I have lots of hobbies and plenty friends through those. I also really enjoy my workplace and the social interaction I get there. Either one of those alone would definitely be insufficient for me.
I sort of feel like these discussions are just (oversimplifying here) extroverts and introverts arguing back and forth about the best way to find satisfaction socially when they just have profoundly different social needs.
Also FWIW I've never lived in an apartment with climate control past radiators and window AC units. I don't think that's too unusual if you live in older buildings.
Well, the PNW just had record temps for three days straight (100+ F is unheard of with avg Seattle July highs of 77) and AC is an uncommon residential amenity that is usually offered at large offices.
Does the office run the AC a bit cold? Yes, but to be honest when you reach almost too hot to sweat that's a nice problem to have.
This is regional. The Bay Area and PNW have a lot of buildings without AC, typically no need for it, and the landlords don't have any reason to install it.
I used a portable AC in the past but they barely work and are very loud.
It's not super easy. A lot of these are apartments that are not easy to retrofit. And a lot of Seattle buildings, houses or apartments, have casement windows that swing out from the bottom to protect the interior from rain, but also are probably the worst type of window to install any type of portable or window AC unit into because they don't swing out very far but the opening is absolutely massive.
There's also the matter of the fact that because Seattle doesn't get very hot or cold, there aren't that many people or companies that do AC installation. Anecdotally I've now heard that they're booked out for months, possibly a year, and with tight local housing and job market that is unlikely to change. You certainly haven't really been able to buy fans or portable units anywhere in the area since May.
Work is a decent place to meet people, but I don’t think it’s particularly healthy as your only or even primary opportunity for social connection. That might not be the case here but it sure sounds like it could be.
My own life improved immeasurably when I finally started having interests outside of pushing buttons into a glowing rectangle of light.
Do you not live in a place with climate control? At home I make the temperature decisions not the facility folk.