[TarpitCarnivore]

I think "water cooler" talk is over stated because many companies will have different channels to discuss these kinds of things. You no doubt loose the face to face human interaction, but there are other ways to account for this. Getting out and socializing with people via hobbies can help greatly here.

As for the commute, I've worked out a flexible work schedule that lets me be home a few days but as I stated I'm in a higher COL state (NJ). So a 30-40% reduction in pay ends up being a fairly big change in QOL. I've learned to make use of the time on the train by engaging in things I enjoy (video games, podcasts) which may be harder at home. Moving closer also doesn't help because A. it gets even more expensive B. QOL drops due to higher density areas which makes it harder to ride bikes, garden, etc.

We've accepted the choice we make to be where we are because of what we get from our life outside of work, but it doesn't mean I can't hope for better remote possibilities.

[shaklee3]

It's not overstated. The only people I've heard say this are the ones that prefer remote work. You're definitely more productive around where the action is happening than in a house with kids screaming.

[kbsletten]

First off, forgive me if I don't take your word for it, but I just saw an article recently saying that remote workers are more productive on average. Whether that study was just an anomaly or there's some other explanation like "only productive programmers can manage working remotely", it would hint that your hot take represents the world as you imagine it, not necessarily the world as it is.

Secondly there's something like a "no true Scotsman" vibe about the implication that you can't trust people who prefer remote work to comment on their productivity like you can people who are onsite. That may not be the right fallacy, but there's a fallacy in there somewhere.

Thirdly, nobody should be working with kids crying. God invented doors for just this reason. If you can't make a quieter space at home than you can at work, you're either pulling in some serious perks on the job with your private, sound insulated office or you don't have the fundamental amenities to work at home, it's not the nature of working remote, it's showing up to work unprepared that's holding you back.

[ptd]

Fair enough. Different strokes. Giving up on hope is a scary wormhole, always keep dreaming.

[TarpitCarnivore]

My time is absolutely valuable and I make it abundantly clear on any phone screens for new roles. I've established my own set hours within the office to accommodate the long commute without impeding my life more than it has to. But the reality of going from 100k -> 60k in a high COL state is quite a change. It's entirely possible, we've been there, but it def requires you to readjust. And as the cost of certain goods keep rising it's not as easy as it was for us 3-5 years ago.