Return to office mandate when I was hired fully remote?

0

 


Return to office mandate when I was hired fully remote?


Need some advice. I was hired remotely about 3 years ago. The company recruited me, and fully remote was conditional to me accepting the offer. In early October a RTO mandate was announced by the CEO, that anyone within 40 miles of a "suitable office" would be required to return to the office effective 12/1. My manager didn't think it would be a problem because WFH was my agreed upon terms, and in my offer letter. My boss came back to me a few weeks ago and told me I had to report to an office which is 45-50+ miles away by any route, and an hour and a half each way. My boss pushed back to HR stating it exceeded the 40 mile requirement, but HR said they calculate a 40 mile "straight line distance." My boss is on my side and has kept pushing back to HR but they will not yield. I am a good employee with consistenly excellent reviews. I know a lot of my fellow employees are struggling with this. Since I have WFH in my offer agreement do I have any recourses? I assume this move is to get as many people to quit voluntarily before they do more layoffs. Any advice would be appreciated.


Jobadvisor

That's a very frustrating situation, and it's understandable why you're seeking advice. It sounds like a significant breach of the terms you agreed to when you accepted the job. Here's a breakdown of potential advice and considerations:

Understanding Your Rights and the Company's Position

  • Your Offer Letter: The fact that "fully remote" is explicitly stated in your offer letter is a strong point in your favor. An offer letter can be considered a contract, and changing a fundamental term like work location could be seen as a breach of that contract.

  • "Straight Line Distance" vs. Commuting Distance: While HR might use a "straight line" calculation, the practical reality for you is an hour and a half commute each way, significantly exceeding what most would consider a reasonable commute, especially for someone hired remotely. This is a key point if you need to negotiate or argue your case.

  • Constructive Dismissal: In some jurisdictions, if an employer makes working conditions so intolerable that an employee feels forced to resign, it can be considered "constructive dismissal." This might be a difficult legal argument to win, but it's a concept to be aware of.

  • Implied Contract: Even if it wasn't explicitly in your offer letter, three years of working remotely could establish an "implied contract" for remote work, especially if the company consistently reinforced this arrangement.

  • Company's Motivation: Your assumption about layoffs isn't uncommon. Many companies use RTO mandates as a way to reduce headcount without having to pay severance.

Potential Recourses and Strategies

  1. Direct Negotiation (Continue Pushing with Your Boss):

    • Arm Your Boss: Provide your boss with all relevant documentation (your offer letter, any emails confirming remote work). Help them articulate why this is a breach of your specific agreement, not just a general inconvenience.

    • Focus on the Specifics: Emphasize the 1.5-hour commute, the safety implications, and the disruption to your established life, all stemming from a change to a foundational term of your employment.

    • Propose Alternatives: Could you go in one day a week? Two days? Proposing a partial compromise might be more palatable than an outright refusal, even if it's not ideal for you.

  2. Formal Grievance/Internal HR Channels:

    • Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of all communications: dates, times, who you spoke with, what was said, and any documents exchanged.

    • Write a Formal Letter/Email: If your boss's efforts fail, you might need to write a formal letter to HR, reiterating your position, referencing your offer letter, and explaining the impact of the mandate on you. Keep it professional, factual, and avoid emotional language.

    • Highlight Disparate Treatment: If others hired remotely are being treated differently, or if the "straight line" rule is applied inconsistently, note that (but be careful not to throw colleagues under the bus).

  3. Legal Consultation:

    • Employment Lawyer: This is crucial. An employment lawyer can review your offer letter, company policies, and the specifics of your situation (and state laws) to advise you on your legal standing and options. They can tell you if you have a case for breach of contract or constructive dismissal. Many offer free initial consultations.

    • Do this sooner rather than later to understand your leverage before making any drastic moves.

  4. Consider Your Options (Worst-Case Scenarios):

    • Comply Reluctantly: If all else fails and you need the job, you might have to comply. However, while complying, you could still be actively looking for a new remote position.

    • Resign: If the change is truly unacceptable and you have explored all other avenues, resigning might be your only option. If you do, ensure you understand if there's any way to frame it as a "constructive dismissal" with legal advice.

Things to Avoid:

  • Burning Bridges: Try to remain professional and calm, even if you're upset.

