I know a lot of people began working from home since COVID. I graduated during COVID &amp; have only known remote based work. Some months I’d have to do some traveling in the area just for the sake of the type of work I was in.

I accepted a new job that pays way more (money isn’t everything, but will help a lot with my student loans, rent, etc.)

Upon interviewing and the offer, I was told it would be remote work. Now the corporate office wants all employees in office 3x a week starting in 2022, only a month and a half away. I start this job Monday and have to go in a few times for orientation stuff which is fine, but I’m seriously contemplating continuing to search for other work that will GUARANTEE remote work.

Those who have worked from home know the perks: being in your own cozy home, being able to wear what you want, showering when you want, being with your family all day— just everything is superior in my opinion.

To those who were never able to work from home due to your line of work, I feel bad even complaining about this. 

There’s so many things that suck about going back to an office: commute times, forced social interaction for no reason, having to get up way earlier to shower and get changed and prepare to drive or take transit to the office. All those things suck, but the one thing that is really getting to me is knowing I won’t be able to spend as much time with my dogs during the week. Luckily my partner works for a company out of state so there is no threat of them returning to office and she takes great care of my dogs. But now I feel like I’ll be missing out on the days I’ll be in office. To make things even more stressful is that both of my dogs are older: one is 9, one is turning 15 soon. Dogs already have short lives as is, and now I’m worried sick that being in office 3 out of 5 days, Ill have so much regret when their time does come and they do pass.

I know I can just keep applying to other jobs that are remote, but Im hugely disappointed and let down that I was (unintentionally) misled of the idea of 100% remote work. Im not even excited to start this job now— Im filled with dread, anxiety, and worry. No one understands really besides my partner, but I wanted to express my feelings here and see if this is a rational response, or are my feelings irrational due to anxiety?

Thanks in advance to anyone who read this all. Any advice at all would be appreciated