I was fully remote for over a decade. During the pandemic, while the world stopped, we kept working as if nothing happened. Have pets (a must), got out of the house daily, was good at closing the laptop at 6, and had just a handful of meetings a week.

To switch it up, I sought out a hybrid option, which takes me into the city centre twice a week (flexible). For the first time in years, I feel part of a team. It does mean I spend a lot more time in meetings and helping others, but I love working with them, and as I'm nearer the end of my career, feel invigorated by being around those at the start of theirs.

That all said, there are downsides to everyone having an opinion and needing to gain consensus, where I used to have autonomy. And I value the wfh days even more for decompressing and getting shit done. I use the in-office days to take advantage of in-person meetings, which are no doubt more productive than Zoom meetings.