> My commute to the office was a 35 minute walk each way through a park and a historic city centre. Of course YMMV, but it rubs me the wrong way when people who decided to take on long commutes for better pay talk about how it's being taken away from them and everyone should feel the same way, when lots of people make the compromise of living in a city to not have those problems.

And for that in a hybrid setup you still have the option to walk to work. You can't expect every soul in an office to be able to afford a central place where you can walk to the office, it's simply not feasible. YMMV a lot, not sure why your anecdote should be taken as an argument, very few people have the privilege to afford a central location to live in, many more have to commute.

> My previous job had independent standing desks, modern aerons, noise cancelling headphones, bean to cup coffee, a few floors above a gym, surrounded by varied lunch options.

I have never seen an office like this, except on TV.

Lots of offices like this exist, just like lots of cubicle farms where wearing khakis is considered "dressing down".

> it rubs me the wrong way when people who decided to take on long commutes for better pay talk about how it's being taken away from them

Sure, everyone happens to live right next to several good potential employers in their field, but instead choses to take a job further away because money.

> My previous job had independent standing desks, modern aerons, noise cancelling headphones, bean to cup coffee, a few floors above a gym, surrounded by varied lunch options

Yeah that sounds nice, but it is more comfortable than your own home?

For a lot of people, one of the things is having a change of scenery. I doubt I'd go in if I felt I had to wear headphones to work--I'm mostly fine with working in ambient social noise--but if I had a comfortable office a modest and pleasant walk away, I'd probably go in one or two days a week for variety.

Not the GP but yes.

Not everyone lives in a luxury house.

Nobody talked about luxury. The point of your home is a space for you designed by you. That's the definition of comfortable.

Otherwise it's just a living space with a bed.

In that case I would urge one to get themselves a home rather than an office job with great perks. That's a better investment in my book. No, I don't mean buying, even a shared rented flat could be your home.

Here on the European continent having enough space for a dedicated office is literally luxurious.

I have a office room in a decently affordable rented flat in London of all places. Let's not keep moving those goalposts.

Genuinely glad for you! In Moscow I don't know anyone who has a dedicated office room, even in a rented flat. (And don't even get me started at buying.)

It's not luxury if there's 7 other people (talking, making noises etc.) in the same room with you. It's basically a hostel room.

Allow me to introduce you to the concepts of 'roommates' and 'children'.

(Some of my colleagues returned to the office as soon as it was allowed, just to spend some time away from their families.)

My sofa is more comfortable than my desk, but that doesn't mean I work there.