Remote worker quits dream job over loneliness
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES — When recent college graduate Olivia Peluso landed her dream job at a high-profile magazine in 2020, she thought remote work would be perfect.
“The job would allow me to live in a coastal town rather than move to the city. I could play my jazz records, take yoga breaks, and spread out all over the floor of my living room,” the 25-year-old writer shared in a Business Insider essay.
“Most importantly, it would allow me to visit my family freely and for as long as I liked.”
The downside of remote work
But as pandemic restrictions eased, Peluso grew restless being stuck inside all day. The ambitious young professional felt she was “excelling as a journalist but failing as a 25-year-old.”
Moving to San Francisco in 2022, she hoped for a change but found her work-from-home setup too restrictive. With little chance to step away during work hours, her ability to explore and connect with her new city was stunted.
“With a full-time remote role, I quickly became frustrated with staying indoors all day. These feelings only intensified as my job became increasingly more demanding, leaving me unable to get out before dark.”
Aside from Peluso, other remote workers are also experiencing “home fever” or a feeling of restlessness and being trapped while working from home for extended periods.
Choosing community over convenience
Ultimately, Peluso decided to quit her job, choosing a freelance career that offered more flexibility to engage with her surroundings.
“I wanted to bring more dimension and spontaneity to my life — to get a little lost, bump into people, and create a new routine based on my environment, not my inbox,” she explained.
Despite the uncertainties of freelance work, Peluso now enjoys a balance of in-person and remote tasks, finding this new mix better suits her social and professional needs.
“I would rather be slightly rattled by ‘what now’ than saddled with ‘what if,'” she said.
Strategies to combat workplace loneliness
The rise of remote work has exacerbated feelings of loneliness and isolation among employees, leading to decreased productivity and higher absenteeism rates.
To combat this, workplace experts Rachel Montañez and Tracy Brower offer insights into how individuals and organizations can tackle loneliness and promote a healthier, more connected workplace.
Suggestions include practical measures such as reflecting on personal needs, investing in relationships, being selective about social interactions, and fostering connections outside of work.
