I haven't read all the responses, so pardon me if I repeat anyone else.
But what we did with Jeanie worked for us - and our situations are very similar.
I would put Jeanie in her crate when I left at 8:30, the dog walker would come at 12:00 and let her out, take her outside, walk her, and then return her to the crate till I was home at 5:30. IT BROKE MY HEART, but I was assured that she would not be upset.....they sleep a lot during the day at that age. I still felt horrible.
Anyway, then after a while, we started letting her hang out in the kitchen, with the doggy door up, NO PEE PAD, and the dog walker would come. We asked if any accidents, and when there were none (pretty much right away she was ok to hold it)....then she would go outside for her walk, and back into the kitchen. She would hold it till we got home.
Finally, after a year old, we started giving her full roam of the house, no accidents.
We had a tough time till we crated her the morning and afternoon.......after that it worked fine....
I know it's hard...believe me. But I think they are ok. I suppose there are different opinions on this, but I was assured and reassured that she would be ok........
Hope that helps