Started a new job about 2 months ago for 25% higher pay and a shorter commute to work. Because I work in engineering/lab research, I have always understood that it is unlikely for me to have a fully remote job (it’s quite hands on) which is honestly ok with me, but flexibility is important to me. At my last job, which I did hate, I at the least could wfh pretty much anytime I wanted and managers didn’t really care because they didn’t come into the office either. I would say I was still in the office about 4 days a week but not always the entire day, and of course if something came up (doctors appointments, car repairs, etc) it was no big deal.
At this new place, during the interviewing process I was sure to ask about flexibility as that was very important to me and they assured me that that would be part of the deal. They obviously lied because NO ONE here works from home ever. As a matter of fact, if someone does want to, they have to specifically get our managers permission to do it and basically grovel. We have a lead scientist who has been in the group longer than anyone else and essentially manages all projects and she mentioned in passing that she was going to ask permission to wfh for a day which seemed absolutely ridiculous to me as she holds a high title. I imagine this ‘begging for permission’ is intentional to make people uncomfortable about asking in order to deter it.
My issue: I received a sign on bonus that I’ll have to return if I don’t stay at least a year but I truthfully don’t know if I can make it that long like this. Also unsure of how to explain the gap in my resume if I quit and start to pursue other jobs. What would you do?