[lbeltrame]

> Some say that "commute helps clear the mind / switch context", but a simple walk does the same IMO

No, it doesn't for everyone. Personal experience matters: after a 70-day lockdown including a very stressful work period (dedadlines etc), there's no way I'm going to WFH ever again.

But that's just me, of course. For others, priorities may be different.

[gabrielgio]

I fail to understand how this is related to WFH? That happened while you were working from home, not because you were working from home.

[lbeltrame]

Because it wasn't just the lockdown: it was a pretty complex affair at the job too (including very tense moments; it would've been bad even in the office, mind you) and there was no way to shut that away from me.

FTR, I did WFH in other times (2 years in the 2009-2011 period) and it wasn't like that.

[intended]

This would extrapolate to it being a shit situation in general. Attributing WFH as a causal factor is hard, given your description.

[DoughnutHole]

The lack of distinction between your workspace and reduced socialisation still exists - not OP but personally I’m climbing the walls after a day of working from home.

I cope by have social outings and activities outside my home basically 7-nights-a-week. It works but I don’t consider it a positive I’ve that I’m more or less incapable of relaxing in my own home.

[antisthenes]

Sorry, but this is bordering on some kind of pathology.

See a therapist, because you make it sound like you're on the verge of a breakdown just because you do some work at home.

Do you have the same reaction to doing household chores?

[DoughnutHole]

You got “verge of a breakdown” from that? Is it that disturbing to you that your preferred working arrangements don’t work for others?

Getting out into the outside world and seeing people prevents under-stimulation, and separating my work environment lets me switch off at home. Spending my every waking hour in my apartment doesn’t do it for me.

It’s not about “doing some work at home” - it’s about spending 5 days a week working in the same space I’m supposed to eat, relax, and sleep.

[OJFord]

I read it as that being the point - they have a bad association for it so it's just not appealing now. Likewise you might have a terrible time in one office that puts you off working in any office.

[yxhuvud]

Same. I can work from home if I have an errand or something, but for me the default is and will continue to be to be in office. And I will actively select work places were that is reasonable. and common.