What “Remote” Actually Means.
Remote Work Secrets - Edition #38
What's Inside:
Why "remote" doesn't mean what you think it means. Eight different terms get thrown around like they're interchangeable, and they're not.
The one question to ask on every screening call before you waste three interview rounds finding out the hard way.
Why "remote first" and "hybrid" get confused constantly, and what actually separates them.
This Week's Remote Roles. Real remote roles for Senior Professionals.
Remote work does not mean work from anywhere.
I know, I know. I wish it did. But it doesn't.
Same way I wish dogs were allowed in (almost) every place. They're not, and there's a reason, even if we both think the reason is stupid and dogs make everyone's day better.
Okay, I'm getting side tracked. This is about remote work.
There's so much confusion around the terminology that I want to break it down for you, in order of my personal preference:
Quick caveat: these aren't Oxford dictionary definitions, and some companies use these exact phrases to mean something completely different. But this covers about 95% of the roles you'll see (not an official stat, just my gut feel from [X] years in remote work).
1. Work From Anywhere - the company doesn't care where you're from or where you are, as long as your internet connection can hold a Zoom call. You're good.
2. Remote Worldwide - some location restrictions apply. Usually you can work from a set list of countries, and generally they don't care what passport you hold.
3. 100% Remote / Fully Remote - no office to go to, in most cases because there isn't one. This does NOT automatically mean you can work from anywhere though. Always check the careers page and see where the team is actually based on LinkedIn. That'll tell you more than the job title does.
4. Remote - just "remote," no further context. This one worries me. Always ask on the screening call: "what's your remote work policy?" and push if the answer's vague. Better to find out now than waste three interview rounds. You'll usually need the right to work in a specific country. If nothing else is said, assume it means remote from the US.
5. Remote First - there's an office, but you're not expected to show up just to sit on Zoom calls from a desk. You might go in once a quarter, or for the odd big meeting or team get-together. Most companies who use this term will define exactly what it means for them. If they don't, ask. Always ask.
6. Remote Flexible - I have no bloody idea what this means. Sometimes you can work remote, sometimes you can't. I dunno.
7. Hybrid - this one splits opinion. My definition: you're required in the office on a set schedule, once a month, once a week, twice a week, whatever's been decided. The days are usually mandated, not chosen by you.
8. On Site - easy one. Like a kid at school, you're told where to sit and when.
Which one's tripped you up before? Reply and tell me, I collect these stories.
This Week's Remote Roles
🎯Fully Remote Jobs (No "Fake Remote" Here):
And if you want to meet the recruiters behind these jobs, then join us at the 2026 Remote Job Fair & Expo! Sign up for the waitlist below 👇
Final Thoughts
None of these terms are wrong, exactly. They're just used so loosely that "remote" can mean five completely different arrangements depending on who's hiring. So don't take the label at face value. Ask the follow up question, check where the team actually sits, and save yourself from finding out three interviews deep that "remote first" meant "come in every Tuesday."
If you'd rather skip the guesswork altogether, this is exactly why we started the Remote Rebellion Job Fair & Expo. No vague job titles, no "remote flexible" mystery meat. You get to ask companies directly what their policy actually is, to their face, before you waste a single interview slot finding out the hard way. We've got 17 companies confirmed so far, all vetted, all genuinely offering remote roles (not the "remote-ish" kind you just read seven definitions of).
Stay Rebellious,
Michelle & The RR Team