The world of remote work is changing, and as a result, professionals need to know how to adapt if they want to thrive remotely. We’ve seen a lot of changes over the last five years already, and change isn’t slowing down in 2025. With Corporate America split between embracing remote flexibility and enforcing return-to-office mandates, working people are finding themselves at a crossroads.
The Remote Traveler sat down with the founder of Résumé Official, Morgan Sanner. Sanner is an experienced HR professional, résumé building expert, and proponent of work-from-anywhere. She uses her expertise to highlight the current state of remote work, how job seekers can navigate the shifting landscape, and the best strategies for securing remote opportunities.
So far in 2025, we’ve seen companies take two distinct approaches: some, like Spotify, continue to support remote work, arguing that professionals should be trusted to manage their own time. Others, like JP Morgan and Amazon, are enforcing strict return-to-office policies, often under shaky justifications.
Sanner points out that these approaches tell a lot about a company’s values.
"It used to be hard to gauge a company’s culture before joining, but these policies make it very clear," she explains.
Job seekers now have more insight into which employers align with their priorities—whether it's flexibility, trust, or a traditional office environment.
Additionally, globalization is playing a growing role. Workers no longer feel bound by opportunities in their home country, and instead are opening up an entirely new world of job prospects.
"More people are realizing that they can work for companies abroad that align with their values," Sanner says.
The remote work model has proven to be successful. Companies with remote work policies see consistent growth and profit. However, despite this proven success, some companies insist on bringing employees back to their cubicles. This often seems less about productivity and more about control.
As Sanner highlights, some corporate leaders openly express frustration over not being able to reach employees during traditional work hours—while simultaneously enjoying their own flexibility.
"We heard the CEO of JP Morgan complain about employees being unreachable on a Friday afternoon because they’re all out golfing—which is funny because, especially in banking, you’d think that being on the golf course is where a lot of business is done," she points out.
To her point, sometimes to cultivate and maintain professional relationships, stepping outside the office is par for the course. If the work is getting done successfully and leads to growth, why does it matter if it is done in an office or not?
Even companies like Amazon demand full-time in-office work but lack the physical office space to accommodate employees.
These inconsistencies raise questions: are these mandates truly about efficiency and company culture, or are they a way to enforce outdated workplace norms to benefit C-suite executives?
As the US job market adapts to these remote changes, and with heightened globalization, the competition for remote jobs is currently at an all-time high. To stand out from the digital crowd, Sanner emphasizes the importance of targeted job searches.
Remote-specific job boards, especially those tailored to digital nomads, provide better chances of landing work-from-anywhere roles.
She also suggests keeping track of companies that are actively supporting remote work, even if you're not currently job searching.
"Make note of those companies, network with people there, and stay prepared—because you never know when your current job might enforce a return-to-office mandate."
Networking can provide a professional safety net as well as opportunity for career growth, and should always be a priority for anyone in the workforce.
The go-to advice salespeople and LinkedIn influencers offer often revolve around cold outreach and the best strategies to connect with strangers professionally. As Sanner points out, “ice-cold” outreach is a mistake, and people looking to make a connection should take the time to use softer approach:
"Messaging someone on LinkedIn and asking for a referral outright is a huge ask," Sanner warns.
By warming up relationships first, professionals increase their chances of getting noticed and recommended for job opportunities.
One of the easiest, and most impactful ways, to stand out is by tailoring your resume to the job you're going after.
Sanner stresses the importance of impact-driven résumés over generic, responsibility-based ones.
"Employers need to see how you provide value, especially since they can’t physically observe your work. Highlighting remote experience—whether from full-time jobs, freelance work, or side projects—is key."
Additionally, applicants should optimize résumés for applicant tracking systems (ATS) by incorporating relevant keywords taken from the job description and emphasizing measurable achievements.
Make sure when editing your resume to include these keywords, that it reads naturally and that the keywords don’t seem randomly placed to appeal to the ATS.
Companies like Spotify, who are proponents of remote work, often understand the importance of work-life balance and how it can positively contribute to productivity and growth.
One of the biggest misconceptions about work-life balance means a strict 50/50 split. In reality, it’s more like a pendulum—sometimes work demands more focus, and other times personal life takes precedence.
Sanner suggests finding a flexible schedule that works for you: "I like to work a few hours, take a break, and then work a few more hours. The key is establishing clear boundaries and allowing yourself that balance."
Remote workers have the benefit of working outside a stricter 9 to 5 schedule. They need to be available to their coworkers and clients and manage their responsibilities well, but that doesn’t mean that they need to be in an office.
Spotify’s chief human resources officer Katarina Berg stated, “You can’t spend a lot of time hiring grownups and then treat them like children.”
It adds to the idea that work is something you do and doesn’t have to be a place you feel trapped in.
If you want to maybe transition to a remote position or incorporate more travel into your routine but are worried about maintaining your productivity, one change you can make is a mindset change.
Focus less on the “Nomad” aspect of the digital nomad lifestyle and embrace a more “work-from-anywhere” point-of-view.
Being a digital nomad doesn’t have to mean living out of a van or hopping between hostels. It can be that but it doesn’t have to be, if that’s not the vibe you gravitate towards. Slow travel and part-time nomadism are gaining popularity, allowing remote workers to experience new cultures without burnout.
People can travel nonstop, backpack across Europe, or they can have a home base where they work, live, and build their routine like they normally would but still have the option to get up and go.
“You don't necessarily have to dive head first in a digital nomad lifestyle to try out some of that. I actually did not travel internationally for the first time until last year,” Sanner told TRT, “I was able to see 11 countries this year, so I really jumped off a deep end after seeing that first one. And I’m looking forward to seeing more, but I also currently have a home base.”
Beyond individual benefits, remote work is reshaping the workforce in profound social ways.
"When remote work disappears, we see marginalized communities—particularly women and people of color—leave the workforce at higher rates," Sanner explains.
By shrinking the workforce, you cut economic growth off at the knees. Providing flexible options means companies can tap into a broader, more diverse talent pool, leading to increased innovation and business success.
The future of remote work is still evolving, but one thing is clear: companies that embrace flexibility will attract and retain talent. Talented professionals are seeking remote and hybrid work models.
For job seekers, standing out requires smart networking, an impact-driven résumé, and a proactive approach to tracking remote-friendly employers. And for those dreaming of the digital nomad lifestyle, there are more options than ever to make it a reality—on your own terms.
To stay ahead, keep an eye on companies making remote work a priority, build your professional connections, and craft a résumé that highlights your ability to thrive in a remote environment.
Follow Morgan Sanner for the best tips on how to craft the perfect resume, and follow along with The Remote Traveler as remote work continues to grow.