For background on this topic without getting too specific, I’m an engineer and I typically work in an office. I’m younger and haven’t been in the work force for long but working in office spaces is driving me insane.
Now I understand that work isn’t supposed to be super fun, but I’d like to at least be able to tolerate it. So far I’ve spent a couple years in offices and it’s been miserable. I enjoy what I do as far as engineering. I like the topics, I like the productive parts of what I do. But I cannot stand office spaces. They’re uncomfortable and depressing environments for me.
I feel like spending time working from home would be ideal, but I’d like to hear people’s thoughts and if anyone else has had this experience. Is it something you just get used to?
The effect of the work environment should not be underestimated. I’d recommend to start by trying to pinpoint exactly what makes you miserable. Do you feel like you don’t have enough personal space to focus? Is it the lack of natural light? Is your setup not ergonomic enough? Does it feel too impersonal or dull? Then either you try and start a positive conversation about potential solutions inside you current org, or you look elsewhere for what you need. It really sounds like it’s achievable to obtain what you’re looking for without a drastic career change.
Personally, now I’m happily remote and I’ll never go back if I can help it, but before the pandemic I was at an office and I’d always insist on having natural light. Honestly I just wilt and die if I don’t have a window.
I feel like my job can be done half remotely so that’s preferred. But my setup isn’t necessarily the problem. It’s not just the keyboard or chairs. It’s like nearly everything that is standard in offices, including the culture. Just a little concerned because I don’t know how anyone gets used to this or does this. It’s like everyone has accepted being in very depressing office spaces for most of their daylight hours and is fine with it. Again I’m not expected to have a joyous time at work but the spaces I’ve been in are just outright depressing and it feels like the norm.