.
In my memories, San Francisco wasn’t an incredibly glamorous city, but Market Street, connected to Fisherman’s Wharf, was always bustling with people, and Union Square and the piers were forever packed with tourists. I remember tourists lining up with eager faces by the cable car stop every time I passed Powell Street. Meanwhile, I’d walk the streets, feeling down about the massive amount of reading I had to finish by the next day.
Is it really so thrilling to ride an old cable car?
I used to pass them by, never having ridden a cable car until I returned as a tourist, making it a planned part of the day. Despite visiting a few more times for work, the cable car ride never made it onto my schedule again. I suppose if I were to visit again purely for leisure, the queues wouldn’t be the same, and that anticipation wouldn’t quite match the thrill of being surrounded by like-minded, excited people. 😊
The pandemic solidified remote work, drastically shifting business operation patterns and dramatically altering local foot traffic. This had a huge impact on neighborhood businesses. In the US, over 50% still work from home, unlike other countries where most employees have returned to the office. In San Francisco, with high office rent costs, many companies reduced their rental space and encouraged remote work. While remote work can be efficient, building the necessary know-how takes time. Companies are trying to lure employees back with revamped offices and buffets, but once a pattern changes, it’s tough to revert. 🌟
Even though Australia suffered less from the pandemic, the remote work rate remains high. My sister, who lives there, barely goes to the office, finding commuting inefficient and inconvenient. It’s surprising she realized that only recently, and even more surprising she can skip going if she doesn’t feel like it. She doesn’t seem to be particularly great at her job, either. 😅
Choosing between remote work and commuting isn’t easy. While wasting time commuting isn’t appealing, casually meeting friendly faces is enjoyable. I don’t actively try to increase my circle, so those I see often naturally become precious to me—at work, they’re around. I don’t overtly socialize at work; I’m even shy to say hi. Just having friendly faces nearby is comforting. I might seem a bit odd, but hey, the world is full of unique people. 😊
Though I digressed, I hope San Francisco overcomes the pandemic, remote work, and city stagnation to regain its former vibrancy, much like how you wish an old lover happiness over hardship. Don’t you agree? Or am I just being a naughty kid? (Sorry!) 😇
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