Best places I’ve remote worked from (and where pants were still optional)
Title: The Office Job Is Already Dead (And That’s a Good Thing)
Introduction
The traditional office is on life support. While some companies cling to the idea of a centralized workspace, the reality is that remote work has fundamentally changed how we think about productivity, collaboration, and even the concept of "workplace culture." I’ve been a remote worker since before it became mainstream, and I can confidently say: the office, as we knew it, is over.
But this isn’t just about convenience or personal preference. The shift to remote work has far-reaching implications—economic, environmental, and social. Let’s explore why the office is fading into irrelevance and why that’s not just okay, but something to celebrate.
1. The Real Reason Companies Want You Back
It’s no secret that many large corporations are pushing for a return to the office. But the reasons often have less to do with productivity and more to do with real estate investments. Companies like Amazon and Disney are enforcing return-to-office policies, even as they downsize their physical footprints . Why? Because they’re locked into long-term leases and need to justify the expense.
This creates a paradox: companies are forcing employees back into spaces they no longer need, all to protect investments that are increasingly irrelevant. It’s a classic case of the sunk cost fallacy—throwing good money after bad in the hope of salvaging a dying model.
The irony? Many of these same companies are adopting hybrid models, which only serve to highlight the inefficiency of maintaining large office spaces. If the goal is truly productivity, why not invest in tools and infrastructure that support remote work instead of clinging to outdated real estate?
2. The Collateral Damage: Businesses Built for the Office
The decline of the office isn’t just a corporate problem—it’s a societal one. Businesses that rely on office workers, like lunchtime cafes, dry cleaners, and even public transit systems, are struggling to adapt. In cities like New York and London, foot traffic in business districts remains well below pre-pandemic levels, and many small businesses have already closed their doors .
This isn’t just an economic issue; it’s a cultural one. The office was more than just a place to work—it was the center of a ecosystem that included everything from coffee shops to gyms. As remote work becomes the norm, these businesses will either need to reinvent themselves or face extinction.
But here’s the thing: This isn’t the first time technology has disrupted an entire ecosystem. Just as the rise of e-commerce forced brick-and-mortar stores to adapt, the rise of remote work will force businesses to rethink their models. The ones that survive will be those that embrace change, not those that cling to the past.
3. The Surveillance State: Why Control Still Matters
One of the less-discussed reasons for the push to return to the office is the desire for control. Many managers are uncomfortable with the idea of not being able to physically oversee their teams. This isn’t just about productivity—it’s about power.
Studies have shown that remote workers are often more productive than their in-office counterparts, yet the myth of the "lazy remote worker" persists. Why? Because productivity is harder to measure when you can’t see someone sitting at their desk.
This obsession with control is counterproductive. Instead of focusing on outcomes, many companies are doubling down on outdated metrics like "time spent in the office." The result? A workforce that feels micromanaged and undervalued.
The solution? Trust. Companies that embrace remote work and focus on results rather than hours logged will be the ones that thrive in the future.
4. The Hybrid Trap: Why It’s Not the Best of Both Worlds
Hybrid work models are often touted as the perfect compromise, but in reality, they’re a band-aid solution. For many employees, hybrid work means the worst of both worlds: the rigidity of office life combined with the isolation of remote work.
The problem is that hybrid models often lack clear structure. Employees are left guessing how many days they’re expected to be in the office, and the constant back-and-forth can be exhausting. Worse, hybrid work often reinforces existing inequalities, with those who can work remotely enjoying more flexibility while others are stuck in the office.
The truth? Hybrid work is a stopgap, not a solution. Companies that truly want to embrace the future of work need to commit to either fully remote or fully in-office models—not this awkward middle ground.
5. The Environmental (and Human) Case for Remote Work
One of the most compelling arguments for remote work is its environmental impact. Fewer commuters mean fewer cars on the road, which translates to lower emissions and less pollution. In fact, if all eligible workers went remote, global CO2 emissions could drop by 214 million tons per year .
But the benefits don’t stop there. Remote work also reduces urban overcrowding, spreads economic activity more evenly across regions, and even lowers crime rates by reducing population density in cities.
And let’s not forget the human cost of commuting. Every year, thousands of people die in car accidents on their way to work. Sure, people might still die doing something else—like base jumping or skydiving—but at least those activities are exhilarating. Dying in a traffic jam on your way to a cubicle? That’s just tragic.
The irony? While governments and corporations preach sustainability, many are still pushing for a return to the office. If we’re serious about combating climate change and saving lives, remote work should be a key part of the solution.
6. Why I’m Never Going Back
For me, the decision to stay remote is non-negotiable. The freedom to work from anywhere, the ability to design my own schedule, and the lack of a daily commute have transformed my life for the better.
But it’s not just about personal convenience. Remote work represents a fundamental shift in how we think about work-life balance, productivity, and even the role of the office itself. The companies that embrace this shift will be the ones that thrive in the future.
Final Thought:
The office isn’t dead because remote work is easier. It’s dead because it’s no longer necessary. And that’s not just okay—it’s progress.
Yannis
.NET Architect, Remote Work Advocate & Pants-Free Since 2017
Currently writing this from a café in Lisbon, because why not?
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