9 Everyday Things That Got Worse After the Pandemic

Sure, things look normal again, but in reality, some stuff never went back to how it was. Service feels slower. Prices are up. And little things that used to be easy now take twice the effort. It’s not just you, a lot of people are feeling it. These small shifts may not make headlines, but they’ve definitely changed the way everyday life feels.

Customer Service

Remember when good customer service used to be the norm? Now, it feels like you’re constantly waiting on hold, dealing with missing orders, or being ignored altogether. A lot of people have just stopped expecting more…not because they’re okay with it, but because they’re tired of being disappointed.

Doctor Appointments

Getting a simple checkup or specialist visit can still take weeks—or even months. Some offices are overbooked, others are short on staff, and many moved to virtual-only options that don’t always cut it. For a lot of patients, getting the care they need now takes way more planning and patience.

Travel Experience

Flying hasn’t felt smooth in years. Delays, lost baggage, higher ticket prices, and canceled flights have made air travel more stressful. Add in limited airport staff and fewer flight options, and many travelers say they avoid flying unless they absolutely have to.

Grocery Prices

While inflation touched everything, groceries hit especially hard—and the prices haven’t dropped back down. Staples like eggs, bread, and meat still cost way more than they did before 2020. People are buying less, switching brands, or shopping multiple stores to stretch their food budgets.

Public Behavior

Patience in public spaces has worn thin. Whether it’s road rage, rudeness in stores, or short tempers at restaurants, many say people are less polite and more easily frustrated. That underlying tension never fully disappeared, and it’s made everyday errands more draining.

Fast Food Quality

Fast food prices went up, but portion sizes and quality often didn’t keep up. Many customers say their go-to meals feel smaller, sloppier, or just not worth the cost anymore. It’s led some to eat out less or shift to local spots where the food still feels worth the money.

Office Culture

Even as workplaces reopened, things haven’t gone back to how they were. Some teams stayed remote, others returned but never rebuilt the same culture. Between burnout, quiet quitting, and shifting priorities, the office now feels more disconnected for a lot of people.

Mail and Shipping Times

Shipping delays became normal during the pandemic—but they didn’t fully improve. Packages still arrive late, tracking updates can be inconsistent, and even basic mail delivery has slowed in some areas. Many people now expect delays, even when ordering from major retailers.

Community Events and Gatherings

Local events, festivals, and public gatherings haven’t bounced back in the same way. Some stopped entirely, others returned on a smaller scale or disappeared without notice. It’s left fewer chances for neighbors to connect and communities to come together like they used to.

Some Changes Just Stuck

Not everything went back to how it was—and you can probably feel it. Prices stayed high, service got slower, and some things just aren’t as reliable anymore. A lot has quietly shifted, and people are still adjusting to what “normal” looks like now.

This article first appeared on Cents + Purpose.