City Life: A Day in The Life of A Working Chicagoan in the Downtown Area

Working in the city, specifically in the downtown area of Chicago, has been a dream of mine since I was in high school. Just seeing the hustle and bustle of everyone, the luxury stores, the tall skyscrapers, and of course the eatery spots! These were just some of the things that attracted me to wanting to work downtown. Now that I have officially started working downtown for about 2 months, I’m excited to share what my days look like when I’m in the office a couple days a week adjusting to the downtown city life.

Chicago’s city life is like no other in the summer. Since we only get about 4 months of warm weather (more like 5 now because of global warming, sad face), us Chicagoans really try and make the best out of the summer city life. It’s an area where I can soak up a lot of knowledge to expand my career and enjoy the nice views!

I’ve always been in the insurance field, but I made a career change due to being laid off because of downsizing (boo!). I got the opportunity to truly start my career in the field that carries a special niche that I could honestly see myself doing for years. 

Professional Background

When I got laid off back in April of this year, I was sort of lost. I knew what career I wanted start in. Coming from the mortgage industry I knew it wasn’t a secure path to keep continuing down due to the housing market. I always knew I wanted to eventually become Underwriter and I have been able to start my new career path in a different industry. So since it’s a hybrid position, I go into the office as needed. No set schedule but I love the work I’m doing.

The summer city life while working in downtown Chicago is such a great vibe. Of course, the over crowded sidewalks on Michigan Ave is always a pain but you learn not to stress the little things. Since I’ve been working downtown I wanted to share a day in the life of an average young adult work day, summer edition!

Wednesday – July 13, 2022

Morning

6:30am: I wake up and go get the coffee going in my partner and I’s Keurig. He can’t go a day without his caffeine fix. Take the pup out for a quick morning walk and feed her. I shower and get ready and leave since I take the train to work. This is one thing about the city life that I love, especially in Chicago. A car isn’t so much a necessity here since we have such great public transportation. 

8:40am: I arrive at work and set up my desk area, then I place a coffee order (Dunkin’ this time) to go pick up since it’s only a half a block away from my office. Come back and check on some accounts with 501 attachments (only half joking lol).

9:30am: Quick team meeting update via Microsoft Teams. Been waiting on some official documents from our higher ups and it keeps getting delayed more and more.

10:30am: Run over to Dunkin’ Donuts (again) to get a sausage and cheese croissant with hash browns. I usually don’t try to buy breakfast out when I’m working in office, but I was starving in this moment so I caved and did it. Come back and eat on my building’s rooftop which is really nice over looking downtown Chicago’s millennium park area and the boats on the lake.

Office Building Rooftops Views

11:30am: Wrapping up on some accounts that I was looking over. I decided to work in the building’s lounge/rooftop area instead of the office. It give more a bit more of a relaxed setting. I sit and start thinking of what I’m going to get for lunch. I haven’t been bringing lunch for a while now. Definitely will be changing this, just have to put in a big grocery order.

I end up going with Popeye’s. I don’t know what it is, it’s just something about that spicy chicken sandwich. It so good, I may or may not have a slight addiction. I place my order online for pick up and pack up my things and head out. 

Afternoon

My office building is by Millennium Park and the last time I can remember I stopped at the tourist attractions was back in high school. So I decided to snap a couple shots of some of the main attractions. 

12:30pm:  I spot an open bar and grill called Double Clutch Brewing Company, so I stop and get a drink since it’s such a nice day out. I order a frozen margarita and they had Stella on tap, so had to get one! It’s nice sitting out people watching a bit. City life can get crazy but it’s little moments like these that is why I love living here. 

1:30pm: Back from lunch and check my email to see if anything needs attention. It’s been a little slow so not much to do right now until the higher ups get all the required documents needed so my department can open up to the public. 

Since it was a little slow, I decided to start writing on my laptop which is how this post came to life! I won’t always have this extra time so I’m trying not to completely waste it.

Finally off!

4:00pm: I typically get off at 5pm, but at the new job my boss is very work-life balance. He’s the first boss that I’ve had that is practical and understanding. If there isn’t a reason for us to be in the office we won’t come in. The same goes for leaving the office early. So I leave the office and start making my walk to the blue line train station. I stop and pick up my partner some nuggets from Popeyes since we had been talking about trying them.

Finally, I make it to the train and have to wait 4 minutes before it arrives. Once I get on the train I can take a breather. I know it’ll only take me 15 minutes to arrive at my stop. Lately, my partner has been picking me up from the train station by our apartment. I’d usually make the 15 minute walk back home. So grateful for this especially when it’s crazy hot out.

I was so exhausted when I got home that I just wanted to relax with my partner and dog and watch some tv. City life is great, but those long blocks just about kill my legs haha. 

A Peak Into the City Life

I wanted to show you all what average day for a young adult working Chicago’s downtown area. This is honestly still a bit new to me as well as I’ve only been with this company for about 2 months. I was remote working for the last 2-3 years. I’ve learned to love coming into the office when we need to and just making the most out of it especially in the area I’m in.

As you can see, a working day doesn’t have to be all work no play. I get that sometimes we just can’t get away some days, but when you can make the most of it! City life can be very chaotic at times, but is so rewarding through cultural events, sport events, art museums, etc. So much talent and happiness in Chicago, especially during the summer. Let’s soak up all the good vibes!