I find I work better in an office myself... been remote for about 3 years now, and I've gotten used to it. I miss lunch with coworkers, etc... and some of the more spontaneous discussions don't happen nearly as much... Also, I like a relatively short commute (around 30m) long enough to clear the mind before/after work.
But I used to have a walking commute, which I also miss. Certainly I wouldn't miss a commute longer than 30 minutes. And I'd probably miss it less if it were in an office park somewhere, rather than a city I could walk to lunch at various places.
But yeah, I have a remote job because that's the job I have that I'm well-suited for that was available. (And sure, ability to work from one 1 or 2 days a week or as needed would certainly be convenient regardless). But I don't actually prefer working remotely, and also think there are real losses to quality of collaborative work, as well as quality of life. I know this is heretical to say these days in these circles.
It's not like everyone is the same. Having the freedom to work from home (or anywhere) whenever you need or want to is amazing. Working in the office to brainstorm, see friends, get a change of pace or scenery is also great. Commutes are killer when they're long and you have little choice but to do it.
I work like crap in cubicle farms and typical corporate offices. I feel like I'm on display.
I work best in a private office, with a door that closes, a window that looks out on nature, and a very large whiteboard. Ideally, I'd like my team members have similar ones.
Home is in between.
I can work much longer hours if I can:
- do basic basic bodily functions (stretching, eating, drinking, scratching, a short power nap, etc.)
- change work positions (e.g. lie down with a laptop)
- make noise (phone calls, music, etc.)
- have my papers and books spread out as I see fit
... and so on.
I have never seen a tech firm where I was comfortable in the office, and it's especially hard in places like SFO/BOS/NYC/etc. where square feet cost so much.
My past few jobs weren't with tech firms, and I really enjoyed working in proper offices.
