Back to the office and I'm struggling | DadHQ

Back to the office and I'm struggling

Mar 51 min read

My company made everyone come back 4 days a week. I hate it. I'm spending 2 hours a day in the car, my kids are in after care till 6, I'm stressed all the time. My boss wants me there for 'culture' but nobody's really doing anything you couldn't do over zoom. I'm looking at other jobs but the market is tight. Meanwhile my wife is handling all the morning chaos solo and she's exhausted. This return to office thing is killing us financially and emotionally. Anyone else dealing with this?

6 comments137 views

Comments(6)

DDavid R.New DadMar 7

Two hours a day in the car is killing your life man. That's 10 hours a week just sitting. Is remote work even an option or is your company totally inflexible about it? Asking because I had to push back hard on coming in 5 days and negotiated 3. Might be worth a conversation with your manager.

VVincentRegularMar 7

Four days a week is insane for someone with a family. Most companies figured out hybrid works. Have you documented what you actually accomplish from home vs in office? Hard data helps when you ask to go back to hybrid.

JJason T.RegularMar 7

I feel this in my soul. Swing shifts and now everyone wants in office? I've been pushing back on the travel thing too. My kids don't care about my presence in a meeting room, they care about me being at dinner. Can you negotiate one or two remote days at least?

DDavid R.New DadMar 7

That commute is brutal. My Saturday time with my kid got cut in half last year when they moved offices farther away. I started using the drive time to decompress though, which helped. Audiobooks on the way, podcasts back. Still sucks but made it more bearable.

LLance K.RegularMar 5

Two hours a day is insane. We don't have that issue here in Tulsa, but I feel for you. The after care situation is rough on everyone. Hang in there while you figure out a better arrangement.

SSam P.RegularMar 5

That commute is brutal, man. I'd be losing it too with that much time in the car. Have you talked to your company about hybrid options or flex days? Even one less day could make a huge difference for your sanity and the kids.