technology

I hear you and get that there's no perfect solution. I just don't want to be forced back to the office. If you want to go, fine, but if I'm working at the same place as you I am not coming in. You can catch me on Zoom or Teams during core hours.

But also a lot of these problems are solvable.

I don't believe you should try to make friends at work. They are good-weather friends and rarely more than that. It's more likely that they will find a way to screw you over or rat you out to a boss so they can step over you and move up in the org. I've had enough co-workers do passive-aggressive BS to me to be wary of that.

Instead of looking for socializing at work look for a third space elsewhere. Game stores, libraries, community events... left organizing? A MTG Commander deck or RPG book is a good way to add lots of social nights out to the calendar.

There are screen protectors for laptops that cover what you are doing unless you are looking straight at the screen.

Obviously don't go out when its raining, but on a nice clear day? Get out there and get some vitamin D. Touch grass. See some nature. I guarantee when you are old you'll appreciate those moments of peace more than whatever TPS report you wrote for a paycheck.