Remote workers only

21 Comments

1. Sarah GreenwoodDecember 25,2025 at 4:55PM UTC

   During the pandemic I was the only member of my team completely remote (due to health conditions). I'm also deaf and cannot use a phone, this was before we had MS Teams at work. My mental health struggled with isolation and I ended up on long term sickness absence with my mental health.

   When I returned I was mainly from home, my team changed while I was isolated. Even at the office I couldn't follow what my colleagues said because they forgot to be deaf aware. The isolation would have been awful except I changed the way I deal with things.

   My employer is very large, we have employee networks for minority groups. I have been on the board of the disabled employee network for years. I reached out to friends and other board members and asked to meet for virtual lunch or coffee. Having some company during my day (just like I would at the office) really helped.

   My mental health improved, my confidence returned. I was able to start asking colleagues to be aware of my deafness when I was in the office, so I could join in too.

   Nobody wanted me to feel isolated or not be able to join in. When l was remote and struggling I was effectively invisible, the same is true for when I couldn't hear. Asking to be included does feel awkward, but it worked for me really well. A similar approach of scheduling time for coffee/lunch might work for you too?

2. AnonymousDecember 27,2025 at 2:19PM UTC

   Thanks for sharing - I’m trying to avoid anything virtual . I’m miserable from not having enough in person connections I don’t want to be on zoom socializing :-( . I may just moved to another area it could be my environment

3. AnonymousDecember 25,2025 at 5:31PM UTC

   I don't understand why you would consider starting a new business when you already struggle with enough energy to manage your life in and out of work?...instead, what are you doing for enjoyment? What brings joy and happiness into your life outside of work? Are you involved in doing some volunteer , work or pursuing a hobby with others or attending a church or other religious community?... It sounds like your remote job is actually perfect because it enables you to work full time w your health issues. But what else do have think about? Fun, hobbies, serving others, community projects? Start there!

4. AnonymousDecember 27,2025 at 2:16PM UTC

   No I lost my job due to lay offs , it’s not a perfect job and neither was the one prior , I took a massive pay cut at this job while I look for other work . My dream is to start a small business so do I accept mediocre life is the million dollar question . It’s not the perfect job , it only accommodates my heath .

5. AnonymousDecember 25,2025 at 6:39PM UTC

   WFH and fellow ambivert here - my salvation has been becoming a regular at a nearby gym and coffee shop. Before starting my day I walk or bike to either just to be out in society. Sometimes I’ll work out outside at the park.

   I never work from the coffee shop - this place is just for me. Small interactions with fellow regulars or baristas go along way and sometimes I invite friends to join me for a quick catch up.

   My best friend lives out of state, so sometimes we schedule a phone date and have lunch together OR I meet friends for a quick lunch just to get out of the house.

   Professional organizations often host networking luncheons or workshops that gather in-person as well.

   You just have to find creative ways to not get siloed or become reclusive.

6. Carol Brumer GliksmanDecember 26,2025 at 2:36PM UTC

   Do you have enough $ to go to a shared office space a few days a week so you are not isolated? Can you have coffee with colleagues in the same field from time to time and attend local industry meetings, conferences, classes? This may help the isolation.

7. AnonymousDecember 26,2025 at 10:11PM UTC

   I thought about that will look into thanks ! It appears they all cost 25 per visit

8. Maryann AugustaDecember 26,2025 at 3:18PM UTC

   Starting your own business is not your answer because it takes long hours and grit. Most businesses take 3 years to show a sustainable profit and in today’s economy most close after the first year. If you have an aversion to technology, online businesses would not be a good fit. It also is limiting your options of connecting with others, so it’s like “what came first? The chicken or the egg?” You’re in a catch 22.

   My suggestion is to seek a health professional to determine if your tiredness is actually caused by your illness or it’s an emotional symptom. People who are burned out have similar symptoms and behavior due to overwhelm. Make sure where this overwhelm is stemming from. It’s easy to blame our illnesses, but sometimes that’s not the culprit. It may be the time to dig deeper for your own self-growth. Good luck to you.

9. AnonymousDecember 27,2025 at 2:11PM UTC

   I thought about this , thought about moving to see if it is in fact the environment . That’s helpful thank you . That said - my dream is start a small business why should I give up on my dreams? I should at least try and if I die I die trying

10. AnonymousDecember 26,2025 at 5:34PM UTC

    Make time each day to do something for your spirit. Be it going out for a coffee at a coffee shop and talking to people who you don't know there. Join a book club, sewing circle or other craft group, crafting can be magical for the spirit.

    Use your saturday to give yourself the pampering you need. Take a class, get a manicure and pedicure, take yourself out to lunch. Switch things up and break up the chores to not just one day and make sure you even on the day where most of the chores end up do something of comfort for you. You are only trapped if you allow yourself to be. So sorry for your health woes, perhaps finding someone to speak to about how to cope can help too. Sending good vibes your way!

11. AnonymousDecember 27,2025 at 2:10PM UTC

    Health issues trapped me due to limitations - prior to health issues my life was amazing never needed any advice really on much .

