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🌍 State of Remote Work 👀
Why Remote Work's Evolution Matters to You
Ric Pratte, Shellie Sullivan & Jim Coughlin
June 05, 2025
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Thrive Remotely is your weekly inspiration to leverage working remotely and live life to its fullest.
Plot twist: Remote work isn't retreating.
It's evolving. Fast.
While headlines scream "return to office," smart companies are quietly snatching up top remote talent. The game changed. Again.
Ready to play by the new rules?
— Ric & Shellie
THRIVING TRIBE CHRONICLES
Is the Remote Work Kool-Aid Going Dry?
By Ric Pratte, Thrive Remotely Founder
Feeling rattled by scary RTO headlines and remote work doom stories?
Those articles come from companies with the biggest PR budgets—not the data. While 72.1 million Americans now work independently and remote productivity soars, the real story remains buried.
The numbers behind my perspective may surprise you.
QUICK TAKES
The Flexible Workforce
✅ Why WFH isn't dead and how digital-first companies have a big AI advantage
✅ Return-to-office mandates are already causing major US brain-drains
✅ Gig Economy Statistics: The New Normal in the Workplace
This Week’s Partner
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LAST WEEK’S POLL RESULTS
How would you describe remote work's current state?
Thriving and constantly evolving forward: “I think remote lifestyles are pushing forward, particularly in the post-2020 era when we were all forced to evaluate alternative ways to get business done. As more success stories pop up, more people get the confidence they need to take that step toward the uninhibited lifestyle they've always wanted. Encouragement and positivity from the remote community are crucial!” – Tyler
Declining with increased corporate pushback: “Job postings are just as often "Hybrid" and "On-Site" as they are "Remote" Clients are requesting more and more in person meetings.” – Mark
BEYOND THE HEADLINES
Remote Work 2025: Smaller Window, Wider View
By Jim Coughlin
Think fewer remote job postings mean remote work is dying? The data tells a completely different story.
Companies clinging to rigid models are hemorrhaging their best talent to flexible competitors who understand the new rules. What looks like a retreat is actually market evolution—and smart employers are capitalizing while others stumble.
The real transformation happening behind the scenes will surprise you.
POLL – NEXT WEEKS TOPIC
Next week: Building trust is essential not only for team performance but also for your own sense of well-being, autonomy, and professional growth.
What's your biggest trust challenge working remotely? |
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Thrive in the Mountains: Our Epic Asheville Co-Working Retreat
July 16-20, 2025: Work, play, and connect in one of the South's most vibrant mountain towns. ⛰️
🗓️ Check out the Community Calendar!
Tired of talking to your houseplants? Your fellow remote rebels are gathering everywhere this week. From coffee meetups to canoeing adventures, trivia nights to trail runs—real humans await.
Knoxville's got soundchecks. Asheville's dreaming big. Dallas is jogging then drinking (priorities, people). Chicago's paddling. Vancouver's toasting.
Time to trade your sweatpants for actual pants and remember what other humans look like.
RESOURCES
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🧠 B2B Marketing With AI : The latest AI tools, prompts, tutorials, and case studies for busy CMOs, and marketing professionals
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🎁 Exclusive for Thrive Remotely readers:
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