RTO Vent sesh

When Covid started, we were put on fully remote work and remained that way, for the most part, for the next FIVE YEARS. In that time, my son was born and I settled into this glorious life of working from home, making good money, and getting to enjoy every moment of my kid’s life.

Then, last month they started requiring us to go into the office 2 days a week (some other departments are required to go in 4 days a week, but our floor doesn’t have enough space). Now, I get to say goodbye to my son every morning, causing him to cry because he misses me and we can’t spend my lunch together. I get to wake up early, spending the whole rest of the day half awake, to hop on a dirty train for a 1.5 hour commute, each way. I get to work in an uncomfortable office, getting the same amount of work done, with people who I don’t really like for 8 hours, all while wondering what my kid is up to, and wishing I could see him.

This used to be the best job I’d ever had. Now I’m severely depressed at work, and I feel like I have nowhere to go.

On top of that there are 2 remote employees from another state who never have to go into an office due to space limitations.

They claim it’s for collaboration and corporate culture, but that existed during our WFH period. They claim to value work/life balance, but what better balance is there than working from home with no commute?

Idk I’m stuck. Has RTO affected you guys as much as it has me? I feel like finding our CEO and showing him videos of my kid crying everyday because daddy’s gone.