Feeling disheartened after getting denied remote work exemption from employer
Hey everyone, I just need a space to vent a little and hopefully hear from others who've been through something similar.
We have a PCS coming up, and as most of you know, that means uprooting everything. I've been working for the county as a project manager and genuinely love my job. When I found out we'd be relocating to a pretty rural area with limited local opportunities in my field, I submitted a request for a remote work exemption, thinking it was a reasonable ask given the circumstances.
I got denied.
I'm honestly still processing it. I put together what I thought was a solid case. Our move is military-ordered, the area we're heading to doesn't have many options in my field, and my work is the kind that can absolutely be done remotely. It felt like it didn't matter. Like the fact that my wife serves and that we don't exactly get a say in where we go or when just… wasn't a factor.
It's one of those moments where the weight of this lifestyle hits differently. You sacrifice so much as a military spouse, your career included, and sometimes it feels like the world outside this community doesn't really get that.
For those of you who've faced something similar:
- Did you appeal the decision and if so did it work?
- Did you end up finding work in your field after a PCS to a rural area?
- Are there remote government or PM roles you'd recommend looking into?
- How did you cope with the career disruption emotionally?
I'm trying to stay hopeful and practical but today is a hard day. Any advice, solidarity, or success stories would mean a lot 💙