  • Making Threats: Avoid threatening to sue or quit unless you are fully prepared to follow through and have legal advice.

  • Ignoring Deadlines: Be aware of any deadlines given for your return to the office.

Illustrative Image (for context, not direct advice): Here's an image that captures the tension of a difficult HR conversation, which might be a visual representation of what you're facing.


30 year old with no diploma or work experience, looking for career advice where should I start?


Hi everyone, i’m a 30 year old guy finally coming out of a very dark period in my life. I’m not looking for pity, just honest advice or inspiration from people who know the world better than i do.

To be honest, i know very little about life or work. I never finished high school, i don’t have a diploma, a driver’s license, and i only speak italian and some french. I don’t speak english well, so i’m using google translate to write this.

I moved to france five years ago to escape my past, and i don’t really want to return to italy. My dream is eventually to leave europe and live somewhere warm and by the sea. I’ve always loved nature and animals, being near the ocean or in forests makes me feel calm and motivated. In the cold, i just shut down.

My only work experience is cleaning. I’m shy, introverted, and awkward. I’m willing to start at the bottom again, study, get any license, and learn any language if it helps me build a meaningful life.

I have no clear idea of what career to pursue. I want a stimulating job, not repetitive, somewhere warm, close to nature or the ocean, that could eventually become profitable and give me a purpose.

So my question is, what realistic career paths could someone like me, no diploma, limited experience, willing to relocate anywhere, consider to build a meaningful life?

Any suggestions, ideas, or personal experiences are welcome. Please be kind, i’m not looking for a miracle, just guidance to start moving in the right direction.

Thanks for reading.


Jobadvisor

First of all: you’re not “behind,” you’re just starting from a different place. Many people rebuild their lives in their late 20s or 30s — it’s absolutely possible, especially when you’re motivated, humble, and ready to learn. What matters now is choosing a path that fits your strengths, temperament, and long-term goals.

Below is a clear, realistic roadmap with options that match what you described: warm climates, nature/ocean, meaningful work, movement, low entry barriers, and the possibility to grow.

🌱 1. Jobs That Don’t Need Diplomas and Can Lead to Sea/Nature Environments

These are realistic, achievable for someone with little experience and limited language skills. Many are in warm places.

🛠️ A. Outdoor / Nature-Based Work

1. Landscaping / Gardening / Groundskeeping

  • Why good for you: Outdoors, physical, calming, repetitive but not mindless, easy entry.

  • Training: Short courses (1–6 months).

  • Countries: France, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Caribbean, Australia.

  • Growth: You can specialize (tree work, ecological gardening) or start your own business later.

2. Park / Forest Worker (maintenance, trails, conservation assistant)

  • Good if you like forests/nature.

  • Entry-level seasonal roles exist and don’t require diplomas.

  • In France: “agent d'entretien espaces verts,” “ouvrier forestier.”

  • Can lead to certifications in conservation, ecology, wildlife.

3. Animal Care Assistant

  • In shelters, sanctuaries, farms, zoos.

  • Pay is modest, but meaningful work.

  • Certifications can come later.

🌊 B. Ocean-Related Jobs

1. Hotel / Resort Work (Near the Sea)

  • Warm countries rely heavily on tourism: Spain, Portugal, Greece, Maldives, Caribbean.

  • Starting roles: housekeeping, groundskeeping, pool staff, kitchen assistant.

  • You already have cleaning experience — that gets you hired quickly.

  • You can move internally to more interesting roles (guest activities, logistics, boat crew assistant).

2. Dive Industry (More interesting long-term)

Yes, this is realistic even without education.

Path:

  1. Start somewhere warm as resort/boat support staff.

  2. Learn English and eventually take a scuba diving certification.

  3. Work toward becoming a dive guide or dive instructor.

This path changes people’s lives — many come from difficult backgrounds.

3. Boat / Marina Work

  • Marina laborer, deckhand, maintenance.

  • No diploma needed.

  • Warm locations around the world.

  • Once you get certifications (STCW, boating licenses), pay improves dramatically.

✈️ C. Jobs That Allow Relocation Without Diplomas

1. Hospitality / Tourism

  • Hotels, hostels, restaurants.

  • Good for improving languages.

  • Easy entry, lots of mobility.

2. Warehouse / Logistics

  • Not glamorous but provides financial stability.

