The decision to continue my Federal career weighs very heavy, as I want to continue working and performing at an “Exceeds Expectations” level. On the other hand, I refuse to be complicit in attacks on my work ethic, integrity, and intelligence. OMB Director Russell Vought has been publicly vocal about his goals and his ilk (including President Musk and King Trump) to make Federal employment as uncomfortable as possible. “When they wake up in the morning, we want them to not want to go to work” ( link ).

I have proven over the past year and a half that remote work is both efficient and fiscally beneficial (for the Agency). I was hired as a "fully remote" worker and I turned-down other offers because of the CDC's remote privilege. Breach of contract aside, my entire team continues to be remote and requiring me to travel at least 1 hour one-way to an HHS Office, only to continue interacting with my team entirely online …is illogical, unproductive, a waste of my time and plain stupid. Not "common sense" at all.

I do not believe that the intent of the “in-person work” proclamation aligns with efficiency or reduction in spending. On the contrary- the agency will need to spend new money providing environmentally controlled (HVAC) space and shifting the costs of office equipment/maintenance from the remote worker to the agency. Productivity will plumet while costs will increase.

As a remote worker, I consistently report on-time and for a “true” 8-hours every day. I’m never late due to unexpected traffic delays, and I’m never late back from lunch. I’m instantly available to communicate with my team (even face-to-face with cameras active) -without having to travel to another floor or building. From time to time I have chosen to work (8-hours) while ill and highly contagious ...without affecting the health or productivity of all [remote] co-workers.

In King Trump's Royal Address to parliament (formerly called Congress), it was stated "We're bringing back 'Common sense' ...common sense imagine that". ( link ) Remote work may not be common sense but it makes financial sense, improves productivity, and has a positive impact on moral.