Remote work once promised freedom and opportunity, especially for students, early-career professionals, and people balancing family or other commitments. Fast forward to today and the picture has shifted. Many organisations are scaling back flexible arrangements, with more roles tied to physical office presence. Genuine remote opportunities haven’t disappeared, but they’re harder to find and far more competitive.
Several factors are driving this change. Companies are keen to rebuild in-person collaboration, some believe productivity improves when teams are on site, and others see office attendance as a way to reinforce culture. Whatever the reason, the effect is clear: fewer fully remote listings and a growing emphasis on hybrid models.
For job seekers who don’t live near major cities, or those who need work that fits around studies or caregiving, this trend is creating real challenges.
While the number of roles may be shrinking, there are still ways to keep remote work a viable option:
Build a portfolio that travels with you
Showcase your skills beyond a CV. Freelance projects, independent research, or contributions to open-source initiatives demonstrate capability in a way that employers value.
Leverage your networks
Academic connections, professional associations, and alumni groups can be rich sources of opportunities. Universities in particular often offer assistantships, internships, or collaborative projects that can be managed remotely.
Widen your horizons
Don’t limit your search to local job boards. International organisations and freelance platforms may provide flexible short-term roles that build experience and income.
Remote work is evolving, not vanishing. The competition is tougher, but with persistence and creativity, it’s still possible to find opportunities that offer the flexibility many people need. By diversifying the search and showing adaptability, candidates can give themselves the best chance of success in this changing landscape.