Company wants us back in office full time, I'm considering leaving. Overreacting?
We've been hybrid for 3 years, now management wants 5 days in office. My commute is 1.5 hours each way. I'm genuinely thinking of quitting over this. Am I being unreasonable?
Anonymous asker·Asked on 21 days ago·8,323 views·3 answers
BBTO Newlywed Jia HuiBeginnerFirst-hand experienceJust collected keys to our first BTO, went through the whole balloting and reno journey, still fresh in my mind.
Not unreasonable at all, 3 hours of daily commute is 15 hours a week of unpaid life, that's a real pay cut in time. But don't quit on emotion, negotiate first. Steps that worked for my team: ask for a formal flexible work arrangement request (there's now a national set of guidelines requiring employers to properly consider such requests, so you have standing to ask in writing). Propose a specific reasonable middle ground, like 3 days in office, and back it with your productivity track record over the last 3 years. Frame it around output and retention, not your preference. If they flat out refuse everything, then yes, factor the commute into your next move and job-hunt calmly while employed. Also weigh the whole package, if the pay and growth are great, maybe you move closer or find carpool/express bus options. But if it's a mediocre job AND a brutal commute AND rigid management, that's three strikes, leaving is rational, not dramatic.
I left a job over exactly this and don't regret it. Got a hybrid role closer to home with similar pay. The market still has flexible employers if you look. But I'd try the formal flexi-work request route first, put it in writing and make them justify a no. You might be surprised.
DDivorce Survivor KarenBeginnerFirst-hand experienceWent through divorce and shared custody, can share the real cost, HDB matters and emotional side, no sugarcoat.
Do the honest math on the commute. 3 hours a day, 5 days, is like adding an unpaid part-time job. If your role can genuinely be done remotely and they still insist, it says a lot about the culture. That said, don't burn bridges, negotiate before you resign.