Why Are We Still Commuting? A Rant from the IT Trenches

 Let me be blunt.

It’s 2025. We’ve got high-speed internet, encrypted VPNs, cloud platforms, remote monitoring, ticketing systems, and full-blown virtual infrastructure. So why the hell are companies still dragging IT professionals into the office like it’s 1998?

Seriously... what is the logic?

We’re the people who literally built the remote work systems that kept companies alive during the pandemic. We maintain servers, patch security holes, deploy updates, respond to incidents, automate backups, and monitor uptime...all from a terminal. I can reboot your domain controller from my couch in 12 seconds flat while drinking bad coffee and wearing sweatpants. The only reason I should be commuting is if a data center is on fire.

But no. Corporate America wants warm bodies in office chairs. They want to “see” you working. Never mind the fact that we’re more productive at home, with fewer distractions and zero soul-crushing traffic. Never mind the hours saved on commuting that we often reinvest into our work. Never mind the fact that most in-office “collaboration” is just people scheduling Zoom calls from across the hall.

Let’s call it what it is: control.

They don’t trust people to do their jobs unless they can walk past your desk and see your Slack status. It’s performative management. A lack of trust disguised as “culture.” A nostalgia trip for middle managers who never learned how to lead in a digital-first world.

It’s not about productivity. It’s about ego and control.

And let me say this loud and clear: IT is not a customer-facing retail role. It’s not a manufacturing floor. We don’t need to “walk the floor” to prove our worth. We keep your company running from behind the scenes and we can do it from anywhere.

Want to reduce turnover? Want to retain talent? Want your security, systems, and users properly supported by people who aren’t burned out by bullshit? Then let your IT team work from home.

Otherwise, enjoy the revolving door. The best people won’t stick around for a badge swipe and a free donut.

We have options. The market knows our value.

Do you?