I feel trapped in my job/wellbeing is suffering. WWYD?

[Lizzie523]

I worked from home successfully throughout the pandemic & my employer told us we would be moving to a hybrid model. But when the time came they back tracked and we're all back in the office 9-5. This also lead to a covid outbreak as it wasn't gradual. When I pressed them on flexible working they said they'd review in 3 months to introduce flexible & remote working.

Today I asked again as that time has now passed and told they do not plan to offer that.

I began my job hunt end of May & have been shortlisted to the final candidates multiple times including multiple interview stages. But the issue is always not having experience in a specific sector. I've applied countless ways & tried some recruiters but most seem to drop off the map.

I feel fed up, listless & my personal life is suffering too. I was able to visit my vulnerable relative more while wfh & now it's far more difficult. I also started seeing a guy who lives 1.5 hours away and now I think that is going to fizzle as meeting is too hard. Again it was easier to spend time with remote working.

How am I going to get out of this situation? I've applied for countless jobs & every day I fantasise about resigning. I'm skilled & experienced and never thought it would be this hard.

I don’t know, but I’m sure you’re not the only one who feels this. I worked in person throughout the pandemic, but even so the pace of normal life and activities resuming has felt overwhelming. Have you tried using recruiters with the specific brief that you want to wfh, or searching outside your geographical area for wfh jobs with a base in a different location.

The pickier you are about location/wfh the harder it's going to be to find a new job unfortunately.

Do you have a long commute?

Hi @Didiusfalco yes I've specified a hybrid approach. One recruiter says they think they have a lead for an interview, we'll see.

I actually met the guy I'm seeing when I started looking for jobs in the next city over. Then I became a finalist between 2 & missed out. So there was a real possibility & now it affects us, so I'd be surprised if it develops.

@girlmom21 to be fair, while I have been applying for mainly hybrid some of those jobs I was a finalist for weren't hybrid. My commute is 40 mins & first part of the journey is difficult/overcrowded.

I feel my happiness revolves around this job with no end in sight. I've been trying really hard for months, spent lots on overnight stays & travel too. I can't see a light at the end of the tunnel with it.