Damn these comments are depressing.
WELL OP, I was falling asleep to the same existential dread yesterday and was wondering the same thing. I think the best gut instinct is since your parents are still around, whatever you wanna ask them is worth asking cause the best thing is getting to talk to them and connect in any way while they’re still around or have their wits about.
I had a coworker who lived far from his mom and lamented that he visits her only on holidays and that if he counted how many visits were left, he was mortified at the idea of seeing his mother only 20 or so more times. So, he made some changes to visit her more often.
I used to think I had to ask my parents questions but I realized lately, I’m more interested in making sure I get to make new memories with them, go to new places with them, take photos, don’t argue about the small stuff, and try to live in the now while I’m lucky enough to have it.
Quick edit: it may be worth asking them what memory or something they’d like to pass along and have you hold onto? There’s always something lost between generations (I sure know nothing of my great grandparents), but if they’d like to have a story remembered, a recipe, anything.
Some creative fields are great with this!
But it really depends on the kinda workplace you’re at and the management style. Lots of old school folks prefer the 9-5, minimal bathroom breaks, exact 1 hour long lunch, etc and you’ll find those people in all industries.
My office has always been more chill about the time spent at work and is more concerned with “are you getting your work done & is it quality” vs “is your butt in that seat from 9-5?” I’ve coworkers who visit a dog park for lunch, jog, or pick up kids from school. They just announce it, pop away, pop back in, and as long as you’re not missing meetings and getting what needs to be done in time, no one cares.