Working from Home is Killing me Slowly

Today, I want to address an important challenge for men...

...that had hardly ever reared its head until late 2020.

It triggers some people (which says more about them than anything).

This become more common from 2021 onwards.

I should know, having talked to, worked with, coached, and interviewed, hundreds of men.

This issue significantly impacts a man's professional and personal life.

So before we jump in...

I know some of you fucking LOVE working from home (WFH).

Good on you!

I see posts where people argue over the benefits (Zzz).

Bore off with arguing about it.

Of course some guys enjoy it, we are all different.

And at different phases of our lives.

So if you love working from home, read this...

...and just consider those who don't.

More importantly, note that a LOT of men who said they originally enjoyed WFH...

...ended up craving the total opposite.

Ok, let's jump in...

The Loneliness of Working from Home:

Remote work can seem convenient and comfortable.

I know because I’ve been doing it for 6 years.

And let me be clear.

The overlords want you all working from little pods in your smart apartments.

Hooked up to A.I.

Spending your digital dollars and communicating only via digital devices.

And it can feel liberating at first.

Maybe you enjoy the peace and quiet, or the lack of commute.

(I've got 3 boys who are home educated so there is NO peace and quiet).

Maybe you appreciate the flexibility to manage your own time.

But over time, it can take a toll.

The isolation starts to creep in.

You realise you haven’t seen anyone face-to-face for days.

You miss the casual chats, the banter, laughter...

...and the sense of belonging.

Like it or not: Proximity breeds connection.

You miss seeing colleagues every day.

The chats about the footy.

The knowing glance with your colleague...

...as Carla, the foxy newbie from accounts...

...glides past with a white blouse and pencil skirt on.

Oooof!

You miss the quick pint with a mate at the station.

The crisp white fitted shirt you put on...

...after you've shaved or trimmed your beard...

...that makes you feel like Pierce Brosnan in his younger days...

Instead of some fat slob in your trackie bottoms on a laptop at home.

You miss all of that.

And the isolation starts to fill a growing void.

As the days blur together, you feel more disconnected...

...and the loneliness intensifies.

You lose focus and motivation, and productivity slips.

You long for interaction, but there’s no one around.

Scrolling on your phone becomes a daily habit that you just can't stop.

You find yourself typing in the letters P O R N H U... before you stop yourself.

You look in the mirror.

Your heart sinks when you realize how isolated you’ve become.

Let’s be real here.

Loneliness can be a silent killer, affecting mental health and work performance.

Here’s why it’s a challenge and what you can do to combat it.

John’s Story:

John found himself in this exact situation in 2022.

The unlawful and harmful lockdowns forced him into his spare room for over a year.

But then the company pivoted and it became the norm to WFH.

As an IT consultant, he was successful by most standards.

Steady job, nice home, but a growing sense of isolation.

He missed the office banter and team meetings.

The first few months were fine.

Video calls and emails kept him connected.

But then the loneliness set in.

And he said to me

'I was fine to begin with...

...but then I'd have days where I'd feel this creeping sense of loneliness.

I'm single anyway so don't have a wife or kids or girlfriend to mix things up.

It became really bloody HARD.'

Days without seeing anyone, only screens and silence.

He’d forgotten how much he valued REAL interaction.

So he decided to take action...

...with some practical advice I had taken from my conversations with other men:

Stay Connected:

Maintain regular contact with colleagues and friends.

Video calls, chats, and virtual coffee breaks can help bridge the gap.

John scheduled weekly calls to stay connected and share updates.

Create a Routine:

Structure your day to include breaks and exercise.

John worked through our Energy Protocol Cpurse which includes creating a morning routine...

...and he took regular walks and set a consistent work schedule.

Seek Support:

Talk to friends, family, or a mentor about your feelings.

John found support in discussing his challenges and receiving advice.

Join Communities and find Hot Desk opportunities (HUGE!!!)

Engage in online groups or local clubs.

Go and rent a desk somewhere so you GET OUT and still get work done.

John joined a professional networking group...

...and a local tennis club...

...even though he is shit at tennis and couldn't hit a cow's arse with a banjo.

Focus on Personal Growth:

Use this time to develop new skills and hobbies.

John started learning about other interests...

...and enrolled in a local course where he met some like-minded guys.

John’s story is a reminder that while remote work offers benefits...

...it also comes with challenges.

Not saying these are easy, but...

By keeping these tips in mind, you can combat loneliness more effectively.

And yes, remote work can be fulfilling and productive.

I think a mix of home and office is the ideal scenario.

If you’ve experienced similar feelings or have advice on handling loneliness...

...I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Comment below and let’s continue this important conversation for men worldwide.

Next week, we’ll tackle another challenging topic.

Until then, stay strong and keep building your ideal life.

And remember, the world needs strong men.

Anthony

Director - Whole Man Academy

P.S. The Whole Man Academy can help you build your ideal life.

We start by reigniting your drive...

...so you can take action on the things you know you need to do...

...(but have been putting off).

If that sounds interesting, check out our high-value but low-cost membership...

...for growth-focused men.

Check out The Network here.