Just a rant

I know a lot of people are upset about the new 4 day return to office order, and honestly, I completely understand why. I genuinely think everyone should be allowed to work from home if they can successfully do their jobs (which has been proven).

What makes this especially frustrating for me is that I specifically came to the state because of telework. When I was hired, everyone in my department was teleworking. Nobody was even doing 2 days a week in the office. Telework wasn’t just some temporary perk that was offered. It was the ONLY reason I came here.

I have severe PTSD and other mental health issues, and being in an office environment is incredibly difficult for me. The noise, constant activity, lack of privacy, and overall overstimulation can be exhausting.
Another reason I chose the state is because the telework allowed me to take care of my young kids which will be impossible if I have to go into the office because I have zero family support outside of my husband who works all day outside of the house.

I honestly don’t know what to do at this point. I’ve looked into reasonable accommodations, but based on everything I’ve read on this subreddit, it seems like getting full time telework approved is extremely difficult unless you have a very severe physical condition. Maybe that’s not everyone’s experience, but that’s definitely the impression I’ve gotten.

Yes, I have and will continue looking into other jobs.

I accepted this job under one set of working conditions, and now those conditions are being fundamentally changed. That’s the part that feels so unfair to me.

Is anyone else feeling this way? Not necessarily that telework is more convenient, but that it was a major factor in your decision to join state service in the first place?