Thanks for the replies guys, greatly appreciated!

I'm trying to ignore most remarks towards me, as it's their opinion and that's none of my business. Though, sometimes there's an occasional annoying kid that gets under my skin. I've been able to refrain from getting into a discussion with him so far, even though in my mind I've kicked him into the canal next to the bike path around let's say.... a dozen times

Riding an e-bike is my best option at this moment. I switched from another company to this one as it would be a great improvement for me. As I can get there within an hour by bike, I didn't get a car and I have no public transport card or anything. My bike is my only way of transport so it's pretty precious. Even though the company I switched to was the better choice, it didn't have a shower even though the lesser choice did. I have always been using my road bike (Giant OCR) for transport which I totally loved. Though after a home renovation I got back problems and I got me a fitness hybrid (Merida Speeder 200) which was a bit more upright and was better for my back. But since my new employer didn't have a shower I switched to an e-bike so I wouldn't be too sweaty riding into work. What I have learned is that I reach the same speeds on my e-bike as I did on my road bike, but at less effort. So I ride in a lot less sweaty so I don't have to shower. Though if my employer ever gets a shower..... I'm in the market for a road bike!

So basically, I decided to get an e-bike because it's the more tactical choice.

I listen to a few great podcasts which I learn a lot from and I'm definitely not giving those up. Most of the time I wear both earbuds, but I ride a secluded bike path mostly instead of the actual public road. When necessary I unplug my roadside bud for safety.