That's the effective way to negotiate working conditions. If they showed up to the office then their managers would never approve anything. Best to look for another offer in case you get fired, though.

Why show up for work if you can just do it?

Unfortunately for me, I've had a WFH gig since 2018, so Covid hasn't affected me all that much.

But I do feel like I'm missing out on power-trip fantasies of getting to say "no" to the CEO's face about returning to the office in a Zoom call and grinning while knowing they have zero leverage because I'm the only domain-expert in an incredibly niche field at the company and they'd be unable to replace me - and if they did, I'd be able to walk-in to a higher paying job within a few months besides.

Has anyone on the Internet recorded and shared their "negotiation" Zoom calls? Genuinely curious - not least for the entertainment factor...

I’d recommend asking for it politely, and if they don’t give it to you find another job that will let you work from home (a lot will be flexible during negotiation even if they generally say they prefer in-person roles) and then just come back saying (politely, of course) you are planning on leaving because you want remote work.

> when you literally refuse to show up for work?

doesnt sound like they refuse to show up for work. More like, is choosing to work from home.

software engineering does not need to be done in the office.

And his employer refuses to negotiate. Fuckem.