RTO Economics: Who Truly Profits from Your Return?

Return to Office? Honey, At What Cost?!In this episode, we’re breaking down the real price of trading sweatpants for slacks. From $18 salads to skyrocketing childcare and grooming costs, heading back to the office could be draining your bank account by nearly $3,000 a month. But wait—there’s more! We’re spilling the tea on who really benefits from RTO (spoiler: it’s not you). From big biz to real estate moguls, we unpack the money trail behind the push to fill those cubicles. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is this desk job worth the dry cleaning bill?”—this one’s for you.
Takeaways: The RTO economy is giving Real Housewives drama—everyone's got a stake, from your boss to the billionaire behind the office lease
Between gas, grub, grooming, and a sitter, going back to the office can cost more than Tay-tay floor seats
Your neighborhood café and dry cleaner miss your weekday meltdown lattes—local businesses are as thirsty for your return as you are for the hot barista behind the counter
Know the hidden costs so you don’t end up broke and bitter—negotiate benefits like you're Olivia Pope in Prada
Office buildings are the clingy exes of the economy—they need you back to feel whole again
Perks like transit stipends and childcare credits may be buried in your HR handbook like an Easter egg—go on a treasure hunt, baby

Show Topics:00:06 – Sweatpants to Pay Pants: The Cost of Comfort
00:16 – Who’s Really Profiting from Your Office Comeback?
06:11 – Desk Jobs & Dollar Signs: The RTO Ripple Effect
09:39 – Latte Gaps & Local Crashes: Pandemic Fallout IRL
12:04 – Office Life on a Budget: Slay, Don’t Pay
13:32 – HR Secrets: Unlocking the Perks You Deserve