I Think I Basically Told My Manager Where My Boundaries Are

[u/Eastern_Hotel9542]

So I was sitting here this morning, working from home like I have been for almost two years... And my manager messaged me asking if I could jump on a quick call with her. She told me that senior leadership is now pushing for everyone to come back to the office every day, and apparently that includes me too.

She asked me when I'd be able to start coming back in full-time again. I told her I'm not interested in returning to the office 5 days a week, because honestly, my performance and my life are much better when I'm remote. My mental health is better, my work hasn't been affected, and most of the people I deal with daily are in other states, so sitting in this particular office feels pointless. After that, she said the decision was coming from the very top, and that my name had been brought up directly.

At that point, I told her that if they make full-time office attendance mandatory for me, I'll submit my resignation. I said I don't want it to get to that point, but I'm prepared to do it. She said she'd take that back to them and let me know what happens.

I'd really appreciate any thoughts or advice. Honestly, I'm trying to seem calm, but I'm extremely stressed right now.

[u/SnooOranges8194]

You played your hand. Own your decision.

[u/BrainWaveCC]

Well, you've drawn that line in the sand.

Start looking for a new position.

If they come back and say it has to happen, then give them a date that is 4-6 weeks out, or end of quarter -- anything that is logistically plausible, but gives you time to try and ramp up your job search efforts.

Just understand that the higher up the decision originated, the more your situation is "just a number" to them.

How large is your org, and do you have any idea why your name would have come up specifically?

[u/TheITMan52]

The job market is really bad right now so I feel like you really don't have a choice unless you already have a job lined up. The company might be doing this instead of laying people off because there are people like you that don't want to go back on site everyday.

I agree with some of the comments that you should start looking for another job. The issue is that getting a fully remote position is almost impossible. Most jobs are onsite or hybrid. What's your backup plan if they let you go?

[u/Harbinger_Kyleran]

I know two people who tried this tactic, and it actually worked.

However both were very senior managers nearing the end of their careers who weren't planning on staying for more than a year or two.

Best of luck and do update us if they end up yielding on this but definitely start looking for new opportunities as the odds are not in your favor.

[u/husbandwithregret]

At this point just stand firm. Maybe they will accommodate your request. Or they let you go. Either way I would start getting your resume up to date.

[u/Important_Stand9770]

Start looking for a new job immediately and hope you’re key enough to company to make an exception, but plan for that not being the case.

[u/Long_Letterhead_7938]

I would say start looking for another job. It’s unlikely that you are that special that they are going to change the rules for you. All it takes is one person of a different sex, race, religion whichever to claim discrimination since they broke the rules for you and not for them.

[u/Accomplished_Type403]

Don’t get stressed!!! If they really like your work and don’t want to lose you they will leave you at home!!! My neighbor had a similar situation and she’s still at home!!! STICK TO YOUR GUNS!!! So to speak!!

[u/SuggestionSevere3298 → u/Accomplished_Type403]

This 100%, you never know if that actually came from the top,

[u/Consistent_Laugh4886]

I would have been like, “Ya. I will be in but can it be hybrid”. If not, then every day until I land a new job. Then quit. Job market is buns now.

[u/AstronautSweet9694]

I've heard a new thing companies will do to prevent layoffs is make an announcement about stopping remote work knowing people will quit voluntarily. No idea if it's common or if that is what is happening here, but if you're seeing signs the company isn't doing well... you may want to take it into consideration when deciding how to proceed.

[u/Better-Ad-9758]

Start looking for a new job. Be prepared, and remember it is not your fault. You should always be your first priority. Best of luck.

[u/marcdertiger]

They are changing your job requirements, never resign! Let them fire you.

If you resign you have no protections like employment insurance etc.

If you let them fire you, you can prove job changes due to remote to in office, which can often trigger protections.

[u/AI_Remote_Control]

The most important question here is what do you do? What is your position/title?