The Unscheduled CEO Is working remote bad for your career? (I didn't want to post this)
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Dec 2, 2025 Explore the paradox of remote work as those who create the tools often choose in-person collaboration. Discover how commuting stimulates social interactions, which are hindered by prolonged isolation at home. The conversation delves into the benefits for employers versus employees and the types of roles that succeed in remote settings. Jonathan challenges the convenience of remote work, emphasizing the importance of in-person connections for creativity and growth, all while advocating for a balanced, hybrid future.
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Office Space Debate Reveals Values
- Jonathan describes debating which AJ&Smart office to keep and feeling the bigger space signals seriousness.
- He used an office tour and hiring choices to reveal his tension between cost-saving and presence.
Convenience Erases Everyday Social Friction
- Remote work has made life extremely convenient but also removed everyday social friction that once stimulated people and communities.
- Jonathan Courtney argues that losing incidental interactions (cafes, commute, office) reduces vibrancy and long-term social development.
In-Person Drives High-Impact Work
- Companies that focus on high-value creative work tend to bring employees back because in-person boosts output and decision-making.
- Jonathan cites Valve and major tech firms as evidence that core product teams require co-location for performance.