Hello Sir,
Many people seem to enjoy this new work from home routine but I find it very difficult.
My name is Sunita, I am 32 and have two young children.
I work for a small company.
Earlier, when we went to office, work ended when we left the office unless there was an emergency. But now, work does not end.
Work output has increased but the boss is not trusting that we are working.
Our salary has been cut so financially too it is difficult.
How do we deal with all this stress? Getting a new job is not easy now.
Thank you for your help.
Sunita

Dear Mayank Sir, I am facing a difficult problem both personally and professionally. Last year, I took the decision to move back home, which is in a small town, because both my parents had survived COVID but have been facing major health issues since then. I am their only child. As a result, I had to leave a job where my prospects were very good and I was enjoying my work very much. Also, I was living in a big city, independent of my parents whom I love very much. It is a struggle to be back at home with them. They still treat me like a small child with advice and questions at every step. Workwise too, the job is a huge stepdown and the money, though decent, is less that what I used to earn. Responsibilities and challenges, which I used to enjoy, are less too. I have to stay here for one more year at least before I can make plans to move out again. The stress from home is spilling out at my job and the irritation at work is spilling out at home. How do I handle this? Am going crazy. Please help.

Hi Anu, I am 42 yrs old male. I am a Public Health Professional and work in an International NGO on health issues based in Delhi. I have ageing parents (both suffering from cardiac illness, diabetes and hypertension) which are based in Mumbai, my immediate family (wife and two kids) stays with my parents as there is no one else to take care of them. My parents especially my father is adamant that he doesn’t want to leave his house and stay with me in Delhi. As a result my immediate family is also forced to stay in Mumbai taking care of my parents. My wife is very supportive, however as this situation is like this since last 4-5 years and we are staying in two different cities, it has now taking stall at emotionally and physically on both of us (me, my wife and my two kids). I am desperately searching for job in Mumbai, however in my sector there are not very good opportunities in Mumbai. I tried my hands in two there places for job, however to my misfortune things didnt work out. I am a mid-senior level professional and have reached this position after a lot of hard work, however the stress has started affecting my performance and overall reputation in the organization. Hence there is constant stress of performance, ability to deliver, overall situation has lowered my confidence level affecting my work further. Dissatisfied with my work, my supervisor has already started sidelining me. I am desperately started thinking of leaving the job, however financial condition doesn’t allow me to do that. With COVID-19 pandemic things has worsened, as I am stuck in Delhi even in lockdown, leaving my parents and my wife struggling in Mumbai amidst the lockdown. Even now cant visit them as stressed, whether i will carry risk of infection to my parents, wife and kids, Hence staying away, it’s been 8 months that have not met them. Not sure, how to handle this. One way I thought as looking out opportunities in Mumbai, even if at junior level, However i am trying for that, but not getting suitable opportunities. Not sure, how to handle the pressures from family (Parents don't want to shift, wife is not ready to stay away and has given time till March, there constant pressure of performance). Not sure, what to do.

Dear SirIn these difficult times, I understand one must be grateful to have a job.I have your earlier columns where you have mentioned this.As you know, it is been 16-17 months since WFH started.At first it seemed good, especially since one did not have to travel.But now, after so many months, with parents and young kids and the wife’s demands, it is becoming difficult to concentrate and deliver results. In office, there are no such distractions.Many of my colleagues are facing the same problem because, like me, they have small houses.I tried working at a nearby cafe, but it upsets my family very much and causes increased tension at home.I understand the office’s side as well, but many of us are facing this problem.How do we raise such an issue with the management?Please help.Vikas

My boss has just quit the organization and while doing so, he has cautioned us for the worst also my husband my be shifted out of mumbai.We are in a rented accommodation. I am not sure whether my job is secure, but I have been an above average performer. how should I deal with this stress(more like anxiety)?