Would you trade a comfortable WFH position with little career advancement options for an on-site work aligned with career goals?

38 Comments

1. AnonymousJanuary 31,2023 at 3:41PM UTC

   It really depends where you are in your life and your career.

   I'm at the end ofcmy career and am looking to relax and close it out.

   But at earlier times in my life and career I wanted to build my career and make the most I could make.

   When I was raising my kids I wanted flexibility and the least stress I could find.

   So the answer doesn't stay the same.

2. AnonymousFebruary 3,2023 at 8:50PM UTC

   Same here. Last year I started a position that may at best require 50 percent of the skills I've obtained over my career, but I plan to retire in 6 years. I no longer have the stomach to chase promotions, so I am content to keep my head down and handle my business for the duration.

3. MsJanuary 31,2023 at 3:47PM UTC

   Yes. I’d give up work from home for growth opportunities, hands down.

   Try to negotiate a flex schedule. Explain to them that the offer is exciting and exactly what you want to do - but your autonomy now is important to you and you’d like it in your offer to include 2-3 days in the office and the others are home.

   If your autonomy is more important then that’s okay - you can look elsewhere for the type of role that has you excited.

4. AnonymousJanuary 31,2023 at 3:50PM UTC

   I agree that it depends on where you are in your career. If you are building your career & want advancement (it sounds like you do) then it might be worth the sacrifices of drive & loss of autonomy. Where do you want to be in 5 years? Is your current job going to give you what you want in 5 - 10 - 15 years.

   I completely get staying where you are to maintain the autonomy. I've worked from home since 2006, built a solid reputation with my company & have an enormous amount of freedom (that I've earned). I've been offered opportunities to make more money, the work would theoretically be more challenging but I'd lose my autonomy & have go to an office. I've had to think long & hard about what I value & want. I've chosen to stay in my job & have my autonomy where I can go to a class party or run a kid to the Dr.

   So which job fits where you are in life?

5. AmyJanuary 31,2023 at 4:51PM UTC

   For me the key is that you 'always wanted to'. I would negotiate with them, see if you can get the flexibility you want. Get it all in writing. No one has all the systems in place before the opportunity comes along. It would be nice if you did, but it may be worth the leap. And as long as you don't burn your bridges you may be able to fall back into the current job if things don't work out. You be you!

6. AnonymousJanuary 31,2023 at 5:48PM UTC

   Lots of great advice in this thread already! Just wanted to acknowledge my support.

   Good luck to you!

7. AnonymousFebruary 1,2023 at 2:24PM UTC

   Flex time with contract workers, doesn't align. If you mean freelancing more then I get it. Contract roles are hard to offer flextime to. The company pays another company for hours they worked. It would depend on the role and set expectations required. Listen, you need to follow your gut, going into what you feel is toxic is a choice. Going on our your own is a choice. Accepting the parameters of a new position is a choice. You do have choices, and sounds like you're getting the courage. Really no one can answer this for you as we ALL are different. What is best for YOU is what matters here. Find your joy and grow from there. Good luck.

8. AnonymousFebruary 2,2023 at 7:12PM UTC

   Its either the devil you know or leaping into the challenge of something new. Since you don't say if you are early or late career balance the decision on what matters most to you and where you are against that. If you have a long road ahead make the move, the challenge and the possibilities could be endless. There is a risk and if you are risk averse stay where you are, but it also seems like there is some complacency on your part which you recognize which might be leading you toward something new. Either way you win. If you move to somewhere new be sure to ask all the hard questions up front so that you know where the boundaries are for WFH and WFOffice so that you do not fail their expectations and yours.

9. AnonymousFebruary 3,2023 at 1:18PM UTC

   No! I would take the “heaven” of working from home. I started remote at my current company, and the return to office environment has been toxic! After working from home, you forget about the gender discrimination, office politics, and general depression that we all used to live with for office jobs. It’s not worth it. My mental health has suffered greatly. I’m am currently looking for remote work, even if it is at less pay. I don’t even care about advancement anymore, but I am 20+ years into my career and work is not my priority anymore. There is so much more to life!

10. AnonymousFebruary 3,2023 at 1:27PM UTC

    I traded a WFH position for one that I THOUGHT was more aligned with my career goals. I regret it.

11. Sarah BojorquezFebruary 3,2023 at 1:29PM UTC

    For myself, I will never go back to an office. But that is a personal decision that works for me. I already make a comfortable salary and have never been ambitious about promotions just to be promoted. I go to work to make money-it doesn't fulfill me outside of that. That is what my personal life is for. I know, not a popular opinion, but it is what it is.

    That being said, you have to decide what is most important for you. No one else can make that decision for you. It sounds like you already have a great grasp on what you want. If you can't find that at your current job, work on being a stellar employee there until you find the perfect role.

