submitted 1 year ago by LimitedBrain@beehaw.org to c/askbeehaw@beehaw.org

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For background on this topic without getting too specific, I'm an engineer and I typically work in an office. I'm younger and haven't been in the work force for long but working in office spaces is driving me insane.

Now I understand that work isn't supposed to be super fun, but I'd like to at least be able to tolerate it. So far I've spent a couple years in offices and it's been miserable. I enjoy what I do as far as engineering. I like the topics, I like the productive parts of what I do. But I cannot stand office spaces. They're uncomfortable and depressing environments for me.

I feel like spending time working from home would be ideal, but I'd like to hear people's thoughts and if anyone else has had this experience. Is it something you just get used to?

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[-] ExoMonk@beehaw.org 10 points 1 year ago

Things I like about working in an office:

I liked my coworkers
I liked going for random breaks to go walk somewhere or have lunch and get away from the desk

Things that sucked:

Constant noise and distractions
Small talk with people that I just don't want to spend the mental energy talking to
1.5 hours worth of commute time that just eats away at my day

I've been remote working since Covid first landed. I will happily trade all the things I liked about working in an office to never have to deal with the parts I don't like. If I can help it, I'll always choose remote work. I get so much done here at home in both work and home stuff. Oh I forgot to do laundry over the weekend, no biggie. Oh I need to marinate something, boom 10 minute break. Finished all my planned work for the day? Going to knock off early and go play a game or watch a show.

Remote work has transformed my life and I'll never go back to the office.

[-] LimitedBrain@beehaw.org 7 points 1 year ago

It's interesting because I don't mind some of those things. My commutes haven't been bad, they're 30 minutes out of my day and I enjoy the drive time. The small talk is minimal. And with noise I just put in earbuds.

My problem is more the uncomfy chair and desk setup, the lighting, the AC temp, just the general environment is not a productive one for me. Those things inhibit my work. Even just using the bathroom and having to tuck my shirt back in so I can walk back to my desk annoys me.

[-] Avalai@beehaw.org 5 points 1 year ago

In most of my engineering jobs, we've had an allowance for office supplies, especially ergonomic improvements. I've seen people spend it on keyboards (usually an ergodox!) and mice, monitor arms, even entirely new standing desks. I also believe that some places have legal requirements for employers to provide ergonomic equipment to employees if requested. Maybe you could inquire about something like that?

But also, I'm 100% on team work from home. I don't plan to ever go back to the office.

[-] LimitedBrain@beehaw.org 2 points 1 year ago

I hear ya on this. I think they'd help my experience but probably wouldn't solve most of my main gripes. I'll still check in on it though, thanks!

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this post was submitted on 17 Jul 2023

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