I was very pro home-office (and even Anti-Office) before and during the pandemic. Now that restrictions are more or less gone, I'm glad to be working in the office again.
Being in the office for the first time in my career showed me that there are definitely upsides, especially when you get along with your team really well.
>> I'm glad to be working in the office again. / Being in the office for the first time.
I think the fact it's your first time has a big impact. Give it time. Any time I start a new job I enjoy being in the office for the first 6-12 months. Once it becomes routine (same commute, same lunch, same people) and you have learnt how to do your job (and rely on others less) it becomes much less attractive. I'm not saying you'd go full remote but I would bet you will go hybrid and transition further remote over time. This is what I've seen happen with all of my colleagues (including people I thought would jump straight back to the office post-pandemic).
> the CDC estimates that 1 in 5 will result in long COVID.
This scolding "I'm not sure exactly how, yet, but you'll be sorry!" any time anyone admits that they're no longer hiding inside & wiping down every banana with bleach is getting a little tired.
Being in the office for the first time in my career showed me that there are definitely upsides, especially when you get along with your team really well.
Though 100% mandatory office time is BS.