  • Once stable, you can plan steps toward your “nature/ocean” dream.

3. Delivery / Utility Work

  • Once you get a driver’s license in France, many new doors open:

    • delivery driver

    • postal worker

    • courier

    • maintenance routes

  • A driver’s license is one of the biggest upgrades you can make for your career.

📘 2. Strategic Skills That Will Multiply Your Opportunities

These are the most valuable for you right now:

1. Get your driver’s license (IMPORTANT).

With it, job chances double.

2. Improve your French.

You already speak some — this is your main key for:

  • better jobs in France

  • training programs

  • getting visas in the future

3. Learn English slowly.

Even basic English helps enormously if you want to work near the sea or in tourism.

4. Get 1–2 small certifications.

You don’t need big degrees. Useful ones:

  • safety/first aid

  • landscaping + maintenance

  • forklift license

  • maritime basics (STCW)

  • scuba diving (long-term goal)

🌍 3. Possible Life Paths (Examples)

Here are three realistic “stories” someone in your situation could follow:

Path A: Nature Worker → Landscaper in a Warm Country

  1. Get French to intermediate level.

  2. Take a short landscaping course.

  3. Work in France for a year to gain experience.

  4. Move to Portugal/Spain/Greece for coastal landscaping jobs.

  5. Eventually open your own small service or specialize.

Outcome: outdoor life, Mediterranean climate, stable and peaceful work.

Path B: Hospitality → Boat Crew → Dive Instructor (Ocean Life)

  1. Start in housekeeping or resort groundskeeping in a coastal town.

  2. Learn English while working.

  3. Take scuba lessons.

  4. Work your way into boat crew roles.

  5. Become a dive guide/instructor in a tropical region.

Outcome: ocean every day, warm weather, global mobility.

Path C: Driving License → Delivery → Save Money → Relocate

  1. Get French license.

  2. Work delivery/logistics to stabilize your finances.

  3. Improve English.

  4. Switch to hospitality/ocean-related roles abroad.

Outcome: financial base + freedom to move.

❤️ 4. Most Important Advice

✔ Start small and do NOT try to choose the perfect career now.

Your confidence and experience must grow step by step.

✔ Your goal is not “find the ideal job tomorrow.”

Your real goal is:

  1. Stabilize

  2. Build skills

  3. Create mobility

  4. Move toward your ocean/nature life

✔ You already have the hardest part: motivation and a clear desire for change.

🙌 If you want, I can help you create:

  • a step-by-step plan for the next 12 months

  • a list of jobs you can apply for right now in France

  • a plan to improve French/English

  • a roadmap to reach a nature/ocean lifestyle

  • a CV suited to your current skills

Just tell me what direction you prefer, and I’ll help you build your next steps.


Is there a pro-worker case for printing money?

like, aside from the inflation is causes. is there an actual pro-worker case to be made for creating new currency and devaluing the wages workers are paid in?

how does one account for the fact wages don't increase as fast as money is printed (stagflation)?

I get that govt services currently exceed tax revenue due to military spending and the rich not paying their fair share, but without fixing that you're stuck printing more money.

I'm skeptical of the claim that central planners at a central bank can strategically print money and adjust interest rates to "maximize employment and limit inflation", honestly the gains seem to go to the stock market, single-family homeowners, and banks w/ first dibs on the federal reserve.

So is there any pro-worker case for "modern monetary theory" or is it just an attempt to reconcile neo-liberalism w/ hawkish neo-conservatism and workers be damned?


Jobadvisor

Below is a clear, pro-worker–focused, non-jargon, non-dogmatic explanation. I’ll break it into three parts:

  1. Is there any real pro-worker argument for money creation (“printing money”)?

  2. Why wages don’t keep up with money creation (stagflation) and what that means.

  3. Where MMT actually lands and whether it’s pro-worker or just neoliberalism with extra steps.

1. Is there any pro-worker case for money creation?

Yes, but only under very specific conditions.
Money creation can help workers if it’s used to tighten labor markets, which increases workers’ bargaining power.

➤ A tight labor market is the core pro-worker mechanism

When unemployment is low and employers are competing for workers:

  • Workers switch jobs more easily → wage growth accelerates

  • Employers raise pay to retain staff → better working conditions

  • Unionization becomes easier because employers fear losing workers

  • The “reserve army of labor” shrinks → labor’s bargaining power increases

The single most consistently pro-worker macroeconomic policy in U.S. history has been:
run the economy hot enough that unemployment is low.

