It's not just a subtle attack, but there is a huge amount of money behind getting office workers back. There are so many businesses that depend on you driving several hours per day, parking, being rushed so you have to buy food (or even better - your business caters so the caterer has a fixed contract), buying office attire, keeping that office attire clean, outsourcing easy work because of time demands, buying prepared food or take out or delivery because you have no time . . .
I'm not sure how many people read Your Money or Your Life any more, but it really opens your eyes as to how expensive having a job is. One way or another, COVID really opened people's eyes to this whether they know it consciously or unconsciously.
Are workers not back now? Most people I know that don't work directly in software are back to some kind of hybrid or full time office work. Rush hour traffic is back. It feels like a minority of workers stayed full time remote. I get comments now about being so lucky to be remote full time
Yes, I agree. Remote working appears to be more prominent within software. In part, driven by preference of the work force, and strong negotiating power given demand for engineers.
Rest of the work force appears to be back in office 3+ days a week.
Not only are there businesses that want you to commute, they are sometimes owned by the same conglomerate or investment firms, such as real estate. gas stations and toll roads that are a common trifecta.
I'm not sure how many people read Your Money or Your Life any more, but it really opens your eyes as to how expensive having a job is. One way or another, COVID really opened people's eyes to this whether they know it consciously or unconsciously.