I'm a single parent and have learned the hard way, over the years, what I need, can do, can't do.
I need nearly 100 % home office, as even one office day will take more mental capacity than all the other days combined. Also, on that day, pets and children tend to get sick, doctor appointments happen, contractor needs apartment access.
And yet, I got lured into a job with the good old bait & switch once more. Was supposed to be nearly full remote, limited time with max. 1 office day per week. Got switched to 2 office days min last minute, when I was already too committed to that offer.
Payment is very good, quite excellent, but it is all about office day logistics. Oh, and it's a 2 hour trip one way. With a child coming back from elementary school, having afternoon stuff to go to.
Also, it's hard not to hate the job and its people after getting lured in with broken agreements. I'm not even sure if they are all assholes or I just feel like that.
Needless to say, my stress level is through the roof. The absolute necessity to get up early in the morning makes falling asleep even harder, which intensifies the problem.
The plan, 2 weeks in?
- No foul play, but accept the great benefits regarding sick days. (On full remote jobs, I sometimes just pull through, as long as the pay is really great and above market.)
- Pull through 2 or 4 more weeks, then demand nearly full remote. They vaguely hint at the option to reduce office days at some point. If they say no, I'll just not come in, but won't quit. They'll have to fire me.
- I already started looking for a new job. When I find one, hand in my notice.
Best of luck! Sorry you were put in this situation. A 4 hour commute twice a week is a whole extra shift. Like you're working 6 days a week, and one is unpaid(presumably). I would be passed my limit as well.
Have you gone to your boss and explained you require the at-home schedule for medical reasons? Not sure of your country but atleast in the U.S., I don't think you have to disclose what exactly if that makes you uncomfortable.
If you've got a doctor, or better whoever you get your meds from if you use any, they may be willing to write a note for HR (or your boss depending on size of company, I guess) saying you've got a need for the reasonable accommodation of maximum 1 day per week in office. The company may still say no, but atleast it gives you the best chance of getting what you need.
Before moving on to what you outlined above, of course.
Good suggestion, thanks. My plan: I'll keep doing it for a couple more weeks, then offer to do a whole week in office during school vacation, but also say that I can only occasionally come in otherwise. I feel like the situation is that it would build trust to do it for a while before asking for something.
Wouldn't play along with that nonsense, but the pay is good, the benefits are very good.