Working from home struggles

[StrugglingWFH]

I have a very full-on job, multiple virtual meetings throughout the day, when not in meetings I'm on the phone or sending emails etc, think 2 screens and a laptop, not enough hours in the day etc! I've been working from home since last March, partner cannot work from home and finishes at 2pm whereas I finish between 4.30 and 7pm. We currently live in a 1 bed apartment, the rest of the living space is open plan, this is important. Whilst I completely understand that he needs his downtime too, I also need to work. He is a great guy in all ways but he does not understand the stress of my job and will do NOTHING to make things easier for me....as he needs to sleep/eat/watch crap on tv. We have so many arguments about this and his answer is always "well work from the office then". I can't, it's shut and we aren't allowed! He is also self-isolating for third time in 3 months....he is here 24/7, I'm going mad! We are also trying to sell the apartment which is another story! I guess my question is AIBU to just expect some consideration when trying to work?

For him!

Thank you for all the replies, they give me a lot to think about.

We don't have any outside space, top floor apartment with only a Juliet balcony.

My work, although very big on well being, cannot decrease workload. It's a large multi national company and extremely risk averse so no chance of them agreeing to me working from the office. They have been excellent but I don't fit into any category that they can support with, I just need to get on with.

I've moved some things around in the bedroom and can fit my desk and chair in there, it's not ideal but will solve a problem in the short term!

Not sure who asked but no, I don't have to self isolate if he is, he was contacted by test and trace as someone he has been in contact with has tested positive! We don't know who it is though.

And he hasn't cooked for me, I'm way too fussy

OP- Apologies, it was me that thought you needed to isolate also. I wrongly thought you did, but checked and unless he becomes symptomatic, you are fine. Sorry.

I think you’re right to work in the bedroom. It’s not really reasonable to expect the whole living area to be out of action.

We have the exact same situation. Tiny open plan 1 bed flat. DP can’t do a large part of his job during lockdown and so goes out to work in the morning but is home for the afternoon.
It’s particularly difficult as he usually works 12-14 hour days so I’m used to silence on my own!

To be fair my DP is very considerate if I’m on calls and generally sits on the sofa either working on his laptop or watching TV. He uses his Airpods linked to our TV via Bluetooth so it doesn’t disturb me. Could this be an option?

You don't need to work from an office and should not consider this I think. However, you need to find excuses to say no to some meetings, or duck out of part of them. I would not be surprised if with a bit of thought and a competent person managing the meeting (they are rare I admit) your time could be reduced.

Or oh dear the video camera is faulty so you only have to listen and respond, and manage time more easily. Much easier to multi-task at work if you are not visible!!

He needs to go for some long walks.

@TotorosFurryBehind- he is isolating, so cannot leave their top floor flat!

It was his home before the pandemic made it your office. I think you should both be prepared for a bit of compromise.

We have a similar situation except it's two of us in one double bedroom in a house share!