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Anonymous

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Hi everyone,

I’m in the middle of a career transition and would love to hear from other women who have navigated something similar.

For the past six years, I’ve worked primarily from a home-based setup with a lot of autonomy and flexibility.

I recently accepted a new marketing leadership role in home services that aligns really well with the work I enjoy, but the “hybrid” model is more office-centered than I initially understood, three days a week in-office with set hours.

The positive is that my in-office days will often include traveling to different locations, ride-alongs, and working directly with teams in the field, so it’s not just sitting in the same four walls every day. I’m hopeful the variety will keep things energizing and engaging.

That said, I’m also being honest with myself about how much I value flexibility, focused work time, and work-life balance, which were big reasons I moved away from a traditional office setup in the first place.

Have any of you made a similar shift, from mostly remote or flexible work back into a more structured hybrid or in-office role?

What helped you adjust, and what made it feel sustainable long-term?

I’d really appreciate hearing your experiences.

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  1. Anonymous

    What helps me adjust to the myriad of changes , crises, random insanity that comes with working in corporate America is the need to eat. Trying to strategize to make the corporate world suit my desire to have autonomy is rather futile in my opinion. Start your own business and make it work for you.

  2. Me!

    I have a wide range of experience on this (WFH, hybrid, WHF with 50% international travel and traditional full time in office). 1st accept the current arrangement and find all the positives, focus on these. Build in good habits that are consistent regardless of if you are in office or at home (examples: walk everyday, lunch at a specific time ect..). This signals consistency to your mind, body and coworkers. It set the framework for a standard and allows for boundaries. Enjoy

  3. Lindsey Coffelt

    Thank you for the advice. I'll definitely take you up on it and focus on the good things, especially those that were different from my previous office experience. I think my nervous system threw up a red flag from my previous employer LOL.

  4. Tina McK

    I've worked full time virtual for 20+ years and did go through periods of travel or client side work. It sounds like this role is truly the best of both, since your "on site" experience varies & you're home 2 days. Echoing Mel, putting in consistent structure will setup those boundaries from the beginning & allow you to create your peace. Since you're in a leadership role, what you do will set the tone for your team as well. Congratulations on the new gig & good luck! ?

  5. Lindsey Coffelt

    Thank you for the insight! I find myself getting more excited about the variety of traveling and group dynamics, and still being able to focus on deep work from my home office a couple of days a week.

  6. Anonymous

    All I know is I'm dreading when I might have to go to hybrid 3x a week. It is soul sucking. What was the original agreement?

  7. Joan Kirschner

    I understand where you're coming from. I had the ideal situation for 4 years: WFH, flexible hours, and it was a part-time contract so I could do things like go to the gym, doctor's appts. etc. I was really conscientious about blocking my calendar when I had other obligations, but I also made myself available for every Zoom/Google Meet. The contract finally ended so now I'm looking for something new, preferably with similar conditions, but it's very unlikely I'll find them. I'm also facing ageism since I'm at a late stage in my career, but I have no desire at this point to stop working. My advice is roll with it, enjoy the opportunities to travel and work off-site – and give it a fair shake.

  8. Sharon Scott

    I am looking for work and and am not looking forward to moving back inside. The roles I've had have been home based and I'm hoping I get that again but may not. I understand but have no guidance yet as I've not landed anything yet. You'll do great!

  9. Lindsey Coffelt

    Thank you Sharon! I hope you find something too!

  10. Coach Nancie Kay Shuman

    One of my clients is experiencing this right now. The biggest thing which is helping her is checking her mind set every day. Let's face it, if you are expecting things to be hard, they will be. While I am not one for toxic positivity, I do believe the idea that if you are looking for the good (personally, I find connection to be a high motivator for going into the office,) then you will probably have a more positive experience.

  11. Anonymous

    Going thru this now - not by choice. I work half days in office to appease the requirement and log my swipes. My in office days are soooooo unproductive .

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