My workplace currently has a 3 days per week in the office requirement but I have heard a rumour via a reliable source that we are about to go to 4 days. I've only been here a year so of course this was always a possibility but now it's coming, I'm worried. I'm also annoyed, because they're going to 4 days because office attendance isn't high enough but instead of managing people who don't comply with 3 days, they're punishing everyone. But anyway.
My issues are these. First, I have a 1.5ish hours each way commute. There's cost associated with doing that 4 days but also I'll be exhausted. I'm perimenopausal, recently started at HRT, sleep like crap and just generally feel tired all the time. Then, my kids live with me half the week and their dad the other half, alternating weekends, so an extra long day (roughly 7.30am-7.30pm) will eat into my already limited time with them. Then, there's the cost of an extra day's dog sitting. Also, I typically get more done at home because of lack of travel time and distractions.
I know none of this is really my employer's problem and I do actually love my job, but I can't tell you how much I want to stay at 3 days in the office. I will suck it up if I have to, but I'm considering a flexible working request
If I was to try that, what would you suggest I focus on for my reasoning, or do you think my case would be too weak to bother?