Listen, I cannot comment on where I work, but just know that I write contracts for a living. Contracts are all essentially the same, regardless of type... You signed a contract when you accepted the position. Your offer letter was essentially your award letter of said contract. If it specifically states it is 100% remote work then ensure your abhorrent boss knows that's what it says and that you'll be continuing to work remote as it states on your employment contract. If they fire you for not coming in once a week, they have a breach of contract and, after you take them to court for wrongful termination, you may not have to work anymore. Lol. Hope it all works out for you.

Some of that advice is damaging and dangerous. Some of it is flat wrong, too. Always get everything in writing, and double check. Always check with a lawyer. 1 hour doesn't have to be cost prohibitive to check laws. The info about the United States labor laws, and the statements about most jobs having no contract, is absolutely untrue. If someone thinks it's true, they are in a situation where they are being deceived, and aren't advocating for themselves, legally. Jobs have contracts. I don't know why I keep seeing this lie everywhere, about the US. Get it in writing.

I would like to see the paper work and full conversations if she's a contractor then it probably doesn't apply to her. This person is coming off as petty for not reading her own paper work

I would need to see the paper work honestly. This is everything from one person's perspective. But what did the paperwork say before she signed it? Because a job could tell you they're going to pay you $40 million for 3 weeks worth of work but if the paperwork says $10 for 3 weeks worth of work and you signed it and agree to it that's on you. And I've come across too many people that do not read paperwork and then when the consequences from saying paperwork hit they are acting surprised. Also without proof I wouldn't even bring the subject of his niece into discussion. There's no proof that she cannot show up once a week, and I know people that live in other states and come into the office once a week. So without knowing her pay without knowing her situation without knowing what she signed, that's a non factor.

My workplace is taking the opposite approach. They have seen the reduction in travel costs, and even cost of turning on lights and running computers. They actually have a list of expected in person and remote hours based on positions. There are some HR and payroll positions which are 99% remote. This is also a way they can reduce their carbon footprint, reduce overhead costs, and even reduce liability insurance as having fewer people in their buildings on a regular basis is better. The fact that businesses don't see these benefits, on top of having happier employees, is ridiculous.

I personally think this type of problem is going to become common. Many people found 100% remote jobs during the pandemic but I suspect most companies don't like it and will enforce returning to the office to some degree. The only thing I can say is, you'd better have it in writing! And not just a casual email.

I had the same thing happen last year and now I have the BEST I've ever had in years (including in-office jobs). I am beyond happy with my job situation! I let them fire me and it only took two months before I found another job. 1 month kinda wallowing and getting over a crummy job and 1 month of hitting the remote hire. Hit up the remote hire staffers/headhunters on LinkedIn, do the free membership thing on Upwork, it's out there! SO many options. Plan B is you just keep looking and take a PT job nearby (most states will supplement you unemployment too while you work PT to offset the fact that you worked FT). Please don't be upset at all. This is the Universe giving you an opportunity.

What to do?? There isn't anything to do. If they hired you for a job and they want to change the conditions, they can. You aren't owed that job for your entire work life. I'm not being mean to the woman who is in this position, I'm simply saying why hang onto something that you don't control? They can fire you and you most likely receive unemployment benefits but they can still fire you. If you are hanging onto "I was hired to work remotely," the employer can simply say they are ending that position.

I can't even say how much s**t I have pit up with just because I REALLY needed a job. I only draw hard lines with coworkers / bosses that lie, bully or sexualy harass. Then I'm out.

You have a signed contract in place that states 100% remote working. They cannot change the terms of your contract without the agreement of both parties or it's a breach. Do not accept to work remotely and do not quit. They can't force you to do anything, but once you accept their terms it'll be harder to fight them. Your boss wants you to resign because he knows he needs legal grounds to fire you and would have to pay you compensation. You could also make a complaint to the HR or legal department (or if you have a staff committee for workplace misconduct). If they still fire you, you can threaten to sue them, that might make them think twice. Otherwise you should actually sue them because it would be unlawful and a breach of contract. They would also need to pay you compensation for firing you. I know a court case would be tiring, but if you let them win you won't feel any better and it could add to your PTSD. I'm very sorry to hear, it's really not fair

One day a week is better than 5

Time to get a lawyer. If the niece doesn't have to come in, that's discrimination against you and any others that also have to come in. Free consultation. It's worth looking into.

I retired 3 years ago with inadequate funds so I took on a remote job to make my life work. After 30 months I was informed my job was being removed from remote status. They offered me the same job doing the same thing if I would come into the office. Financial analysis showed this change put the burden of driving 540 hours a year on me and after expenses only a positive net of $57 dollars a week. At 68 years of age my job was perfect to make ends meet, but the pressure to quit took a huge toll on my health. On September 14 of this year I suffered a massive heart attack that resulted in open chest surgery. The company is still twittling their thumbs as to what they can do with me ...

Since most of the comments I've read focused on the employer being the unreasonable culprit, I'll take another approach. This individual is only required to come in once a week. How problematic can that be. Oh yeah, the two-hour commute one way and heaven forbid placing her dear pets in a doggy daycare or pet motel for a few hours.OMG the world is coming to an end if she is forced outside her bubble. People read the fine print, ask specific questions. If one nuance doesn't align with your perfect world, do not take the job. As far as the boss's niece is concerned, has nothing to do with you unless you end up in court. Just my two cents. PS..I personally would look forward to getting away from the pets and my apartment once a week just to get a change of scenery.

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I get not wanting to go in. But have to find day care for your pets because you have to drive 2 hours? come on...