Would you turn down a job if flexible working/WFH wasn't an option?

[Waferbiscuit]

I've just been offered a role in the sector I work in (arts/culture) and despite advertising that the organisation supports flexible working, was told that as a senior manager they'd expect me in full time with occasional WFH e.g. 1 day/every few weeks but depending on needs, so likely less frequently. Role also involves a lot of weekend and evenings for events.

I currently WFH 2 days, onsite 3 days. Was surprised at how much having to work onsite FT was a deal-breaker for me and despite it being an interesting job am inclined to turn it down.

Is being able to WFH a deal-breaker for you?

I wouldn't accept a role that wasn't primarily WFH.

I've WFH since the pandemic, and in that time Dd has started primary school, I need to be able to drop her off and pick her up at allotted times (not to the detriment of my work, I'm still working the requisite hours, and completing the required work), I couldn't do that alongside a commute to the office.

Yes I would turn it down.

Yes I'd turn it down. It wouldn't be feasible for me at the moment with two small children to be on site every day.

Yes it would be a deal breaker for me now.

Ideally one day a week in the office. Willing to begrudgingly go to two days if needed and not too far. For three days it would have to be an absolutely one off, amazing opportunity and a very decent pay rise.

Four days or more in the office is a hard no, even if they offered me the World on a stick.

Yes!

It is now that I've discovered it! I really struggle to be productive in an office environment with so many distractions so I rely on WFH to get things done. I can work with my changes in energy and focus to be much more productive, in ways that I can't in the office.

I've worked in offices for 20yrs, it's overrated. I've been wfh FT since 2020 and love it too much. I don't think I could go back to an office FT. Where I live, the roads are just that bad at rush hour and public transport is so bad. If I had to travel to an office it would have to be flexible to avoid rush hour.

I would prefer to be in the office with the team most days so sounds good to me. I hate wfh 🤣

Depends on the commute. I may have to do 4 days in office or be away more in new job but the commute is easy. My kids are older though.

I'm looking to do two different jobs.

WFH in one sector, is essential for me. The other sector will be work on site, it's not something that can be WFH.

the WFH job I want, no, & it needs to be flexible be hours. I have health issues and current early mornings are now killing me. I need to be able to work when I'm feeling up to it & not stress about it when I'm not, knowing I can do it whenever I'm feeling up to it.

I would only do evenings and weekends if I got extra leave for it.

What is the commute like?
20 miles each way - 5 days in is fine
50 miles each way - 2 days in is fine
in and out of London daily - Not so much (maybe once a week/fortnight)

I wouldn't take a WFH job. It was horrific when I had to do it during the pandemic and wouldn't consider it again.

Dealbreaker for me too. I don't even read JDs for on-site roles. No need to be onsite for majority of office roles and it tells you a lot about the ethos/atmosphere of the business if they insist on it.

I'd do two days a week in office as a maximum. Currently I'm fully remote.

It would be a deal-breaker for me, and I don't even have a regular WFH day, and mostly prefer being in the office. I still really value the ability to WFH when needed though.

I would turn it down. WFH and flexibility is more important to me than more money and progression - unless there was a significant benefit pay or progression wise.

Besides, I would question the organisations commitment to diversity and inclusion, and whether their practices are archaic and not focused on improving society.

Some roles can't be done from home but that does not meant flexible working cannot be considered- but it requires change.

Yes. I would turn it down.

Any job is likely to be at least 1.5hr commute each way - based on my home location and profession - and I'm not willing to do that level of commuting any more.

It was ok when I was young and could easily work a full day after only a couple of hours sleep and only had myself to please; but now I think it would be an issue. My sleep patterns - always reliable when young - are now interrupted by peri hormones and night anxiety.

I kinda miss a full week in a lively office and daily access to shops etc. But it's just not for me at this stage of my life.

@Waferbiscuit you can see there are different opinions - I think you can only decide if this is a deal breaker for you. Eggs grandmothers etc 💐

The reality is I think senior managers do need to be present in the office most of the time, particularly if their staff are

It's part of the reason I am considering stepping back down in my career, because I would like to work from home more often

Yes

I never worked from home until June 21 (we downsized due to Covid). I have 10 years (max) left to work, I’ll never take a new role without at least 50% WFH now.
It’s been life changing.

Personally I wouldn't take a job like that. But it's a question of bargaining power ultimately.

Senior level roles in the arts and culture industry are, I'm guessing, extremely rare and competitive. So, employers might find they can take their pick when it comes to candidates if there are some that are more than willing to work in the office every day. On the other hand, if you are highly specialised in your field OP and they are desperate to have you, you might be able to negotiate them down to 1 day of WFH per week, for example.

Great to see so many responses and interesting to see that most people feel WFH is as important as I do.

I have broached whether WFH 1 day/week could be in my contract but they don't want to agree to that. Totally appreciate that as a senior manager I need to be present especially when I first start BUT as a senior manager, I don't have any onsite perks (own office, assistant) and the offices are fairly tatty. I don't know how I'll get any work done in a busy open office 5 days/week. (Tiny violin!)

Yes I would turn it down too because my current job is one day in office. Unless I lose this one I won’t be taking one with more office days.

Similar sector to you and I would turn it down. They are likely to be inflexible in other ways too. I WFH 3 days depending on events etc.