What a year 2020 turned out to be! The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world forever. As we start to ease out of our 3rd national lockdown, the question of what the ‘new normal’ will look like becomes more present.
It seems that the Monday to Friday daily commute into the office may be a thing of the past. A lot of companies have now adopted the working from home model. But how does this sit with you? Some people will have enjoyed the freedom and flexibility of working from home. Whereas other will have missed the separation between home and work.
Anxious about returning to the office
Many people will have enjoyed the shortened commute to their newly created workspace crammed in a corner at home and there may be uncertainty about heading back into the office. You may find yourself wondering ‘what will it be like to get back on a packed train?’ or ‘how safe will it be in the office?’.
Anxious to return to the office
Working from home can create a feeling of isolation, a lack of separation between work and home. Some people will have ended up working longer hours. Driven by thoughts of ‘everyone else is always available’ or a desire to prove how hard they are working. You may not have previously thought of yourself as a social person, but you have missed the little interactions with your colleagues. A shared coffee run, a quick hello and catch up in the morning. You might be struggling to understand colleagues who feel differently and are not keen on returning to the office.
Dealing with uncertainty
It is important to find the right work / life balance. In this respect, we are all individuals. Wanting to be at the office, doesn’t mean you dislike your family. Equally, wanting to be at home, doesn’t mean you hate your job.
Whichever category you fall into, it is ok to feel unsure about the changes ahead. The pandemic has given us all time to reflect; a chance to step off the treadmill and see what really matters to us. Counselling can provide a confidential, neutral space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings. I can help you work out what you want your future to look like, and how to take the steps to make it happen.
Contact me to book an introductory session.