12. AnonymousFebruary 3,2023 at 1:34PM UTC

    That's a decision you need to make for yourself, what works for you. If you want to go nowhere and are perfectly content with what you're doing, don't change a thing. If you want career progression, is this an opportunity? Or keep searching for something that may be a better fit? While I work hybrid (3 days in one of our offices, 2 days wherever), I would seriously struggle with 100% WFH.

13. AnonymousFebruary 3,2023 at 1:42PM UTC

    I wish there were an easy answer and I’m following this thread as I’m going through a similar situation in terms of weighing pros/cons. I currently like my work bc of the autonomy, 100% remote but know I need growth in career and definitely salary. Freelancing is hard in terms of getting a steady stream but this new offer would be FT contract, 2 days on site with a 1.5 hour total commute. It’d be a huge leap in $ - the biggest pull. But I don’t know the answer yet either. I hope whichever route you choose works out for you ?

14. AnonymousFebruary 3,2023 at 7:48PM UTC

    Good luck to you too!

15. AnonymousFebruary 3,2023 at 1:58PM UTC

    You stated that this new company atmosphere "tends to be a bit toxic" and "do not have a WFH policy" (sorry, what year is this? /s) That doesn't sound like they are actually interested in making positive changes. I wouldn't even entertain that.

16. ReachingGoalsFebruary 3,2023 at 2:55PM UTC

    For me, no. But I'm retiring in a few years. While I think about how my ss would be higher if I made more money these last few years - honestly, I just don't want to work that hard anymore. It never hurts to use all your skills and improve on them. Take classes, move up the ladder so to speak. If you are financially comfortable, you have options.

17. AnonymousFebruary 3,2023 at 2:59PM UTC

    So...let's list it out:

    -- A toxic culture

    -- No WFH policy

    -- Not sure you can trust that they might offer flexibility

    -- Commute is a pain

    -- Giving up your autonomy

    All of this adds up to "no." If you want to do something else (leave for a new job or start your own business), do it while you're at your current job, which offers you all the freedom to work on creating the future you want.

    Don't walk into the new role and think that it will help you thrive, because it sounds like a bad deal compared to where you are -- based on what you described.

18. Jennifer WuolletFebruary 3,2023 at 3:29PM UTC

    This 100% depends on how much you like the WFH situation, I enjoy it but don't mind going in 2-3 days a week per my company/bosses policy. I have almost a similar commute in Houston TX traffic so I completely understand that aspect. I would not take a job with 5 days a week in the office.

    My bestie has a similar WFH policy as I do with 3 days a week and a long commute as well and she constantly complains about it. The questionable flexibility in all cases has led to no flexibility at all in my experience, which is what happened to my bestie. She thought there wouldn't be much need for her to come in but they want butts in the seats 3 days a week. So assume whatever it is they are doing now, you are stuck with.

    If you can live with the commute, the added cost of the commute, and the need to be in the office every day then yes go for the job but if its going to be a point of contention from day one, then no, its not worth it, wait for the right blend of job and schedule to come along.

19. Emily PhelanFebruary 3,2023 at 4:30PM UTC

    I left a remote position for a hybrid one that I thought would advance my career. Not only have I not been able to utilize my skill set, much like your current position, they told us last Thursday that starting this past Monday, all employees were to be in 5 days a week. To say I am livid would be the understatement of the century. I have been doing everything that is asked of me and this is the thanks I get. My commute is close to an hour each way and it has ruined my work/life balance in this one week. I am wiped at the end of every day, I can't get my family's dinner started until at least 6:00, can't change the laundry during lunch...

    This is really a decision not to be taken lightly. It may work fine for you, but you really have to weigh ALL of it. Good luck with whatever you choose!!

20. AnonymousFebruary 3,2023 at 5:55PM UTC

    That is heartbreaking. I am truly sorry.

21. AnonymousFebruary 3,2023 at 7:50PM UTC

    Man that is so tough. I hope something comes your way that provides you more balance. I am putting it out there for you !

22. AnonymousFebruary 3,2023 at 5:16PM UTC

    Will read more of the comments but honestly as I was walking to the shower this morning I was thinking about all the extra expenses there are when you have to come to an office, which I have been doing since July 2020. Sorry but WFH folks have it great and maybe it will be ending more and more.

    Prepare for more laundry costs, transportation costs, wear and tear on your hair (maybe it's only an issue with me), and more!

    Idk what the answer is but I really do not need to be in person to do my job 100% of the time but my company says I do. My boss is great and I get some days WFH but if he leaves, all bets are off!

23. AnonymousFebruary 3,2023 at 8:43PM UTC

    So true. I work a hybrid schedule, but for the first month in the job, I was required to work 5 days a week in the office. It was brutal on my wallet. Between gas for the drive to the train station, train fare, lunch, and dry cleaning I was shelling out $175 a week. So considering a budget for those in-office expenses should be a factor when weighing the pros and cons.

24. AnonymousFebruary 3,2023 at 5:38PM UTC

    You are already pointing out every potential flaw with the job. It sounds like you should keep the WFH position and begin planning how to find happiness with your own business. If you take on the commute, you will lose time that could be spent on you.

