I’ve been working from home since 2018 when my company granted me the opportunity to help take care of my mom who has Alzheimer’s. My job had evolved into an internet job (legal research). My first few months were exhausting as I just worked and did not take breaks. In office I typically talked to co-workers mostly about shit that happened in out lives and very limited on work stuff. Most work conversations were by email or over the phone.
I no longer had a three hour commute (manageable due to light rail) and my youngest went off to college leaving me in an empty nest so the timing was right for a transition as I no longer needed to live close to the ex-wife
To make up for my missing morning commute time, I did an hour fitness class 3 days a week and swam for an hour on the other days. I missed seeing faces in the office and the commute so the exercise class gave me conversation time and the water gave me fish faces to look at. After work I did neighborhood dog walks with my mom and family, visits to the dog park and volunteering by coaching a youth soccer team. The dog park was great because like-minded strangers grew into friends. Helping with my mom who later moved in with me andmy other activities were accomplished by wfh.
Covid happened and a merger. Work has been good as I’ve been top in total hours and 1 or 2 in billable hours each quarter in my department.
As good as it’s been working from home, I’d take the more money in the office and move for a closer remote. I’d do it earlier in my career when the kids were young, because it was good to get away. The only debate would be later in my career when my mom needed more help.