Some three years ago I wrote a column predicting what our society would look like when the pandemic was over. Today, we still see cases of new COVID strains, but it is generally agreed that the pandemic is ended, and we are completing the cycle to normalcy.

Were my predictions correct? Well, there were highs and lows.

I predicted that online purchases would continue their climb, resulting in vacancies at retail malls and strip center developments. Retail stores have made a slight comeback, but developers are not investing in retail buildings. Layton Hills Mall has weathered the pandemic, others around the U.S. have filed bankruptcy, but Farmington’s Station Park is still expanding. (Prediction Grade: B)

I predicted that individuals would be eager to travel, but that the cruise ship industry would have a tough time coming back and that companies would still be reluctant to send staff to national and regional conventions. I was wrong. Travel has exploded, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, and conventions and cruises have seen stronger results than I thought. (Prediction Grade: C-)

I predicted that companies would become more flexible in meeting employee demands for remote work. I also wrote that remote work could result in less pay and reduced employee benefits. (For instance, why should an advertising agency hire a copywriter when it can choose from hundreds of online gig writers at a fraction of the cost?) I was right – and wrong. While some companies required workers to return to the office, many others are allowing remote or hybrid-remote schedules in order to retain experienced employees. I certainly was wrong when I thought salaries would drop. A majority of workers in the U.S. have seen pay hikes, though often too soft to offset inflation.  (Prediction Grade:  D)

I predicted that restaurants would boom with people wanting to escape the house. I was right, although some restaurants have struggled a bit due to inflationary price increases and rising employee costs. (Prediction Grade: B)

I predicted that students would struggle with remote learning and Zoom instructions. Again, I was spot on. Most school districts, including Davis School District, have admitted students have fallen behind, especially those in low-income families. (Sadly, Prediction Grade: A)

I predicted that the stock market would rebound. And it has – strongly. Inflation has taken its toll on the market during much of 2023, but long-term investors who didn’t panic have been richly rewarded. (Prediction Grade: B)

I predicted that young adults, impacted by pandemic furloughs, would shy away from buying a home, a boon for apartment developers. I was right, but not necessarily for the right reason. The skyrocketing price of a home (in the mid-$500,000 range for much of Davis County) surprised me, though it shouldn’t have. We are rapidly running out of developable land in Davis County, so demand will continue to exceed supply. (Prediction Grade: B)

That old column finished with this: “Things will never be exactly the same, but I predict we will soon be able to shake hands instead of bumping elbows and spend money at a great steakhouse instead of budgeting for a bottle of Lysol.” (And on that, I deserve an A!)

Bryan Gray, a longtime Davis County resident, is a former school teacher and has been a columnist for more than 26 years in newspapers along the Wasatch Front.