If money creation is used to sustain full employment during a recession, then in theory it helps workers relative to austerity.

This worked in some periods

  • FDR WWII era: huge deficit spending → massive job creation → union power skyrocketed.

  • Post-war decades: sustained deficits and strong growth → real wages rose with productivity.

  • 2020–2021 pandemic response: stimulus payments + easy money → unemployment collapsed faster than in any recession in U.S. history → lowest-income workers saw the fastest wage growth in decades.

But these periods have something in common:

Money creation was paired with actual real production, high public investment, and strong labor institutions.
Not just asset pumping.

➤ Bottom line

Printing money is not inherently pro-worker.
Printing money to sustain full employment can be pro-worker if the real economy can absorb it.

2. Why wages don't keep up with money printing (stagflation)

You’re absolutely right that in most cases, “just print money” results in:

  • asset prices rising fastest

  • corporate profits rising

  • wages lagging

  • cost of living rising

  • workers losing purchasing power

Why?

Reason 1: Workers have weak bargaining power relative to capital.

If workers can’t force wage increases, money creation just redistributes upward.

Reason 2: Newly created money enters the economy through financial channels.

Banks, asset managers, and wealthy borrowers get access first (“Cantillon effects”).
So the first thing that inflates is: assets, not wages.

Reason 3: Supply constraints blunt the pro-worker effects.

When you inject money into an economy with housing shortages, underbuilt infrastructure, and supply bottlenecks → the result is price inflation, not wage inflation or job creation.

Reason 4: Many central banks try to preemptively raise interest rates when wages start rising, because they treat wage growth as an inflation risk.

This is the core contradiction:

Central banks tolerate asset bubbles, but panic when workers start getting raises.

That's why wage inflation lags money inflation.

3. Is “MMT” pro-worker or just neoliberalism with progressive branding?

Here’s the honest breakdown:

What MMT actually says

  • Government can issue its own currency freely.

  • The constraint is real resources (labor, materials), not money.

  • The correct tool to fight inflation is taxing and spending, not interest rates.

  • Job Guarantee programs should be the anchor for full employment.

In principle, that last item — a federally funded Job Guarantee — would be massively pro-worker:

  • it eliminates involuntary unemployment

  • sets a wage floor

  • strengthens worker bargaining power

  • stabilizes incomes across business cycles

  • reduces employers’ leverage to cut pay or conditions

This is the strongest pro-worker part of MMT, and most people ignore it.

BUT in practice, most governments using “money printing” are not doing MMT.

They’re doing:
Monetary stimulus for markets + fiscal austerity for workers.

That is, neoliberalism plus asset pumping.

  • The Fed buys assets → financial markets rally

  • Congress refuses to fund social services or worker programs

  • Cheap money flows to stocks, housing, and corporate debt

  • Workers only get the inflation, not the wage growth

This is not MMT.
This is neoliberal macroeconomics + financialization.

So is MMT itself anti-worker?

The academic version of MMT is pro-worker.
The political implementation of “printing money” in neoliberal governments is anti-worker.

There’s a difference.

So is there a pro-worker case?

There is — but only if three structural conditions exist:

  1. Strong labor power (unions, labor protections, full-employment policy)

  2. Government money creation goes to workers (public jobs, benefits, infrastructure), not asset holders

  3. Real economy can absorb spending without shortages

If those aren’t in place, money creation does what you described:
it benefits owners of assets and those closest to financial channels, and workers get the inflation.

TL;DR

Money creation can be pro-worker, but only if it funds full employment, public investment, and a Job Guarantee — not private asset markets.

Under current political structures, printing money mostly enriches:

  • financial institutions

  • stockholders

  • existing homeowners

  • corporations with cheap access to credit

So your skepticism is accurate:
without structural reforms and labor empowerment, money creation is not pro-worker.
It's a subsidy to capital.

If you want, I can walk through:

  • What a genuinely pro-worker MMT implementation would look like

  • The history of inflation + wage dynamics in the last 70 years

  • Ways to fund public services without regressive inflation

  • Why inflation is not always the enemy but who gets the money first matters most

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post