My hometown is as deep blue as it comes and masking is still the norm. Most stores still require it and you STILL see people in cars alone, walking down the street, even jogging(!) wearing masks. I never wore masks outside and regularly got dirty looks from maskers while hiking or walking down the street.
I'm on vacation now to a red area and it's such a relief to be gone from that. I didn't even realize how oppressive the constant masking is. I took my kid to a playground yesterday that must have had 50-60 people (kids and adults) and not a single mask in sight. My kid was nervous at first (he's had to mask at school for 8 hours a day), and now he can't shut up about how great it is not to wear masks.
It's wonderful.
I've noticed so much understaffing at places. I tried to grab a drink at a Sonic last week and it was closed to drive thru window only as they didn't have staff to carry food to cars. Also went to a pizza place and they had absolutely zero waitstaff and a sign on the door saying they were hiring anyone willing to actually work.
Not been quite as bad in my immediate area, but I've noticed a lot of high school kids in most of these jobs. Great jobs for them. Yeah, they trip over themselves at times, but at least trying and not grumpy old turds like who they replaced.
I have noticed the creeping inflation. Price changes and less quality. Our favorite restaurant upped the ribeye by $4. Replaced burger meat with the premade frozen ones.
Haven't quite noticed on food yet, but I'm not the best price watcher anyway. Still going from $10 to $12 is 20% inflation. Might not notice at once, but over the course of a month it is for sure.
That's true. A lot of the folks who think they can get a better paying job, or are better off on unemployment are making it so more desirous workers show up.
Now I want some Sonic.