25. AnonymousFebruary 3,2023 at 5:54PM UTC

    No "potential advancement" competes with the peace and autonomy of WFH. There's one hard truth you need to hear from me, because I definitely learned it the hard way. If a company tells you there are "growth opportunities and room for advancement" that's all they are: MYTHICAL OPPORTUNITIES. They are buzzwords to recruit and rarely materialize. If they truly want and value you and what you bring to the table, you'd have the position, pay and accommodations you want NOW. So, I will say it louder for the folks in the back: IF YOU DON'T GET WHAT YOU NEED WHEN YOU GET HIRED, FROM TITLE TO MONEY TO ACCOMMODATIONS, YOU WILL NEVER GET THEM.

26. AnonymousFebruary 3,2023 at 6:02PM UTC

    From what you said I would like to recommend the podcast "Don't keep your dayjob", if you haven't already heard of it. You mentioned starting your own business but feel like there's limitations. This lady and the things she shares may help shed some light on what you could do as a next move. I hope that whatever you choose brings you joy.

27. AnonymousFebruary 3,2023 at 6:02PM UTC

    I would. I changed country and even continent to have more carrer alignment, for sure I would.

28. Michele ChambersFebruary 3,2023 at 8:54PM UTC

    It looks like you answered your question in the second paragraph. Trust your gut.

29. AnonymousFebruary 3,2023 at 8:57PM UTC

    I would if I didn't have a sleeping disorder that Texas employers absolutely refuse to accommodate, even though it's a medically qualifying disability under the ADA. (Remote work in the mornings is what I need, so WFH solves that issue without me having to ask for anything.) But otherwise, yes, I would.

30. RiaFebruary 4,2023 at 1:42AM UTC

    I'd go for the new opportunity. What good is WFH is you're miserable and remain stagnant? Besides you indicated the company may have some flexibility. Go for it!

31. Janet ParkhurstFebruary 4,2023 at 1:49AM UTC

    Comfort and "contentment" are the enemies of GROWTH. Are you home with little ones and "need" to be there? Or, are you close to retirement and just getting sick of the hassle of a "real career?" Somehow, I don't get a sense of either.

    Why work for someone who wants to squelch your talents and contributions (what's up with THAT?) and have others not utilize your valuable experience because you've chosen to "settle." Honestly! Get out there and honor your passions. Do it NOW. Life's too short to waste being "comfortable." If you want, learn everything you can from this new company and then go out on your own. At home! This way, you can have your cake and eat it, too.

32. Kathy LeskiFebruary 4,2023 at 4:59AM UTC

    I don't know what level this role represents, but I look to pull data around productively of companies allowing WFH or Hybrid. The savings of time to commute either gives that time to employers- or it allows families to comfortably make dinner & homework and still enjoy the evening! Even though my teams were global. I ensured they got together one a qtr in each region for a global meeting (but also for team bonding time- out for dinner or axe throwing etc.). Then once a year hold a yearly kickoff meeting.

    What I'm suggesting is that you build a program that may work for more than just you! If you need help with considerations and cost savings let me know.

    Kathy

33. AnonymousFebruary 4,2023 at 9:43AM UTC

    Considering the horrible manager I work under, and the toxicity in the company, and recently having to go back full time after being home for 3 years, I would welcome any WFH job, no matter how mundane, if only for my mental health. I realize I am not in your position, and you feel differently, but be grateful for what you have, its not easy these days to find balance.

34. AnonymousFebruary 4,2023 at 5:41PM UTC

    My job wanted us back 2 days a week, now they want 3. It's exhausting and my anxiety is at an all time high and I have already gotten sick. Seeing my horrible micromanaging supervisor in person and being in a cubicle in a windowless building is soul crushing. And my commute is awful, and I have to get up 2 hours earlier. And the cost of living is destroying me. I survived a pandemic and ended up in a black hole of depression.

35. AnonymousFebruary 5,2023 at 8:18AM UTC

    I 100% understand how you feel. I think its awful that the beginning of my day consists of feeling like I am going to throw up, along with depression and anxiety medicine. I would welcome 3 days, if only to take the other two at home to decompress from the toxicity. Sending you good thoughts.

36. AnonymousFebruary 5,2023 at 10:11PM UTC

    Thank you. Decompressing is important.

37. Deidre NolenFebruary 4,2023 at 2:12PM UTC

    You have to do what’s best for you. For some, a WFH job works great because of various things they’re facing in life. For others, it wouldn’t work for the same reason. Weigh your pros/cons of each job and see which one is a better fit for you according to your wants, needs, and desires. Good luck.

38. Madam anon663February 5,2023 at 8:21AM UTC

    I can relate to this so much, and the super depressing thing for me is I am 60 and feel there is no where else that would even consider me, no matter what anyone says. My employer is all talk, lots of PR, and I feel like my situation is hopeless and that I have to stick it out for 6 more years.