I guess I didn't think it was that hard. Maybe I've just gotten lucky or maybe my expectations are lower.

For several years I've worn a "Running Room" softshell jacket that I got at a thrift store for maybe $10. I arrive at work slightly sweaty in places but not soaked by any means. I wear it over a base layer and an insulating layer on typical winter days (between 0 and 32 F). For colder days ( < 0 F), I will usually add add another layer underneath it.

The jacket is nice enough. It has pit zips, reflective stripes, velcro wristbands, lower back for better coverage on a bike, drawstring waist, and a rear pocket. As far as material goes though I don't think it's anything special. It's water resistant and wind proof enough. From that standpoint it works no better than what I used before it, - the outer layer of a Columbia system jacket which I also got a garage sale or something. And that didn't really work any better than what I had before that which was just some sort of shell.

It won't work for a heavy downpour. Thankfully we don't get many of those during the winter but it has been happening now and then in recent years. As a kid I remember it being really unusual to get rain in December or January, but it's not so unusual anymore.