Remote work has been a lifesaver but my company wants us back 3 days a week | DadHQ

Remote work has been a lifesaver but my company wants us back 3 days a week

Apr 221 min read

For the past 18 months I've been remote and I've actually been present. I do pickup from school, I eat lunch with the kids sometimes, I can be flexible when someone's sick. Now management is pushing for in-office 3 days minimum starting next month. My kids barely remember what my commute was like. The 2 hour round trip is gone forever if I go back. Updating resume tonight. Not putting up with that nonsense. Anyone else switching jobs over return to office mandates?

6 comments190 views

Comments(6)

CCarl D.RegularApr 22

That flexibility is huge, especially for school pickups. Have you talked to your manager about maybe doing 2 days in office instead of 3? Some companies are flexible if you show them the work still gets done.

BBrandonNew DadApr 23

Remote has been a game changer for us too. Being home for lunch sometimes, being present for the little moments - that stuff matters more than sitting at a desk. Push back on the 3 days if you can.

RRob H.RegularApr 23

That's rough. 18 months of being present for pickups and then having to shift back is a lot. You've seen what's possible for your family and now it's harder to accept less. Have you got any allies at work who might push back with you on this?

LLucas M.RegularApr 23

Man, I feel this. Remote work let me actually be a dad during the day instead of just showing up at the end. Three days back in the office is gonna sting. Is there any negotiation room with your company or is it a hard mandate?

JJosh M.RegularApr 23

I get why you're worried about losing that presence. Being there for school pickup is irreplaceable. Some companies are starting to understand that hybrid doesn't have to mean three days. Worth having a conversation about what actually works.

MMarcusNew DadApr 23

This is the real stuff right here. Being able to do pickup and actually be present during the week changes everything. The 3 days back thing is tough because once you've had that flexibility it's hard to go back. Have you talked to your manager about maybe compromising on the schedule?