Dependent-Snow-5057's journey

I recently found myself in a tough situation at my job at a tech company where I work as a project coordinator. When I was hired, the position was fully remote, which was a major draw for me. However, shortly after I started, the company announced that we would need to come into the office two days a week. I accepted this change because I wanted to secure a permanent role, as my initial contract was temporary. Fast forward a year, I was made permanent but had to sign a new contract that still included vague language about potential changes to our work location. Now, just two months ago, the company decided to increase the in-office requirement to three consecutive days a week, leaving only Thursday and Friday for remote work. This change has been incredibly frustrating for me, especially since I live the furthest away and my commute is around 1 hour and 30 minutes each way. The cost of driving is taking a toll on my finances, and even though I considered taking the train, it would take even longer and be physically exhausting. I’ve been struggling with the commute and the office environment, which has made me dread going to work. The pressure of commuting, combined with my autism and anxiety, is draining. I often feel miserable in the office, and the hot desking situation makes it even harder for me to cope. I’ve spoken to my doctor about my mental health concerns, but they only offered to sign me off work, which doesn’t solve the commuting issue. I’m feeling bitter and exhausted, especially since other departments seem to have more relaxed policies and can work from home more easily. I’m at a loss for what to say to my manager, who insists we all need to comply with the new in-office requirements. I’m considering looking for another job, but I know I shouldn’t quit without having something else lined up first. Any advice on how to approach my manager or how to navigate this situation would be greatly appreciated.