[Outdated, please look at pinned post] Casual Conversation

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Standing my ground on going back to the office (self.casualconversation)

submitted 1 year ago by Poringo to c/[email protected]

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I guess this is a correct community to post about this? If not let me know.

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.

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

I think you did it right. You politely explained that remote work is both amicable to your position and a significant benefit to your quality of life. In order to continue selling your labour to them, you require enough flexibility to accommodate this request. If the company specifically needs the position to be in-person then unfortunately it’s time to part ways.

As far as predicting the future— if you’ve been there 15 years you probably have a decent idea of both how valuable you are to the company, and how valuable the key decisionmakers see you. It’s likely not in their best interest to cut an employee with so much institutional knowledge out just for a policy shift. Unless you’re being paid inflated wages for your position compared with the industry, I’d hazard to guess you’re safe.

[–] Poringo 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

That is what I'm hoping, that they would be flexible enough, I can still be here amicably some time, but I will start doing more certifications and basically prepare to jump ship later.

Obviously the company will be expecting that I will be doing this, so the relationship at this point is broken, just a matter of time.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Your instincts are very likely correct. By not demonstrating eagerness to comply with any demand, regardless of reason, you are now damaged goods. However, I question your timing. My instincts honed over 25 years in the viper pit of office politics are saying you need to have an extreme sense of urgency. Don't wait to get certified, you can get certs elsewhere. It's always easier to get a new job while you still have a current job.

The cemeteries of the world are full of indispensable men.

If the company suddenly bends over backwards, gives you a signed assurances of an exemption to general policy and a raise then feel safe. Anything short of this is an invitation to Get Out Now.

[–] Poringo 2 points 1 year ago

Thanks, yeah I think it's a better idea to actively look for a new job now.

As you say certs can come later, but definitely I have to get more certs, I have slept on that one for so long just because I was cozy in my current job.