I’ve spent most of my adult life freelancing. I was my own boss: managing my time, working by my own rules. Sure, it came with uncertainty, but that kind of freedom always meant more to me.
There was a brief period when I worked in an office. That’s when I truly realized that a fixed workplace, mandatory presence, and constant oversight just aren’t for me.
The walls felt like they were closing in, the system was suffocating. I knew: as soon as I could, I’d return to freelancing. And that’s exactly what I did.
Then Covid hit, and suddenly everyone experienced what it’s like when office presence isn’t mandatory because life forced remote work. Many friends who had previously dismissed working from home discovered its real benefits. They realized they didn’t have to spend two hours commuting daily, had more time for family, and often worked more efficiently from home.
But as the pandemic eased, more companies started pulling things back to the office. Some friends quit to find jobs that let them keep working remotely. Others compromised: they joined better-paying companies but had to be in the office every day in return. These stories made me wonder: how much would it take for me to give up remote work freedom?
My first gut reaction was: nothing. Independence is one of my most important values. But then I thought: there must be a price. The question is, how much.
As a freelancer, I pay my own taxes and contributions, which is a significant burden. Even if an employer took that on, I might not be better off. I’d have the same amount of money but lose my current freedom: when I work, how much I travel, the environment I work in, and my schedule. Overall, I’d feel worse off.
So for it to be worth going back to an office, the employer would need to cover not just my financial burdens but also make me feel the trade-off is truly compensated. In other words: financially, I’d need to earn more than freelancing provides. Significantly more.
I don’t think I’m alone in this. Those who’ve experienced the benefits of working from home in recent years find it hard to let go. The healthier work-life balance, the peace of managing their own time, and the fact that their boss isn’t their ruler for eight hours a day but simply expects results. That’s a fair and realistic expectation.
That’s why I believe if an employer demands more—meaning not just that the work gets done but that we show up at their chosen place and time when it’s not truly necessary—they’re asking for a luxury. And luxury comes at a price. If someone insists their team sits in the office, they must pay for it. Not just travel costs or pricier lunches, but the loss of employee freedom.
I sincerely hope other workers see it this way too, and over time the job market will adjust. Because I believe the future isn’t about being chained to an office chair—it’s about flexible, trust-based work. And I’d love to see more people enjoy the kind of freedom and work-life balance I experience as a freelancer.
