Hello redditors, here's a true story:
A year ago, I was searching for a job. As I’m a programmer, and I can work anywhere, I was searching for remote work, but I ended up only finding an office job far away from home. The job wasn’t bad, I had been in worse places, but I still dreamed about remote working.
After six months, I was a bit tired of having to go to the office, and I asked for remote working (they still do remote when somebody has COVID). My employer, which is also the boss (as it’s a small business), didn’t want me to remote working, but never gave a clear reason; just “it wasn’t convenient”.
Well, as I do not accept “no because no” as an answer, I tested my boss two months later (the months to add realism): “My parents and I (I still live with my parents) will probably be moving to another city next month (far away), as my mother found a new job there. I won’t be able to travel to work anymore, but my mother found another job for me. However, I love working here (show affection to sway opinions), so is there any chance of remote working?”
I was not going anywhere obviously, but wanted to see if he had a valid reason or not. “Well, is not convenient, but we can arrange remote working”. That was it; I did my last month in office and, after three months, I’m still working there without having any problem, but now from my home.
I know this strategy is not for everyone (and you have to be dishonest), but for those who want remote working but can’t get over stubborn bosses, try playing a game of poker, you will find bluffs very fast.
PS: If you don’t want to lose your job, find a reason that can be reverted; for example, mine had “I didn’t want to leave my friends, so I finally stayed with grandpas”.