I spent my 20s working my ass off trying to achieve my dream job. Against unreal odds, I actually pulled it off by the time I turned 27. I won't bore you with a ton of details, but long story short, it was fun and rewarding, and I was really good at it (source: every performance review and every boss I've ever had).
When the pandemic hit, I switched companies but kept the same job, and we remained remote for nearly two years. During that time, my family moved to a different, much more affordable state.
Then they called us back to the office on a hybrid schedule. I was told that — even though I literally won regional awards while working remotely! — if I didn't put my ass in a desk chair for two days a week, I would be let go. I could still freelance, though, so … that's what I'm doing. I still have to kiss my bosses ass and hide the fact that I wish truly evil things would happen to them, but now I don't get health insurance.
I'm embarrassed that I was hoodwinked into buying into the work agenda. I'm devastated that I spent a decade of my life investing in something that let me go without a care in the world. I'm burned out and depressed and overwhelmed with anxiety and feelings of worthlessness brought on by really getting my first good look at the senselessness of capitalism.
Most of all, I really, truly, deeply never want to work another hour of my life again. Unfortunately, I'm pretty young and I have a wife and a child and not working isn't really an option. I don't really have much of a point with all of this. I'm just really sad and I wanted to tell some strangers who might understand what I'm going through.