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?

  • Gaywallet (they/it)@beehaw.orgEnglish
    12·
    1 year ago

    A few thoughts:

    • Look for a remote job?
    • This one seems silly, but… care less about whether you are productive and focus on whether you are happy at work
    • Have a discussion with your manager about how to mitigate the annoyances
    • Also have a discussion with your manager about how to do more of the stuff you like
    • Set stronger boundaries - a sign which says please do not disturb me when headphones are on for example may help to reduce small talk, if that’s something you don’t desire, and allows you to start/stop focus time. Talking with your coworkers about how best to interact with you like telling them that you prefer conversations start with an email thread, or a message on slack/teams/etc.