For the past few weeks, I've been forced to work in the office due to the company's leadership wanting to phase out wfh and it has been exhausting beyond belief. Masks are not required so I could count on one hand the number of people (including me) who wore one voluntarily. Breathing was difficult and by the afternoon I was usually lightheaded and struggling to concentrate on my work. I ate out more frequently and I used up about half a tank of gas each week just driving to and from work. Worst of all, my personal life, which had flourished during wfh, started to fade into periphery as the company and coworkers stole the majority of my time, stamina and motivation.
Thankfully, I had seen the writing on the wall and applied for other jobs a while back. I recently received an offer which is both remote and better compensated and will be giving notice to my current job. Fuck them for engaging in their silly, corporate power play over the one 'benefit' I value above all others. My actions might be just a drop in the ocean but collectively we can send the message that wfh is no longer negotiable for many of us and companies that reject it will not be able to attract or retain the talent they demand/require.