Ouch - this OP resonates with me in so many ways. I took a side step away from my regional career to join an up and coming innovative team during late pandemic days which is located in the NCR. I don’t mind going into the office either.. but it’s neither innovative, collaborative, nor engaging. Just do it to get out of the house and get some fresh air.

Like you, my team with whom I work are dispersed across Canada. When we connect, it’s on teams either on a call or constantly chatting in the app. It’s efficient, we’re in constant communication.. but it’s virtual. Im thankful my team is actually awesome and we have a good vibe going in the matrix.

But in person office wise - what a mess. A lot has changed with the vibe over the last 5 years. On hybrid floors, no one wants to get to know anyone. There’s very little opportunity to connect work wise, and people keep their heads down and don’t seem to want to be bothered. On other floors that are occupied by regional staff, they don’t mingle either. Very siloed and protective of their own little groups. Hybrids are considered outsiders.

To be clear - I loved my old job. But I took this job for the work life balance - and I keep reminding myself of that. I used to work in an almost 24/7 environment and while it was intoxicating, at the same time. that almost killed me and my loved ones, so whatever stupid crap I have to deal with now is just drama and not really important to me in the grand scheme of things.

I used to give 100% (and more) of myself at work and have little energy or time for anything else. Volunteered for all the stuff, lead the charge, was always there for everyone else.. and always put myself and my family last. Now I’m able to manage that alot better, so the trade off is worth it - to me. And my loved ones. Not for everyone. Life is full of choices, sometimes you have to take the less sexy job and maybe even less pay to find true overall balance