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Comment by mkehrt | Hacker News Reader

I don't think we should force people to come into offices, but I am a strong advocate for having offices. I cannot work at home. I need a minimum number of people around, preferably people with whom I am doing some work, to get anything done. If I'm at home by myself, even for a day, I sit in a depressed pit and do no work. I understand that many, many people do not feel this way, but the idea that people would want to work from home is utterly bananas to me.

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> I need a minimum number of people around, preferably people with whom I am doing some work, to get anything done.

Doesn't seem like you need an office for that, though? You can invite your coworkers over to your home, go to a coffeeshop/bar, even the library. I went to the local library the other day and it was effectively vacant. I bet they would welcome your group with open arms to find some use for the space.

Work from home doesn’t mean work from home, it means work from anywhere.

All the WFH coworkers I've had were too spread out for that to be possible. Yes, "100% remote" means you can work from anywhere, but it also means your company can hire from anywhere.

I work for an office-optional company and my nearest coworker is 500 miles away. For what reason would companies constrain themselves to the local talent pool just so you can have some friends? And if they are willing to do that for you, we're right back to the venue not mattering.

> your company can hire from anywhere.

No need for nationalistic conspiracy theories. If your employer wants to replace you with an outsourced company or worker they will do so regardless of remote work policies, as it already happens.

That isn't what I meant at all. I meant within the same state or country, but too far away to meet in person.

My apologies. I see this statement often on some very odd forums, implying people will be outsourced and jobs sent abroad. I jumped to conclusions too early.

Here in europe my coworkers and i debated a few times wether we should all take a trip to spain and work from there for a week. A team building exercise which we can afford since we dont waste money commuting. Maybe you could explore something similar, or if not, go out with friends and live your life outside the 8 hours.

That’s nice for you, but you will not be dragging me into the office just because you need people staring over your shoulder to get any work done. I’m not your motivation coach unless you are paying me to be. Seems you want your coworkers to provide this service to you for free even if it hurts their productivity.

Incidentally there are virtual office zoom call services where you can get on a call and work with other people who have the same issue of not being able to work on their own.

Can't both models for work exist at the same time? At my job there's a 'work as much remote as you want', but for similar reasons mentioned above, I tend to work more at the office. Am I forcing others to join me? No. I simply assume that those that come to the office, enjoy being there. Whatever their reason might be, doesn't matter. The fact that you are referring to what to me seems like a basic human need as some kind of a service is frankly a bit absurd. John Doe wants to be a cashier because he enjoys seeing and talking with different people. Do you send him a bill after coming back from the grocery store?

Oh yeah I think it’s a basic human need, but not one I need to get at work. The workplace is a monetized environment. I provide a service and I get paid for it. If I’m not getting paid I’m not going to be there and will put my energy to much more meaningful endeavors. The emotional labor of providing camaraderie and mentorship in an on-site location is an add-on service from me for an extra fee.

People who want to be in an office should have it available or work for companies that can provide it. People like me can avoid it or only do it when the paycheck is right.

My family is my family, my friends are my friends and my coworkers are my coworkers.

The issue is that back to office people seem to wish to make that mandatory. John Doe can be a cashier all they want, people shop online anyway - because we have lives outside offices and we dont want to spend them wasted commuting. John Doe is a dying breed unfortunately.

Surely the answer is just to have some companies be remote, and some be office based. IMO the big flaw with what companies are trying to do right now is mix these.

I specifically said no one should be forced to come into the office, just not discount the desires of people who need office socialization.

Zoom absolutely does not count.

And indeed i think you should have the option. But i dont think either of us should be forced either way.

They never said it shouldn't be optional? OP wasn't asking why some people thing everyone should go back to the office. They were asking why some people like going to the office.

I believe both op and myself can manage this debate without a third party clarifying on each others behalf?

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