The issue is the cost of getting to work, and even to live near work.
Just getting to work is a significant expense, parking, having a vehicle that's good enough to commute in, insured for commuting, and always repaired before the next weekday, it adds up.
When the pandemic kicked off WFH, I suddenly found myself with an extra $10,000 or so in my pocket each year.
Then I moved away from work, which allowed me to go from renter to homeowner (with rental income that helped me get approved). My monthly COL is lower, and between paying my mortgage and home appreciation, I've accumulated $300,000-$400,000 in equity over 4 years.
Back in town, I'd still be a renter hopelessly saving up for an apartment with maybe 10-20% of my current net worth.
tldr: My office was actually pretty nice, but not having to physically live near or get to it, has put me in a dramatically higher socio-economic class.