Burner account. Pardon if this ends up being a stream of consciousness.
I took a job 18 months or so ago with a company that was “remote-first”. They had this remote policy well before the pandemic and have hired hundreds of employees over the past few years under that premise. They’ve always had a few offices but not many.
Suddenly, without any warning, they have told myself and anyone who works within 50 miles of an office that they have to come in 3 times a week! They’re even opening NEW offices! That’s rich, especially considering we’ve been told how tight our budget is. Anyway, this isn’t policy is irrespective of location and commute times. I guess the decision makers have never commuted in a place like NYC before. Further adding to my frustration is the fact they refuse to give any concrete answers as to why (just generalities like “collaboration”). The fact is that my entire team lives elsewhere. I guess I might meet some sales folks? They aren’t going to want to talk to a mid-level engineer. Feeling is mutual.
I’m not saying this is unethical…it’s just shitty. It’d be one thing I’d this was a “return to office” scenario like many companies are doing. But it’s false advertising. I know, I know…they can do whatever they want it’s not my company. Still sucks though.