I'm 10.5 years in, and I think what really killed my career growth opportunities is the cost/benefit analysis of going back into an office. Far too many jobs still require you to be present to warm a seat. And depending on location, my estimates are $10-15k+ in costs alone for transportation and food (lunch), and that doesn't even take into account potential childcare and other costs. The first credible job offer I've received in several years only wanted to up my pay by about that amount, and my existing employer nearly matched it, upping the bar even further.
This is of course on top of the social deficiencies of working from home, and lack of networking opportunities that it presents. It gets lonely sitting at home all day, even if there is family around. That's not the same as having like-minded coworkers to speak to.
Exactly the same for me. I’m a bit stagnated but well compensated - the problem is that the step from working at home and averaging maybe 7h/day with no commute to being “the new guy” who is expected to be at the office 8h plus commuting 1-2h...
It’s both a blessing and a curse. I want to switch jobs but can’t imagine actually being away from home 10h per day again.
I’m going to look for something semi-remote, but it seems hard to find.
Edit: I should add I started the remote period when I had kids, and it means I can drop them off at 8 and pick them up at 4 and get a full days work done with zero time wasted in commute, and all evenings together with family. So while my job satisfaction isn’t the best, my overall satisfaction is good. Will rethink when kids are old enough to go to/from school by themselves.
This is of course on top of the social deficiencies of working from home, and lack of networking opportunities that it presents. It gets lonely sitting at home all day, even if there is family around. That's not the same as having like-minded coworkers to speak to.