My trip was planned long before I knew I’d be part of a RIF, so the timing couldn’t be worse, right before the holidays. What makes it even worse is that they only accept company devices if they’re returned in person at the office. There’s no shipping option and no real alternative, even though I’m abroad and no longer employed. Under those conditions, there’s no chance I can return it, unless they’re willing to accept shipping. I’m curious if anyone else has faced this requirement, or if I’m the only “lucky” one.

One time I joined a call after a long night with barely any sleep, eyes barely open.. and the moment I heard, "Camera on, please" I turned it on without thinking only to realize I wasn’t even wearing a shirt! Luckily I reacted fast and turned it off within a second. Somehow no one said anything, and to this day I still don’t know if anyone saw me.

So a few months ago, I decided it was finally time to get back into the job hunt. I sent out a bunch of applications for remote roles, got a few interviews… and then the offers came in. Why should I suddenly earn less just because I'm not sitting in their office? These companies are completely out of touch. So I politely ghosted them. Best decision ever. Because out of nowhere, a big games company reached out, I was able to pass the coding test and now I'm finally starting tomorrow!

Remote work shouldn’t mean being undervalued, and I'm glad I waited. Have you guys noticed anything similar?

😅

Employers across the country have been “put on notice” after a working mum won the right to not have to go into the office in a landmark decision.

Peter Devlin

4 min read October 22, 2025

Before: Leave early → hit traffic → arrive stressed → question life choices.

Now: Wake up late → sip coffee → stroll to my desk → start the day like a functional human.

When I first started working from home, I was so happy about the freedom, no commute, more time, and we actually proved we could get things done without sitting at a desk all day. Every other meeting had charts showing how much better we were doing.

But now it's not just about getting the job done, it's about being constantly checked on. Promotions go to the people who show up to the office a couple days a week and make just enough noise to get noticed, no matter what they really achieve.

It's so weird that the ones grinding get ignored, while the office visitors keep moving up. Feels like effort doesn't count unless someone's watching you.

Anyone else feeling this shift? How are you dealing it?

Companies like Google, Microsoft, and Ford know exactly what they're doing. They force people back to the office, fully aware that many will quit rather than comply. It’s a calculated move, fewer severance payouts, no unemployment costs, and a cleaner reputation than official layoffs. If they admitted the truth, there'd be backlash but frame it as "collaboration" or "culture" and suddenly no one questions it. The worst part is that the outdated boomer narrative still lets them get away with it. It's not about work it's about control and cost-cutting, wrapped in buzzwords.