I never remember liking snow. Growing up in Ohio means that I am no stranger to winter weather. But I do remember loving snow days. I lived for the joy of my mother opening my bedroom door and telling me that I could sleep in. Snow days meant no school and impromptu gatherings with friends. You could lounge around the house, stay in your pajamas, and eat junk food.

Things change when you become an adult. Snow days are awful now. I still don’t like snow. But now, I don’t even have the redeeming benefit of a day off school. So I hate it more. Here are all the reasons why snow days are the worst.

1. You Don’t Get Paid

I work at a vineyard, where the weather directly affects our business. On beautiful days, we expect heavy crowds and good business. Our customers aren’t as likely to drive out if the weather is terrible. And snow is bad if your vineyard is only outdoor seating. It doesn’t help that the location is tucked away on back roads that don’t get plowed. So, snow means we shut down, which means that I’m not getting a paycheck. Sure, I get a day off. But I would rather be earning money. Especially since a good portion of my check relies on customer tips.

2. You Can’t Go Anywhere

In high school, snow days meant that one of my friends would volunteer their house for a hangout. We all lived close to one another, so getting there wasn’t horrible. But now, I don’t have the luxury of all my friends being available. If my work shuts down, it means that other businesses have shut down. So where am I going to go? I’m stuck in my house all day. I don’t have any desire to go outside and sled or throw snowballs. And I get guilty if I’m not productive. Nothing is as fun as it used to be.

3. Snow Chores

Shoveling, scraping, salting. The works. Shoveling snow is forever worse than raking leaves. And if you don’t shovel the snow, your driveway becomes a death trap. And no matter what, you have to make sure that your car is wiped off. Which you can’t do until the snow has stopped. I also have the added task of gathering firewood. My house is old and drafty. We are doing our best to update it, but we still need a wood stove for supplementary heat on windy days. That equals at least two wheelbarrow trips. What’s more, if I don’t take care of these tasks on the actual snow day, they all have to be done soon after. Ugh.

4. Road Conditions

Roads and traffic are always horrible after a major snow event. This means that you have to leave early to get anywhere. Always expect accidents on the way. And never assume that all roads are plowed. It’s even worse if the snow has changed to ice, which is my least favorite driving condition. Also, I can’t use the excuse that I don’t have a driver’s license anymore. I have to suck it up and drive myself. Slowly, painfully, and with great paranoia.

5. It Means It’s Still Winter

Snow means that spring is nowhere near. Although, Maryland weather is weird and it can snow in March. But with today’s climate, March barely counts as a spring month. As long as it’s cold enough to snow, I still consider it winter. It makes the spring thaw seem farther away than ever, which doesn’t help to lift my spirits. Everything is cold, wet, and gray. And I don’t like that combination in the least.

In conclusion, snow days are not the best. I do hope that children who are still able to enjoy them are doing so. But the adults like me are waiting it out. If anything, snow days make the coming warm days all the better. It gives me something to look forward to when I’m sitting in my house, staring out the window, wishing I were young again.

Featured Image by Ottabatta courtesy of Pixabay