12. AnonymousDecember 26,2025 at 10:14PM UTC

    the issue is the destination to get there . Working 2 jobs till business takes off . My issue is I need constant breaks . I’m okay working different hours at all times if it’s on something I like / my passion

13. Marquisha ThomasDecember 27,2025 at 2:11AM UTC

    As a remote worker (but it's definitely different because I'm married with kids at home, as you mentioned you are not, therefore, it feels like there's always somebody around... I am sorry to hear about the health issues), but I am also an extrovert and I definitely try to fill my life with as many friend hangouts as possible, plus my hobbies are also surrounding people. That definitely helps with the remote working part. I used to work in an office and when we moved, was forced to then work remotely to keep this amazing job and schedule and didn't like it for the first six months, but now my life is so much more balanced and full and I actually have come to embrace and love it!

14. AnonymousDecember 27,2025 at 2:09PM UTC

    Thanks - I think it’s different because you live with family and that’s constant stimulation . If I had a bf living here , that would help a lot . I’m alone -Thanks for comment

15. Marquisha ThomasDecember 27,2025 at 3:01PM UTC

    You bet… that's why I tried to mention the other things to have some relation to your situation. Making hobbies social and time with friends a priority, I think that would be really good for you...as one fellow extrovert to another. Also with family, you can sometimes feel lonely. I've had seasons where I felt extremely lonely and I had my family around. Especially when my girls were real little, and in the baby season where I couldn't comfortably go anywhere, or have a lot of free time to myself. Believe it or not, it's a real common thing for those who even do have a family. Back to what you can do, find those who like to share in experiences with you, and even within the hobbies you do, make sure they include other people. Do you like read? What about joining or starting a book club?

16. AnonymousDecember 27,2025 at 5:29PM UTC

    I worked remote for 8 years way before it was such a common thing. My headquarters for the company was in another state 3000 miles away. I worked on a team and we were all remote. Like you I enjoy the social aspects of being in an actual office. In order to be less isolated I made it a point to get dressed professionally every day, even tho I wasn’t physically client facing being dressed and ready made me feel good and more professional. I would make sure thst I took off for lunch each day and would leave the house. Just get out ,

    go have a coffee, sandwich , walk something. Get out. I would schedule calls with colleagues on

    my team that were also remote and touch base to see how they were doing and to gain intelligence on what was going on in the company. One of the problems with the job I had working remote were the hours. We would have conference calls at 530am my time and I would have client calls sometimes due to their time zones after 7 or 8pm at night. It was crazy! Some days I was stuck for 18 hours! So making as much quality time during the day was key. With your situation it’s even more critical that you make good healthy choices during your work day due to your health issues. It can be done.

17. Barbara M.December 27,2025 at 9:28PM UTC

    You’re doing your best with the energy you have, and that matters. I hope you’re able to find what supports you best, at your own pace.

18. AnonymousDecember 28,2025 at 1:37PM UTC

    Can you work from a coworking space instead of home once in a while? You would be around other people.

    Or look for coffee/lunch buddies who are also remote workers.

    i admit that I am not quite understanding the problem you want to solve, though. Is it the lack of social interaction? Using reserves of energy in a way that works? Having more flexibility, or working fewer hours, to do those things?

19. AnonymousDecember 29,2025 at 11:07PM UTC

    Your issues focus on management of your health. Since your energy is severely reduced, I would consider a short walk at lunch or driving to a coffee shop and sitting outside. If you can't consider those very minimal activities, ask your doctor for suggestions on meds or a referral to a herbalist for some teas that might augment your regime. Get proactive. Depending on you condition, there are likely online groups for people with similar conditions that have worked through this and can make suggestions. With the few details you've shared, it's hard to come up with specific suggestions.

20. AnonymousDecember 29,2025 at 11:11PM UTC

    What have you tried that has helped or didn't help? Surely over 7 years you have found a few things that worked?

21. SPQDecember 31,2025 at 4:53PM UTC

    I've worked remotely for 3 different companies/positions since COVID and I feel you. I feel like I have less energy, less motivation, and overall more sad than when I worked in person.

    I am grateful that I have my husband and pets at home. I go out for a walk everyday with the dog, which helps. I also work out in the afternoon (I take an extended break) and that seems to energize me when I get back at my desk.

    Since my hours are very flexible, I have made a point to having more coffee dates with colleagues in my network. I get up regular hours and get dressed for that in the morning and feel more energized when I start work.

    Sometimes I'll hop on a virtual webinar in the middle of my day to just get out of the mundane and predictable. If your company has a training budget or professional development time, don't feel guilty about just taking a moment to find a webinar or going for a walk with a podcast or audiobook. It's refreshing.

    Most of all, you may want to speak to a counsellor or therapist. Although I am still working on my own mental health in this regard, when I go in walks I try to practice mindfulness focusing on the fresh air, the sky, the trees, nature, or even just noticing the goings on of the community around me. If you're in a more busy area, people watch without judgement. Take deep intentional breaths. Feel your feet meet the earth with every stride. Things like that.