I have no idea what I’m doing. But I know I’m extremely unhappy. So I’m going to write about things.
It doesn’t matter much how or why I’ve reached this point. What matters is what happens going forward.
I’ve been given the opportunity to work from home full time. With that a big raise would also come because of the change in hours. But one of the things driving my constant unhappiness is the fact that I have no friends. I have no relationships I’m building. Which makes this decision more difficult because my coworkers are beyond great. I’m afraid that if I work from home full time and eliminate that interaction with them I may end up feeling much worse.
What would I do with more money? I’d invest more in my 401k. I’d invest more with my brokerage account. I’d give more to charity. And I’d plan a third trip in 2018.
Guys, I don’t know what to do. I know we don’t know each other on a personal level and I’ve been absent from here for a long time, but I could really use some help.
Are there other options available. Like working at home one or two days a week, then going into the office the other days?
Maybe a team of you who work on projects together? Collaborate online then meet a couple of times a week to clarify points and interact on a more personal level?
Create a bowling league or something else several of you are interested in and do that once or twice a week?
Do something extracurricular you enjoy doing away from work and the computer like a book club, bowling, stamp or coin collecting, comics, etc. By yourself and make friends and network that way.
As I’m sure you know, money isn’t everything, but it sure does help.
You’ll get through this just like you have everything else. It might not be easy, but I’m sure you’ll come out the other side better for the experience.
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That’s actually what i currently do. I work four days during the week in the office and Saturdays and holidays from home, if I choose. My job is really just me doing my job. We don’t have projects too often,but when we do it’s in the office. I honestly haven’t been doing much of anything lately. Just work and sleep. I read for the first time in months last night. I actually think that getting back into the blog and reading more would be a huge boost.
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Firstly, if you work from home would you have more opportunities to go out?
Secondly, if you stay working at work what are the odds that you’re going to become friends with your coworkers outside the office?
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I’d probably have less, actually. My hours would fall even more outside of normal business hours. To answer the second question, I’d say minimal. I’ve been with the company 11 months and I’ve only seen one person outside work once. That was last month.
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It sounds like you would be happier and better off not taking it then. From your post it seems like that’s where your head is anyway.
But if you’re still debating it I would do the old positive vs negative list.
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I decided not to. Yesterday was the last day to tell my manager and I didn’t. I just don’t think now is the right time for me to do it.
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That’s fair enough. Often the temptation is there to take what seems like a better offer, because it’s being offered, but if you’re happier where you are then you’ve made the right choice.
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Do you have any friends outside of work?
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Very few. At least ones I talk to. Probably less than 10.
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John – I think even if you have less than 10 friends that’s pretty good.
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What’s more important to you? The money or the people?
Oh – and you do have friends. Just because we’re only online, doesn’t mean we’re not here for you.
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That’s the essential question. I’m not sure at this point.
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Hey friend. I’ve been off the blogging arena for a long time, but I’m hoping to make a comeback. I’m sorry you’re struggling with loneliness and frustration. It’s a hard row to hoe, but you’re a strong guy and I know you’ll get through this. Despite my absence, I’m still here if you need a shoulder or an ear.
Looks like you decided to forego working from home. I applaud that decision. Money seems great, but depression and loneliness aren’t worth the extra dough.
Sounds like 2017 was a fairly epic and busy year for you, with all its ups and downs. I’m happy you’re in a job you enjoy. That’s always the best. I hope you can find some outlet for your frustrations. Are you still weightlifting?
I hope your Monica is right around the corner. Keep chugging along, man. I know there are amazing things ahead for you.
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Hello. I did. I still have the ability to work from home when I volunteer for OT (like I did today), Saturdays, and holidays. So I’m out of the office quite a bit, but not so much that I believe it worsens anything for me.
I still train. I live a mile from my gym, so that’s nice to have. 2017 was the most exciting year of my life. It just ended on a poor note. Everything will work itself out. It may take a little while longer than I’d like, but that’s okay. I have my job. So I’ll always have that constant.
I’ll find my Monica. At some point. If I rush, then I may end up with Janice instead. 😂
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Agh!!! That voice!! I’d never be able to tolerate a Janice voice. Hold out for Monica!!
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In my head in her voice right now: “OH. MY. GOD.” 😂
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All I can hear is her laugh. I don’t think I could replicate it via text.
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