Horrendous day in work today. Got told I'm going to have to relocate offices for a couple of days a week from March rather than wfh. This is a nightmare for me as I don't drive because of anxiety and am now facing the prospect of having to get and pay for public transport and add a couple of hours to my working day. As soon as I got the call to tell me, I felt my stress and anxiety levels rise tenfold. I have an interview coming up, which will change everything but I fear its already earmarked for someone else. It also adds so much pressure to the interview that I fear I will just implode on the day.
Firstly, the change won't be as bad as you imagine. That's how anxiety gets us, we see things as being much worse as than they will be. That's not to negate your issue, but it almost certainly won't be as bad as you think.
Second, nothing lasts forever, job change is pretty much a given in this day and age. It's a few days a week not wfh, not every day. So you will have wfh some days which you will really look forward to. Look at the change rationally, what can you do to minimise the upheaval? The lid up there has mentioned cycling? Cycle/train could be an option? Is there a local colleague who could give you a lift?
Thirdly, is there a means to have a look at your driving anxiety? Have you looked at a course of treatment? Is it viable just to go and talk the issue through? Maybe book a short session with a driving instructor at a local car park?
Lastly, everything seems like a massive uphill struggle right now. but once you have embraced a little bit of change, it won't seem anywhere near as bad as you thought originally, so small steps. Explore one option at a time. Whatever you do, you have a skill set. Other employers will want that skill set, so if the current situation doesn't work out, move on.
Keep us all posted lid.
