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Comment by darth_avocado | Hacker News Reader

I recently left a FAANG adjacent tech job because of RTO. In the job search here’s what I found on what companies are requiring:

1. RTO with no exceptions 2. RTO, but allowing exceptions for some roles 3. Limited RTO, 2-3 days a week 4. No RTO, but office availability 5. Fully remote

I ended up joining a company with #4, but I was surprised with how much that ended up being a factor in my final decision, because I do like going into the office and I still do. I left a lot of money on the table despite actually being okay with RTO because the freedom it brings with it. Waking up one day and just working from home because you can is just priceless.

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I don't think companies in #4 are safe, mostly because commercial real estate is expensive. Consulting firms will advise them to either not renew building leases or have a hybrid/RTO policy as one of the first cost cutting measures.

Commercial real estate is cratering in most cities. Companies are actually having much more success renegotiating leases. When you can do that, you can resize your footprint and make it reasonable based on usage.

I'm on level #4 too and I think that's the sweet spot for me.

Everyone on the team has the ability to come to the office when needed. Most never do. Some are there every day.

I usually go to the office when the alternative would be endless zoom meetings all day, I'll rather do those live if possible and gather them all in one day. (Or if I want to catch a movie after work at the IMAX that's near the office)

There's a lot to this. Where I am (not tech) we are generally in the office 3-4 days/week (some of us 5 days) but I have the flexibility to WfH close to whenever I want, on the day (barring having an external meeting and work travel). The flexibility is worth way more than the number of days, to me and many of my colleagues.

Have an office be optional is the best. You get the novelty of a commute and a visit without being forced.

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