Emotion: depression
Problem: job crisis
Situation: My manager has decided that everyone will continue to work from home nearly 100% of the time after the pandemic is under control. (Prior to the pandemic, most of us only had one work-from-home day a week.) I really love the work I do, but I've been experiencing depression this past year largely due to my lack of human contact throughout the work day.

assistant: Hi, how are you? What would you like to talk about today?

user: Hi - I'm sorry. I stepped away from the computer for a moment while waiting...

assistant: That's quite all right. The wait times can be a bit long. How are you?

user: Well, my manager has decided that everyone in the office will continue to work from after the pandemic is under control. But I've found myself depressed from working from home all the time.

assistant: Working from home is not what people expected. Many have found themselves isolated. They miss the interaction of the office. How long have you bee working from home?

user: For a full year--since March 2020, when the pandemic first started. I was working from home just 1 day per week prior to that, which I liked. But I've found that 5 days per week is much too much. I miss people. :(

assistant: Have you and your co-workers talked to your boss about a hybrid schedule, maybe a couple days a week in the office? That might work.

user: That's where it gets awkward. It seems like everyone besides me are super happy that we'll continue working from home. I hesitate to share my feelings because maybe my manager will change her mind, which would be a big bummer for everyone else on the team (seemingly).

assistant: I see. That's a concern. So you feel that if one person goes in to the office, then everyone else will have to? There won't be any flexibility?

user: Well, it's possible that my manager will say we can be flexible. But if so, I think I'd end up being the only one in my office working... which would be just as lonely as working from home while throwing away the few perks of working from home, like saving on gas. Plus, I think my company will probably want to repurpose our office space eventually. lol, sorry, that was an ugly run-on sentence. :\

assistant: Hm. A bit of a dilemma. Can this situation go on forever though? Maybe the boss will extend the stay-at-home for a while, but when other companies go back to the office, the expectation will be there for all companies. Other employees might change their minds bit by bit as well.

user: That is indeed a possibility. But my office is in a city that has a whole lot of high-tech companies, which were moving towards doing more work from home even BEFORE the pandemic. So it kind of feels like this might be a "cultural shift" in my area in general. Although there has GOT to be a whole lot of other people who feel like I do. Maybe we should start our own company, lol.

assistant: True. I don't think you are alone. Is there something that you can do to make working at home better for you? More frequent breaks? Better work space?

user: That's a good question. My state is still one of the ones that's mostly shut-down. Part of my depression surely stems from the fact that all evening/weekend activities ended a year ago as well.

assistant: True. It might be easier to work at home when you have a chance to get out of the house during your free time.

user: That's true. And your suggestion of improving my work space is a good one. I've been working in a modified walk-in closet. I've tried to make it inviting, but there are no windows/etc.... it's kind of a dark cave.

assistant: Most people didn't plan for the long term because nobody thought that this was a sustainable way to work. By the way, if your company wants you to stay home, then it might help buy the equipment you need to be productive.

user: That's a good thought. My computer is set-up on a folding card table. (I tried finding a desk a while back, but there was a huge shortage since everyone suddenly had to buy them for themselves, kids, etc.). I hadn't thought of asking my company to buy me one. Plus a more comfy chair could improve my attitude.

assistant: I think if you talk to your co-workers, they'll have ideas for upgrading your workspace.

user: That's a great idea. Maybe I should set-up a "virtual happy hour" where we can exchanged the tips/tricks we've learned to make working from home more enjoyable this past year.

assistant: I think that's a great idea! People probably want to connect without having to talk about work. Later on, they might want to do the same thing but face-to-face.

user: You're right! Well, thank you so much for your help.... and you TRULY did help me put this all into perspective. Sincerely, thanks! :)

assistant: Sure! My pleasure. Best of luck with all that! Have a great weekend!

user: Thanks! You too! Bye