The Case for In-Office Work Early in Your Career
(Don't kill me!)
Remote work is tempting—no commute, flexible hours, and more control over your day. But if you’re just starting out, especially as an intern or fresh graduate, I’m going to make a bold suggestion: work in-office if you can.
I know that sounds counter to the “future of work” narrative. But hear me out. Yes, remote work is enjoyable and gives you time for personal projects, but when it comes to truly understanding people, you can’t beat the in-office experience.
Why In-Person Matters More Than You Think
The skills you pick up from in-person interactions translate seamlessly into remote work. But the reverse is rarely true. Managing people, understanding team dynamics, handling tricky situations, or even picking up on the subtle signals that help you understand someone’s motivations—these things are learned best when you’re physically present.
When you’re just starting out, you need an asymmetrical advantage—something that sets you apart and equips you to manage teams later on. For most people, that advantage is built by observing real-world incentives, behaviors, and communication patterns. And these are best learned by being around people in an office setting.
‘But the Future Is Remote!’
Yes, it might be. But here’s the thing: if you aspire to manage people effectively, you have to be around them first. Managing remotely requires a deep understanding of how human beings work, and the only way to achieve that understanding is through direct, repeated, and nuanced observations. Remote interactions simply don’t give you the same depth.
If you build strong fundamentals and a rock-solid intrinsic motivation, you’ll eventually be able to manage remotely. But until you’re certain of your skills and self-discipline, the physical office is your training ground.
Why I’m Still Showing Up to the Office Every Day
I’ll be honest: I’m not 100% there yet. As a first-time boss and head of a fund, I’m literally learning how to perform these roles as I go. I don’t think this would be possible if I couldn’t sit down and brainstorm with my team, allow conversations to lead us into rabbit holes, or let serendipity teach us things. There’s something invaluable about sharing a physical space that encourages spontaneity and deeper learning.
That’s why I still go to the office every day. I know that showing up consistently helps me sharpen my skills and observe team dynamics in real-time, and that makes all the difference.
How to make the most of your in-person role:
Be strategic about in-person opportunities: If you have a choice, lean toward an in-office role during the early phase of your career.
Observe, don’t just participate: When you’re in the office, don’t just focus on your tasks. Watch how others interact, how decisions are made, and how people respond to different communication styles.
Build your basics: Learn to manage time, conflicts, and responsibilities in an in-person setting. The basics will support you when you go remote.
Test your self-discipline: Before transitioning to remote work, check if your intrinsic motivation to get things done is strong enough. Are you finishing tasks without being reminded? Are you setting your own deadlines?
Seek mentorship: If you’re not sure where to start, ask mentors or colleagues about what they learned by working in-office. Their insights might surprise you.
Remote Isn’t the End Goal—Mastery Is
In the end, remote work isn’t the ultimate goal—mastery of your craft is. You want to reach a point where you can switch to remote work not because it’s trendy, but because you’re confident in your abilities, discipline, and self-management. But to get there, you first need the immersive, hands-on experience that only in-office work can provide. It’s the foundation you’ll rely on when you’re ready to go remote and lead effectively from a distance.
Don’t Just Adapt—Evolve
The real power of in-office work isn’t just in learning how to do your job; it’s about evolving into someone who can understand, motivate, and manage others. Remote work can wait—but your growth can’t. Take the time to build a strong foundation now, so when you eventually decide to go remote, you’re not just another cog in the digital wheel—you’re someone who can set the pace, drive results, and adapt to any environment with ease.
Great article ! . I had one question what do you do when 90% of your team is remote since many of them are way more senior and the ones who are freshers don’t come to office . So then is work from office still worth it given that you won’t have a lot of face to face interactions with your team in office ?
A very bold opinion but as a Fresher myself, I totally agree. I tried my hand at remote work and I have neither the skills nor the insane work ethic needed to wfo. Plus remote work limits you to your assigned task, whereas in office you get to shadow seniors to learn too!