Commuting to work used to be the mark of success for some. They could leave home early, drive up to an hour or board a train, and they would then begin work once they reached their destination. Many people spent their entire careers this way, and it was a normal part of life. Many people today tend to prefer more balance between their home and work lives. They see commuting long distances as taking away from their family time. Rather than leave their job, they may ask for new working conditions. These could include working from home, or they may mean compromising on how many days a person works.
Leaving home for work has been an expected part of life for many over the years. Children grow up, and they move to the city to get started on their career. Some of them move back to their original area. This is generally because they want their own children to have the same experiences they had growing up. It sounds great, but it can eat into the time they spend with their children. Many have now found this unacceptable.
There are now many jobs that have been touted as good positions for those willing to work from home. Some people have found compromises with their supervisors. They may work several days per week at home, but they must also spend time at the office. This has worked well for many people, and it has helped them balance their home and work lives.
It is true that there will always be some jobs where working from home is not possible. There may also be some people unable to function well when working in their home. Going back to the long commute may be an option, but they might also consider moving closer to their place of business. That can be yet one more way to balance home and work life in modern society.