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Original poster

Would you apply for a hybrid job miles away?

21 replies

catswhisker1 · 28/09/2023 09:35

I'm a freelancer and I have found my dream job that exactly matches my skills and experience. However, the job is 250 miles away from where I live...It's advertised as hybrid working but doesn't say what the split would be.

I work fully remotely in my field and the clients I have are happy with that (cos I'm freelance). This job is full-time and fully employed. I can't move but would still love this job!

If you were me, would you still apply? If it were once a month in the office I could do that. I don't know whether it would be a waste of time to put together the application/presentation/cover letter and CV (which will take me a whole day to do). I might not get it but I have never seen a job so closely matched with my quite niche experience. I don't know whether it's a nothing ventured nothing gained situation or a waste of a day situation!

Thanks in advance for any advice.

OP posts:

Berninaa · 28/09/2023 09:41

I have just done this and got an interview. My plan is to offer two days a week in the office with one overnight stay.

Not sure if I actually 100% want to do it but I’m going to have a chat.

It will mean leaving my teen (18 but last year of A levels) alone overnight which is the bit that bothers me the most. Very sensible doesn’t drink etc. only studies but also very sensitive. It’s always just been the two of us. But then they’ll be off to uni next year. Fab job just a bit too early to be ideal.

We’ll see.

AussieManque · 28/09/2023 09:43

Can you write to ask first what their hybrid policy is, ie how many days in a week?

Bumble84 · 28/09/2023 09:43

Could you phone them for an informal chat first and see what the expectation is? That’s quite normal in my field but may not be for you.

TiredCatLady · 28/09/2023 09:45

From experience - You’ll be lucky to get them to agree one day a month. It’s more likely to be 2-3 days/week in the office. The only people I know who have gone down to one day a month are those already in position for 5+ years who have taken a pay drop to negotiate a home working contract. It’s not something that is offered to new joiners or contractors. Best thing to do is ask whoever is named on the contact page.

Aquamarine1029 · 28/09/2023 09:46

There's no harm in making a go to see how it plays out. I would go for it, because you can always decline the job offer if you receive one.

Original poster

catswhisker1 · 28/09/2023 09:47

Thanks for your replies. @Berninaa sounds good hope it works out for you. I wouldn't be able to travel in more than once a month though. @AussieManque great idea - I might do that save me spending a whole day on it. Despite being a freelancer for over 10 years I am quite meek when it comes to getting new work. I need to be more confident in putting myself out there!

OP posts:

AtmosAtmos · 28/09/2023 09:48

Can you call them to see what might be possible? Would you be able to take a block of time there at the start to train and get to know people? You have nothing to lose asking and it saves the long time doing the application.

ArtG · 28/09/2023 09:49

If the job looks like a good fit I wouldn't dismiss it out of hand. I'd phone the recruiter and ask what the expectation was for time in office and then consider how I'd manage it and how much it would cost. Take changes in the seasons into account, a journey that's acceptable in summer may be less appealing in winter. If you get the gig and meet expectations you may be able over time to negotiate in-office time down if it becomes too irksome for you and you can demonstrate that it won't adversely affect your output.

TarantinoIsAMisogynist · 28/09/2023 09:49

Hybrid seems to mean a 2/3 day split in most places.

If you have to stay overnight for your office days, you will likely have to self fund because that office will be a permanent place of work, as opposed to somewhere you travel to only occasionally. (Either that or, if the company pays your travel and overnight costs, that payment will be a taxable benefit.)

Spirallingdownwards · 28/09/2023 09:49

I am pretty certain hybrid would not be one day a month! That would actually still be remote!

However you can but ask.

Original poster

catswhisker1 · 28/09/2023 09:50

@TiredCatLady yes that's what I thought too. I'm happy freelancing and don't usually go after employed jobs but this job matches my expertise so closely. It's such a shame I live miles away... (the job is Midlands and I'm in Scotland).

OP posts:

TarantinoIsAMisogynist · 28/09/2023 09:51

TiredCatLady · 28/09/2023 09:45

Agree with this.

1 day a month isn't really hybrid, is it? It's WFH with the occasional office presence for training or certain meetings. If they are advertising it as hybrid, there is no way that they are envisaging it being 1 day a month.

Original poster

catswhisker1 · 28/09/2023 09:52

Yes you're right. The job is very much a non-teamworking role though and could be fully done at home so a shame that they haven't advertised it as contract work, which is essentially what it is. Ha I sound very spoilt.

Thanks for your replies all

OP posts:

TarantinoIsAMisogynist · 28/09/2023 09:55

You could apply and ask, but just be realistic about what the word "hybrid" means to most employers.

The days of people (foolishly in many cases) moving hundreds of miles away from their work because they are now hybrid working are pretty much over. If you are commuting 2 or 3 days a week rather than 5, you can cope with that commute being a bit longer, so you have a bit more scope to live further away. But generally not 250 miles.

ChessieFL · 28/09/2023 09:56

You need to speak to them. My company’s preference is hybrid with 2/3 days in the office but for the right person different patterns get agreed, so if they’re really keen to have you they might be happy with what you propose.

Original poster

catswhisker1 · 28/09/2023 10:12

Update - spoke to them and you were all right - it's two days a week in the office, non-negotiable. So I think I'll leave it as there is no way I could cover the cost of that commute.

Thanks for your help. Onwards and upwards!

OP posts:

Agreatbighug · 28/09/2023 10:15

I did this and was actually successful in being appointed but it was a disaster if I’m honest. I felt on the outside of it all as everyone else is very close and I’m not. I also missed out on loads of other opportunities. Communications via teams was poor too and it felt very isolating.

I thought I’d look forward to monthly visits, but the novelty pretty quickly wore off and with the travel time to get there without TOIL (as it was classed as a commute) I came home exhausted.

I think the reason it didn’t work for me was culture mostly.

Berninaa · 28/09/2023 10:15

Yes, the travel costs are a huge consideration after tax. I’ll be looking at half of a significant pay rise going on travel costs which is a lot. I don’t want to relocate either.

Original poster

catswhisker1 · 28/09/2023 10:21

Yes, I would have considered it pre-kids but now it's not affordable or doable. The role is one that only one person can do at a time - really wish some employers would think more flexibly but that's a fool's game I suppose!

OP posts:

Ponderence · 28/09/2023 10:39

Could you get something in writing with how many days in office it is? employers seem to change the mix at the drop of a hat which could be didifudkt, but if it’s the dream I think you have to try it 🙂

SnaccidentsHappen · 28/09/2023 10:42

My office is around 180 miles away and currently we are only expected to go to the office once a quarter. I'd prob even be ok with once a month or every other month.

But I think if it was more frequent than that I would struggle, the travelling is tiresome.

Best to find out what's expected before applying I would say or if after applying then before you accept the interview.

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