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As people returned to offices after the COVID-19 crisis, they found that work environments had become more toxic than ever. Long commutes, bullying, harassment, absurd dress codes, and strict cell phone usage policies have gotten worse, which has contributed to a rise in employee dissatisfaction. As a result, there has been a noticeable increase in workers looking to quit their regular jobs in favor of more adaptable and independent work opportunities, like freelancing and entrepreneurship. This article examines how people are increasingly prioritizing freedom and autonomy in their professional lives, making the traditional 9-to-5 job obsolete.

The Toxicity of Traditional Work Environments

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many employees to return to their offices after prolonged periods of remote work. However, what they found upon their return was not always conducive to positive work experiences. Many conventional workplaces have turned toxic, with problems like bullying, harassment, tensions between coworkers, and strict (and usually unnecessary) dress codes. The once-commonplace practice of commuting to the office has also become a major source of stress and dissatisfaction for many workers, as it eats into their precious time and adds to their expenses. Furthermore, people frequently consider stringent cell phone usage regulations in some workplaces to be excessively intrusive and oppressive, limiting employees' capacity to connect with and communicate with the outside world while at work. Employee morale and motivation have fallen as a result of these toxic elements, leading many to look for alternatives.

People should have the right to earn a living without harassment and bullying.

The Desire for Flexibility and Independence