I worked the last two years remotely, for a job I had for four years in Total. So it used to be on-site pre-pandemic and they started testing a hybrid model shortly before the pandemic. Once the shutdown happened, we were all working two days from home and then switched to 100% remote. I really enjoyed it because my commute went from an hour and a half to zero minutes. I formed a daily routine, spent time with my pets, exercised, etc.
My career, however, fell stagnant. As an in-house graphic designer, I was going nowhere. The work was starting to get really boring and tedious. I had some interpersonal issues with my director. So last year, I started job hunting. It took months and many interviews. I finally got an offer from a place that advertised on-site work with an option to move to hybrid after six months. At this point, I was desperate to leave so I could get a raise and do different work.
My commute is fairly short, but the hours are 8-5. I have to be on-site every day. The offer said I could work one day remotely after a six month probation period. After two years of successfully working from home, I felt this to be rather insulting. Other people at this office get two days at home, if not more. I know Ican do my work from home. Even my new boss agrees. The office itself is depressing and the cubicle I'm in is terrible. The walls aren't very tall. I have to hear everyone's chatter and phone conversations. The building is cold, too, with hardly and views of the outside. I go on the roof deck during lunch, but once winter comes, I won't have that as a means to escape.
I thought after three weeks I would get used to this place. The work is even more boring and slow paced. I can't focus on it. My boss said I might get a better title after 6 months and she will try to get me two days remote instead of just one. I don't know if I can be at this place for six months or more. I need a title upgrade for my resume.
And this doesn't even take into account an apparent culture mismatch. I know politics shouldn't matter in the workplace, but it's clear I have different opinions than my coworkers and a very different lifestyle. The sales people are very into golf and other topics I couldn't care less about. Their staff party is at a country club. I can't fathom attending any of it.
I feel like I'm going crazy…I lost my work/life balance in exchange for a bigger paycheck. I am glad I'm not at the old job anymore since that was hard, despite being remote. I don't know what to do anymore. I like having the stability of a permanent job, but I am seeing mostly contract roles and temporary gigs. There is no stability in that, but I'm afraid I might have to do that.