Anyone else started a new job wfh and struggling

[Frazzled2207]

I started a new job a month ago - a key reason for taking this one was the wfh policy- everyone mostly at home but to come in at least once a week on a designated day according to their team. We could also come in on any extra day if we wanted to.

Perfect for me as I have childcare to juggle but also like some social contact with people.

Has broadly been ok and have enjoyed my days in the office but this week new policy introduced with no notice due to omicron- Everyone wfh full time until further notice.

I am really struggling with the lack of social contact - there are people I can call (on teams) to ask question etc and everyone is super friendly but I don’t know anyone well enough for small talk yet. At the same time it’s quite hard to get to grips with the nitty gritty of the actual job when i’m on my own all the time. Working in an office- especially when you’re new- is so beneficial both in terms of doing your job and obviously socially. Whilst I think the company has got a good, cautious attitude I’m not sure I can stick out wfh full time indefinitely. Although all other jobs in my industry are going to be similar atm so have no choice but to try and make it work. Am worried that as the lease for the office ends next year they may not renew and it will end up being ft wfh for ever.

Prior to this was doing something quite different which was a mix of wfh and out and about - although I’m not missing that job I am deeply missing the more social aspects. As well as just leaving the house. The weather hasn’t helped this week but other than school runs and kid taxis I have barely left the house. I feel like i’m in lockdown again because i’m effectively tied to my desk in the house.

Anyone else start a job wfh and really struggle in the beginning? Did it get better? Any tips?

I started a new job during lockdown and like you, found getting to grips with it while WFH really hard, as well as missing the social side of things. It does get better, IME, but it does take time, more than if you were in the office. The things that have helped me are trying not to be afraid to message or ring someone to ask something - if I would ask the question if I was working in the office together I told myself I wasn't disturbing them any more by ringing and they'd rather I asked and did it right than flounder and make a mess to be sorted out. Also taking part in any and all opportunities for social time online and in person - we do a regular coffee and chat team get together on Teams but have also managed to meet up in person for drinks over the summer as we could meet outdoors. I've also tried (though not always managed) to get away from my desk at lunchtime and/or at the end of the day for a walk or to pop in to a friend's for a cuppa or even just to go into the supermarket to pick up a food shop rather than shop online so I don't go stir crazy being at home all the time. I think I still want to work in an office at least for a few days a week instead of entirely from home but like you, I don't know if it's going to be possible, so I'm trying to make it work as best I can for now and will consider longer term plans once the picture is clearer.

Thank you @TheGirlOnTheLanding pleased you seem to have settled into it ok.
I think getting up early to go for a run or making sure I go for a walk at lunchtime is going to be important to break up the monotony of it all.

Frazzled, can I ask what industry you're in please? I'd love to work from home. Sorry I've got no advice as it's something I know I'd benefit from but I hope you get some good suggestions on here and can adjust to it.

I started a new job WFH in the first lockdown. It was really hard.

When you're not in the office you don't get to hear other conversations about the job going on around you. You pick up so much from just listening to people going about their daily tasks ("oh, so that's what that acronym means" or "so that's who I talk to about that process.").

I did talk to my manager about it and she instigated weekly teams meetings for everyone just to have a catch up, which did help.

I think you have to accept that it might take you longer to get up to speed, but you will get there eventually.