Let’s face it: the forced return-to-office (RTO) policy isn’t sitting well with most of us. For those already putting in eight hours a day, five days a week, the constant monitoring feels offensive and unnecessary. And for those who don’t need the full eight hours every single day to get their work done? That’s the point of a salaried position—flexibility. Some days it'll be 4 hours a day, other days will be 10 hours a day. Either way, we’re all frustrated by being brought back just to be watched, with tracking that only seems to increase. If you’re tired of this setup, now’s the time to channel that frustration into action—take the steps to set yourself up for a future outside of this environment, all on their dime.
Use Your Time to Set Up Your Next Career Step
If you’re spending hours in the office feeling disengaged, use some of that time to lay the groundwork for your next move. This way, when you’re home, you can actually relax, knowing you’re actively building toward a better opportunity.
Here are a few ways to start:
1. Coffee Chats: Hear from People in Other Companies
One of the best ways to understand life outside this company is through coffee chats. These informal conversations let you learn about other work environments, values, and cultures firsthand. Many people who enjoy their jobs are happy to share why, so don’t hesitate to reach out on LinkedIn or industry forums. Here’s an example message to get started:
Hi [Name],
I came across your profile while exploring [industry/role] opportunities, and I noticed that you’ve built a great career in [specific company or field]. I’m interested in learning more about what it’s like to work in [their field or company] and would really appreciate any insights you could share.
Would you be open to a quick 15-20 minute virtual coffee chat? I’d love to hear more about your experience and any advice you might have for someone considering a similar path.
Thank you so much for your time!
Best,
[Your Name]
2. Streamline Your Job Search with Teal’s Free Tools
If you’re serious about finding a new role, Teal(https://www.tealhq.com/) is a must-try tool. Teal offers a free tier that makes the job search so much easier. It helps you track job applications, organize your progress, and even uses AI to tailor your resume bullet points and cover letters to each job. This customization can make a huge difference, as it helps your resume stand out by matching it specifically to the job description. Teal’s tools save you time, keep your job search organized, and maximize your application’s impact.
3. Organize and Practice Your Interview Stories with the STAR Method
I’ve also put together a Google Sheet (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1lalyU-mtvfdsWJmTRLBZs1vFEVR_7uaxSz6vzZRgDzU/edit?gid=0#gid=0) with example responses for common interview questions in roles like Project Manager, Software Engineer, and DevOps Specialist. Think of this as a way to get your experiences down on paper, where you can see everything you’ve done in one place and start connecting your background to interview questions.
Once you’ve outlined your experiences, practice them using the STAR Method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This method keeps your answers focused and impactful, so you can highlight your strengths clearly. Here’s an example to guide you:
Question: Tell me about a time you had to overcome a significant challenge at work.
Example STAR Answer:
- Situation: "Our team was facing a tight deadline for a product launch, and two key team members were out sick unexpectedly, putting the project at risk."
- Task: "As the project lead, it was up to me to find a solution that would allow us to hit our target without sacrificing quality."
- Action: "I reorganized the remaining team members’ tasks and prioritized the most critical features for completion. I also brought in a colleague from a different department temporarily to assist."
- Result: "We successfully launched the product on time, and our manager praised the team’s adaptability under pressure. The project was a success, leading to a 15% increase in customer engagement over the next quarter."
Use the Google Sheet to map out your own examples and start practicing them with STAR. This way, you’ll feel prepared and confident walking into any interview.
Take Action During Work Hours
If you’re ready to make a change, use this time wisely. Update your resume, join LinkedIn groups, set up coffee chats, and compile your stories in the Google Sheet. Use the time at work to review past emails for project details, scroll through LinkedIn, or draft your next steps. Funny enough, all these activities boost your productivity metrics—they look like work and actually keep you “engaged.” So it’s a win-win: you’re preparing for the future while satisfying the present.
Channel the frustration from RTO into building a solid foundation to move forward. When the time comes, you’ll be ready to leave this behind for something better.