To ask for your advice - furlough/feeling depressed

[MissMich]

This is my 5th week on furlough. Last week was absolutely utter shite, really struggled every single day so on the weekend I decided that I have a to do list for Monday and I have been ticking lots off things off which is great however I can't help it but still feel sad...

I am worried about my job and what people think of me. I started my new job this year so I barley settled and then boom, Covid 19...
In worried cause I can't contribute in any ways at work and a lot of my colleagues are still working. I am worried what they think... I also have some other colleagues who have also been furloughed but still seem to be involved in many projects etc - know this from our whatsapp group messages. I'm a bit torn about this... like they are not doing anything major but still seem to have a lot of contact with non furloughed colleagues and sending the odd email. I'm not saying/ doing anything as I don't want to be the reason why my company doesn't get the 80% back from the government... in case if there will be an audit 🤷🏻‍♀️ But I feel left out, worthless and useless. And not sure how this will all work out...

I know I'm not alone, but it almost feels like it. My partner is flat out busy with his project - which is great for him! But it feels like I'm the only person not working, lots of people not respecting the lockdown out and about and the government is not really telling us what we should expect. I appreciate no one knows but I am feeling so lonely and sad and not sure what to do 😔

Not the only one not working by any means.
Now on 5th week too- first week was holiday though. I booked a random week off back in October, and picked a good time! It's tough I know, only thing I can suggest is try and find something you enjoy and do that. Be it a walk, read a book, do some exercise. Anything. Something that gets you moving is the best.
Aside from that, not really sure what to suggest. It's tough but is for everybody. I can't do anything about it, so hard as it is, no point worrying about it

In my opinion you are worrying over nothing:

1. You mentioned you just have started with them and maybe are not getting much work because of that (not enough experience/not settled in/haven't showed your potential yet). Can you ask your supervisor/boss directly if you could help with anything? Ask on messenger if anyone would need your help?

1. Company will not be refused furlough scheme payouts because few crew/staff members are staying at home and doing less work than in normal office environment.

You are lucky you are getting paid and have a job, I wish I had your worries

@HappyBuyer that's not what I have been told, as long as I understand if you are on furlough you can't do any work at all?!
I'm on furlough so I shouldn't be getting any work ?! See this is so confusing... I'm not supposed to work aren't I , well I certainly been told that.

@MissMich

Hmm... I will google this as I thought, when furloughed people still worked? Will get back to you :)

My understanding is that you can still work whilst on furlough, but NOT for the company that are furloughing you

HappyBuyer - when furloughed staff cannot work. There are a few exceptions (such as volunteering etc).

Not following this is fraud, by both the employee and the employer.

*for the employer who has furloughed them.

Here's the link to BBC article, which explains furlough scheme very well (I have learnt something new today :) )

www.bbc.co.uk/news/explainers-52135342

''You can't work for your employer if you have been furloughed''.

In this case I suggest as the other poster read a book, find recipes you would like to cook (obviously would need to plan this for next shopping), buy a jigsaw puzzle, do online course.

Do you have any hobbies? Or something you like that have been putting aside for ages?..

I'm binge watching Last Kingdom and eat sweets

Try and not overthink. The fact is you can't control what people think and you can't control this bluddy virus

You won't be on their minds in a bad way. They won't all be say their private messaging eachother about you and how lazy you are. Ask if there's anything you can do to help. If there isn't then fab. Enjoy netflix. Enjoy a book. Enjoy a walk. Enjoy cooking. Enjoy a hobby they you can do at home. Make the best of this rubbish situation. We are all in same boat.

It's taking its toll on lots of people and it's hard. Keep ringing friends and family too. You will be absolutely fine