My company finally is asking politely that we have to go to the office twice a week. Or else. That else is not yet defined, but obviously there will be consequences of not going to the office.

I have been at this company for 15 years, from junior dev to manager.

I did a daily commute of about 40 mins in the morning, 40 to an hour back, never gave a second thought about that. That was normal.

After pandemics, I found out all I have been missing on my kids growing up. My second kid is much more attached to me since she saw me daily, even if I was in my office room at home, she got to see me more often.

So I found out how much my life improved by doing working at home. Hell in the middle of this sentence my kid just showed me some thing she drew.

I stood my ground, I basically politely told HR that I am not going back. And actually my reasons make sense, I work with people in other countries, they don't care where I am.

And it will affect my performance, driving to the office, moving all my equipment, and having people around trying to talk to me will take a toll.

So yeah, I am polishing my resume, because there is no turning back now. I will be shunted if I ask for a raise, they can easily say "hey but you are not coming to the office, how come you want a raise if you are not part of the team", never mind that I do everything that is expected and more.

Just off my chest I guess, and anxious about the future.

(page 2) 40 comments

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[–] SighBapanada@lemmy.ca 4 points 2 years ago

Good for you mate

[–] Semi-Hemi-Demigod@kbin.social 4 points 2 years ago

I understand the anxiety but based on your experience you won't have any trouble finding a fully remote job, probably that pays more.

I've been mostly to fully remote since 2009 and the time I've had with my kids is worth more than anything I could have found in an office. Best of luck in your search!

[–] HollywoodFlowers@lemmy.world 4 points 2 years ago

First of all, I think there’s absolutely no reason to be worried, you‘re a developer at manager level, I think you have nothing to fear about on the job market. There are literally thousands of companies around the globe who want just you in their team no matter where you work from. There are so many jobs you can do 100% remote, so you’ll find just what you want in no time. If a company isn‘t developed enough in the year 2023 to let people work from home while their whole team is spread around the world then f them.

I not only believe that it‘s just an excuse from you, I am convinced that your productivity will go down if you had to go back to the office. Your reasons totally make sense, if they seriously question your arguments I think it’s ok to question yourself if those are people you share the same values with and want to keep on working with.

It‘s also important to show companies that their employees is all they have and they are the ones who should provide them a comfortable and enjoyable environment to work in, otherwise people will leave sooner or later.

Covid should have shown us that (mental) health and time for yourself and your loved ones is top priority in life so your move was the only logical decision. Additionally you proved you‘re a woman or a man of integrity and honestly you have my full respect.

Enjoy the time with your family and in the worst case you will find an employer soon that takes you with a hand kiss and you‘ll be happy then.

Keep us up to date please and enjoy your day! 🌞

[–] p0op@lemmy.world 3 points 2 years ago

You’ve made your case and stood your ground, and until it’s an official policy and nothing more than “guidance” you’ll probably be ok, honestly.

A few months back I was offered a promotion and a fancy new job title, with the caveat that I would need to move to another country. I countered with more or less the same argument as you, “I’ve been doing this from home for years and everyone I work with is remote anyways; I’m not moving” and was met with a “hmm…fair enough”.

[–] FlyingSquid@lemmy.world 3 points 2 years ago

Pretty much the only reason I'm staying in the job I have now is that they let me work from home 15 hours a week. If I found a job that let me work at home more than that, I'd take it.

[–] HubertManne@kbin.social 2 points 2 years ago (1 children)

I am looking for work and when I give salary requirements its for wfh. I will do in office but its a 20% premium or 4% per day required in the office. In addition I work from home from start time to end time except when I take lunch. I work from the office from when I get there to end time and for lunch which is something delays me oh well I have to deal with whats around and when talking with folks in the office or whatever.

[–] MajorHavoc@lemmy.world 1 points 2 years ago (1 children)

My in-person premium is currently 300%.

But I'll look amazing* while I show up to collect my massive pile of money, should anyone take me up on it.

*Does Apple even make cars and shirts and dress shoes yet? I'll have to hire a fashion consultant, if it ever comes up.

[–] HubertManne@kbin.social 2 points 2 years ago

Yeah. Im definitely the cheaper whore between you and me.

[–] relative_iterator@sh.itjust.works 2 points 2 years ago

Power to you! Definitely agree with standing your ground and keeping your options open. If they value you, they’ll make exceptions. If not, you probably don’t want to work there anymore.

[–] mookulator@lemmy.world 2 points 2 years ago

I guess it depends how much you like your job/employer. It’s clear that the added time with your family is a really high value, which I can strongly relate to.

If you really want to keep the job, maybe when it really comes down to it, you could compromise and do one day /week.

[–] node815@lemmy.world 1 points 2 years ago

Everyone's comments here made me realize just how bad it is still with employers trying to get warm bodies in the office. My company used to be "Everyone who works from home wastes time and is less productive" They quickly realized when their hands were forced and the pandemic hit, there were much less sick days, and productivity has never been higher!

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