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Covid

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Original poster

Work closed until late september. How do I cope?

26 replies

usedtoliveinW11 · 10/04/2020 13:53

Have been informed my workplace will be closed until late september. I've been off for a month already so haven't spoken to another human in that time. How the fuck am I supposed to carry that on for another 6 months?

OP posts:

faithinallisee · 10/04/2020 13:54

Video and voice messaging.

Original poster

usedtoliveinW11 · 10/04/2020 13:56

To whom? i don't have family or friends. the only people i ever spoke to were at work.

OP posts:

unhappyclap · 10/04/2020 13:58

This is very sad. Are you close with anyone at work that you can have a chat with? Or maybe join an app where you can make friends online?

GreyishDays · 10/04/2020 13:58

Are your work not arranging regular video catch ups? Mine are, mostly for wellbeing rather than work.
Could you suggest this?

Figgygal · 10/04/2020 13:59

Why is it closed quite so long?

I assume you’re furloughed rather than working from home?
You can still call colleagues whilst off

PleasantVille · 10/04/2020 13:59

But that doesn't mean you can't go out until September, I haven't seen any suggestion that the lockdown will go on that long, maybe take the opportunity to make some social connections.

Paintforkitchen · 10/04/2020 14:01

What is the business that it is definitely closed until September?

What about joining groups on Facebook? Do you have hobbies/interests? I know it’s not the same as really talking to people but any interaction is better than none x

Cornettoninja · 10/04/2020 14:02

Depending on your own health and situation have a think about volunteering in your local community (Facebook is an excellent place to start). The group formed by my dad drops off shopping, prescriptions and just provides a check in service so just a knock on the door and wave through the window or a phone call.

There’s so many people completely cut off from the world at the moment that anything is a lifeline so if you feel you can do it I’m sure it’d be very gratefully received.

SheldonSaysSo1 · 10/04/2020 14:05

I would suggest just taking it a few days at a time. Don't think of the long term just focus on this week. Definitely see if you can get involved as a volunteer, either shopping for people or some areas include making phone calls to vulnerable people. There is an online pub quiz on YouTube every Thursday which is a fun way to interact.

Parker231 · 10/04/2020 14:14

If you are furloughed you can still go out each day for exercise and to do food shopping. Great opportunity to declutter the house, do the gardening, sunbath ( if the weather stays good), zoom gym classes, volunteering to those who are in self isolation, FaceTime friends and family and plan lovely things to do when the lockdown is over.

cologne4711 · 10/04/2020 14:20

Great opportunity to declutter the house, do the gardening

well it would be, if you could get rid of the rubbish/clutter.

I am really wondering what business knows that it definitely won't be back until late September!

Buzzfrightyears · 10/04/2020 14:22

What sort of business do you work for? Late September is a long way and I’m intrigued as to what business plans to stay closed til then!

Appuskidu · 10/04/2020 14:23

What sort of business is it? Are you furloughed or still working?

ali1476 · 10/04/2020 14:32

I'm also off work (thankfully partner is still earning). Trying to entertain my 2x kids is just draining. My sister shared a number you can call to talk about how you're affected - I just left a message and found it really helpful. They're not a helpline but Would recommend it. It's called project redial. The number is 03330 509502 x

PeacockPies · 10/04/2020 14:37

Is there anything else you can find to do? Like the NHS volunteer thing. Does your area have a local Facebook site for corona Lockdown? Mine does and people are doing all sorts of things for each other. Like walking dogs for people who are self isolating.

I think a lot of people are feeling the same way. I've noticed that when you do go out everyone is talking to everyone they pass. From 2m away but people are yelling across to everyone now.

MereDintofPandiculation · 10/04/2020 14:45

There's a volunteer service to give isolated people a call a couple of times a week - you could volunteer for that.

Many hobby groups have gone over to on-line meetings - DH spent 2 hours at a creative writing group Zoom meeting last night. Now might be the time to try out a few new hobbies.

This is one opportunity in your life when you actually have time to do things, use it well.

Original poster

usedtoliveinW11 · 10/04/2020 14:55

The business is theatre. the owner has informed us they are planning for a september reopening due to economic and public confidence issues but is still publicly maintaining the pretence of a june reopening. I am furloughed but do not expect it to continue for the full length of the closure.

Do people actually have the private phone numbers of their work colleagues? I've never been asked for mine or offered anyone else's and I've been working for 40 years.

The phone number given is helpful so thank you.

Thanks for all the replies but i'd like the thread deleted if possible.

OP posts:

ChipotleBlessing · 10/04/2020 14:58

Are you in a risk group? If you’re not you should do some volunteering to get you out of the house.

I think it’s quite unusual to not have any contact information for colleagues. But there are loads of zoom groups being set up for different hobbies or just for chat. You’ll be able to find some chats to join.

Appuskidu · 10/04/2020 14:59

Do people actually have the private phone numbers of their work colleagues? I've never been asked for mine or offered anyone else's and I've been working for 40 years.

Of course-the ones I’ve become friends with!

thewinkingprawn · 10/04/2020 15:00

Am laughing at some of these ridiculous posts - for someone who clearly does not find it easy to make friends (the case with very many people) the notion that she should use this time to make connections when it’s the hardest it has ever been to socialise is utterly moronic. OP I feel for you - volunteering for this support the NHS thing is the only thing I can think. Sorry not more helpful!

PleasantVille · 10/04/2020 15:01

Ime yes, most people do have phone numbers for at least one of their co-workers but that doesn't mean you are unusual not to. It's personal choice but very much the norm to have mobile numbers or social media contact.

If you aren't on social media could you set I up now and make contact with people?

StrangerDays · 10/04/2020 15:04

I feel for you, OP. It sounds like you're feeling very isolated - I'm more than happy to chat, feel free to PM me :)

PleasantVille · 10/04/2020 15:05

the notion that she should use this time to make connections when it’s the hardest it has ever been to socialise is utterly moronic

Goodness! How have you managed to miss that every woman and her dog is electronically socialising non stop via Zoom, house party, Facebook live etc You don't need to know anyone at all to join in on online Facebook live quizzes for example. Now is a perfect time to expand your social circle without needed to met a single soul.

Colourarc · 10/04/2020 15:48

I'm in the same industry, please message me, it's not as bad as it sounds!

faithinallisee · 10/04/2020 17:32

The thread has some useful resources and suggestions that others may find helpful.

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