Remote work and the looming exodus (San Francisco, Sacramento: leases, hotel, landlord)

[apple92680]

Originally Posted by marcopolo666

Something similar happened back in the early noughts (2000s) : an exodus of families to smaller cities outside of megalopolis / suburbia.

That's when the term "edge city" or "exurb" came into play.

[artillery77]

It would be nice. There's some cool places I'd love to move to but altogether have insignificant economic bases making it not an option. Plus, to keep a high wage California job but live in a lower cost of living area would be tremendous.

[roadwarrior101]

Originally Posted by artillery77

It would be nice. There's some cool places I'd love to move to but altogether have insignificant economic bases making it not an option. Plus, to keep a high wage California job but live in a lower cost of living area would be tremendous.

I have chatted with my wife about relocating over the past couple years. We're taking a wait and see approach at this point in time. Honestly, we really do not yet know 1 - the severity and duration of COVID-19 (especially with a potential second wave) and 2 - the long term impacts on the job market and remote work.

My wife gets a lot of contracting opportunity calls from recruiters. Many are still requiring the people to be onsite. Personally, I think the recruiters are completely out of touch, given that nobody is going to the office now and that there will likely be some reset into a "new normal".

The main reason why we've stayed here is because of the job market and higher salaries. What I don't want to do is be stranded somewhere, where if I needed or wanted to change jobs, there would be less opportunities. Time will only tell, but I think within the next 1-2 years, we'll have a much better idea.

[Dave Coe]

SF, Silicon Valley rents plunge in May amid downturn:

https://www.sfchronicle.com/business...p-15307118.php

[Vic Romano]

Originally Posted by Dave Coe

SF, Silicon Valley rents plunge in May amid downturn:

https://www.sfchronicle.com/business...p-15307118.php

That's great! More foreigners and immigrants will move in and be able to afford rent!

[artillery77]

Next stop on the Silicon Valley train....Detroit. The party was profitable while it lasted folks.

[roadwarrior101]

Does everyone think remote work will be here to stay or do you think this will only last through the pandemic? I know a couple companies have publicly stated that it will, but I'm still a little skeptical.

However, if it does become more prevalent, would definitely think about leaving the Bay Area. Wouldn't mind relocating somewhere with a better quality of life.

[Jane M]

Originally Posted by roadwarrior101

Does everyone think remote work will be here to stay or do you think this will only last through the pandemic? I know a couple companies have publicly stated that it will, but I'm still a little skeptical.

However, if it does become more prevalent, would definitely think about leaving the Bay Area. Wouldn't mind relocating somewhere with a better quality of life.

Yes. I believe most tech companies will have a majority of employees work from home.
It is a win-win situation any way you look at it.

For employers: No high facility rents, no furnishing costs, no feeding employees, and no paying exorbitant salaries for city/bay area dwellers.

For employees: live where you want, no commute, save money by not commuting or eating out. For some employees: not dealing with coworkers bothering you.

if workers are efficient and there is an infrastructure that supports quick, reliable communication between all employees, then there literally is no downside. Think about how many transportation problems will be resolved by all of tech working at home.

[jdhpa]

I think it will be a common option, but not many will take it. The executives where I am firmly believe people are more productive in the office, and perception is reality. So while they may need to make it an option, I suspect it will be a career limiting move, and people will figure that out pretty quickly.

[Jane M]

Originally Posted by jdhpa

I think it will be a common option, but not many will take it. The executives where I am firmly believe people are more productive in the office, and perception is reality. So while they may need to make it an option, I suspect it will be a career limiting move, and people will figure that out pretty quickly.

Sure the execs think that. But it's not always true. Some employees work better at home without the constant interference of chatty co-workers. The key to productivity is to hire a more disciplined workforce. Fire employees who don't pull their weight and hire ones who know how to manage their time without the need for constant supervision. Employees and their superiors need to adapt to the new paradigm or get another vocation.