I wanted to say thanks so much for your responses. It helped me feel a bit better. It definitely is a battle between logic and emotions for me.

I guess I also sort of wonder if it is me that is the common denominator or the managers I have had. But then I think of all the people that have come and gone, and it feels like it is more management.

The only other researcher who has been with the company for over a year besides me told me something interesting yesterday. We had four or five, I sort of lose count these days, new researchers start recently. According to her, they are already asking why there are so many new people/why people don’t last and are extremely nervous about making the numerical targets. They get some leeway after the first few months but by the third month, they are supposed to meet the targets. I wonder who will be the first in this group to quit or be fired. You know it’s coming!

I so sort of fear that in the Thursday meeting, she will say I need to go back to the office and not be able to work from home. I am going to try and make the case that it will be even worse for my concentration and work quality. From home I’m always connected and answer any of her e-mails and instant messages quickly, so she can’t make the case that I’m not working. I’ve worked from home for many years and the noise of the open plan office is so distracting for me. I hate it.

Plus, my husband and I rescued a puppy several months ago. I am not sure how he would handle being without me all day. I’d probably have to crate him, which breaks my heart. I didn’t rescue him to keep him in a crate all day.