Work has always been a synonym of repression for me because it takes up so much of our precious time. Let’s be honest, a 9-5 job with a horrendous daily commute often means that work is sadly our sole occupation. So, when the Covid-19 pandemic struck over a year ago, and we were all ordered to stay home, I found it hard to hide my joy in front of my distraught coworkers; although thankfully my acting talents saved me. You can probably already tell, but going into the office every day was nothing less than torture for me. Yet, all these months later, I’ve realized that I despise working from home and would do anything to sit in my uncomfortable office chair once again!
Like many people, I dreamed of working remotely, imagining myself lounging poolside with my laptop, sipping coffee, and typing away while soaking up the sun. But the reality couldn’t be further from that fantasy. Before, my workdays were filled with noisy coworkers, overbearing toxic managers, bad coffee, and endless meetings. While that might not sound glamorous, it gave me structure and a sense of connection. Now, my life feels smaller, lonelier, and even less fulfilling. I’m cooped up in my tiny apartment, cut off from the world, and I never thought I’d miss the hustle and bustle of commuting, chatting with coworkers, or even rushing to catch the subway. Ironically, what I thought was my dream has turned into my worst nightmare.
>>> Read: So what if I hate working?!
I wouldn’t call myself the most outgoing person, but being a remote worker has drastically limited my social interactions. Isolation is tough to handle because, as humans, even introverts need some level of connection. We need to share stories about our lives, laugh about silly things, and feel part of a community. Now, my days are filled with silence, and the lack of real-life conversations has left me feeling oppressed and disconnected. Zoom meetings just don’t cut it, and I’ve never felt so alone. It’s ironic—despite being more connected than ever through technology, I’ve never felt so isolated.
If this experience has taught me anything, it’s that we shouldn’t take the little things for granted.
Since working from home, I’ve never worked this much in my life, and my body is paying the price. The aches and pains are creeping in, my sleep schedule is a mess, and I’ve started experiencing panic attacks. For some reason, being at home makes me feel like I need to constantly prove myself. I feel pressured to be more productive, more efficient, and more available. This has led to unhealthy habits like eating lunch at my desk, working late into the night, and even logging on during weekends. My job has taken over my life, and it’s exhausting.
>>> Discover: The golden rules to successfully working virtually
Working from home might sound appealing, but that’s only when everything runs smoothly. Add internet connectivity issues to the mix, and it’s a recipe for frustration. Gone are the days when I could walk over to the IT team for help. Now, I’m on my own, fumbling through tech problems with no idea what I’m doing. And once one issue arises, it feels like a flood of problems follows, leaving me completely overwhelmed. The combination of isolation and technical difficulties has me questioning if this lifestyle is worth it.
I used to think noisy coworkers were annoying, but now I realize how naive I was. My apartment block feels like Times Square on a Saturday night. From vacuuming to kids screaming, and even my upstairs neighbor’s Zumba classes, it’s impossible to concentrate. I’ve considered banging on doors to demand silence more times than I’d like to admit. These constant interruptions make it hard to stay focused and productive.
>>> Learn how to be assertive at work
When you work from home, everything becomes a distraction. Whether it’s cleaning, organizing, or rearranging furniture, there’s always something more appealing than work. Although I’ve increased my working hours, I’m not productive every second of the day, which means I end up working late into the night to make up for it. My days feel endless, and my social life has completely vanished. My poor organization skills are at the root of this problem, and I’ve realized that no one ever prepared us for this lifestyle. Few of us are disciplined enough to thrive in it long-term.
>>> Discover: Why working from home is even more tiring than the office
While working from home (WFH) has become commonplace, many employees struggle with the challenges it brings. The lack of face-to-face interaction can leave employees feeling disconnected and undervalued. Many fear being overlooked or forgotten by their employers, and the absence of in-person meetings makes it harder to resolve conflicts or express emotions. This sense of isolation and lack of recognition can lead to demotivation and burnout.
If you’re struggling with remote work, there are steps you can take to improve your experience:
Editor’s advice: Structure your routine for successWorking from home doesn’t have to be a nightmare. By setting achievable goals and creating a structured routine, you can regain control of your day. Remember, you’re only human, and it’s okay to have off days. Focus on what you can accomplish and celebrate your efforts—it’s all about progress, not perfection. 🤗 Understand yourself, accept yourself, be happy… Let’s do it here and now! |
Article presented by
Katie, M.
"🌻 Discover the world through my eyes."
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The novelty of WFH wore off after about 1 month for me. Now I try to go into the office as much as possible but the office is empty / at 10% capacity - still depressing! Can not face this for the next 40 years of my life - will be looking to change career path to something more social or move to a company that requires 4/5 days in the office and I'm sure many other young people will be on the same boat..
Jill, 2 years ago