Worked from home 3 days a week pre-pandemic, probably since 2016/17 I think. Loved it.
then the pandemic hit and I was permanently at home, and kind of took it in my stride.
had a bit of a mental health crash and I don’t think the isolation and loneliness helped. Went back to the office 2 days a week (one day mandatory and one day optional) last August after around 30m aT home, and honestly loved it. Started to enjoy my 3 days WfH again.
Recently started a new role and whilst they advertised it as 2 office days a week, they’ve been reluctant to give me a pass to access the building. I’ve been there 6 weeks and my MH is suffering from the isolation. None of my team are based in the office I work in, but I need to be out of the house for my own good.
I eventually, last week, said I was going to raise a grievance against them if they didn’t give me access and now they have.
It’s helping me to focus, and even though I don’t know anyone in the office, it’s the commute, the wander through town, and being around people in an office environment that helps.
Office environment isn’t for everyone anymore, but nor is WfH. For the record, I have friends, a good social life, plenty of interests. I’m not some loner who’s looking for a reason to put normal clothes on and get away from the kids (don’t have any).