Good on you for standing your ground. Honestly if they were smart they would give you a raise when the time comes anyway but companies aren't really the smartest when it comes to retention so I hope you find exactly what you're looking for and better.
this post was submitted on 26 Jul 2023
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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.
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.
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.
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.
I'm glad you were able to recognize the quality of life imprisonment that work from home brought you and the impact it has on you and your family. With more and more ppl back in the office, WFH has shifted from a safety necessity to another 'perk' that companies can offer, like 401k matching or a 4/10 work schedule.
You are doing the right thing by standing your ground, you are indicating to them that they are in danger of losing talent if they do not continue to offer this competitive advantage to their employees, which should be a no-brainer with the work environment you described.
This should not preclude you from raises imo, and you are smart to be preparing your resume and looking for better opportunities. It is always smart to keep your options open. Good luck!
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!
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.
Good for you mate
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”.
If you used to meet people in person at the office, be prepared for a fight. But I personally think a reasonable company should allow you to go full remote. My company and did and my team is all on site.
That being said you're doing the right thing. Look for another job that will let you go full remote. You have the experience, now shop your talent around. Who knows you might also get a nice pay raise as well.