Help. Crate Training with Positive Reinforcement

My roommate and I both agreed to take care of our new dog. He is a 3 month German Shepherd mixed with Belgian Shepherd. Hes been crate training for 3 days.

We both feel horrible because we're both at work for 8 hours and we don't have anyone to help us dog sit. I can not afford to hire a day sitter, and we have been training the pup ourselves.

Once I get home, he is an absolute angel. Very calm and curious puppy, but I do hear him crying as I walk up to our apartment. I don't know if hes crying this loudly throughout the day or if its just because he can hear me walk up to the door.

If he is crying throughout the day…hes probably crying from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m….and I just feel like shit about it.

Positive crate reinforcement: we've been giving him chew toys, playing around/in the crate, leaving the crate door open while im home to give him freedom and access to a place to chill, lots of snacks/treats. We've got a bed in there for him along with a water bowl and a good bowl.

I know our situation is not ideal. Maybe I should just surrender the guy. I'm really stressed about him and I just want to make sure hes okay while we're gone. If anyone can give advice on how to help him get used to being in his crate for such a long period of time I'd be grateful.