Rebelling Against Return To Office & Coworking in Chiang Mai
In 2019, only 5% of full-time employees worked remotely. Now? Over 28% of the U.S. workforce has embraced it, with numbers still climbing. The shift isn’t just a trend—it’s a full-blown workplace revolution. But while some of us were busy perfecting our pajama-to-Zoom transition, companies started calling us back.
“Collaboration is better in the office,” they said. “We need you back for company culture.”
Translation? They miss watching you work.
But here’s the thing: We’re not buying it. Productivity is higher, job satisfaction is up, and, frankly, no one wants to sit through another soul-crushing commute. So, what’s the alternative? Coworking spaces. The perfect blend of structure, social interaction, and flexibility.
Take Yellow Coworking in Chiang Mai, a hub for remote professionals who love their freedom but still want a solid work environment. A place where the Wi-Fi is fast, the coffee is strong, and nobody gives you side-eye for skipping pointless meetings. In this post, I’ll break down why the return-to-office push isn’t just misguided—it’s outdated. And how places like Yellow Coworking are shaping the future of work.
Last month, I spent some time in Chiang Mai, Thailand and was interviewed for the Yellow Coworking’s newsletter.
If you have the chance to work from Chiang Mai, I can’t recommend Yellow Coworking Space enough! The sense of community there is unmatched – I made some incredible connections during my time there, and it’s an inspiring environment to get work done.
The Rise of Remote Work and Coworking Spaces
As the corporate world continues pushing for a return to traditional office settings, many professionals are resisting the call. The pandemic accelerated the remote work revolution, proving that productivity isn’t confined to a cubicle. Workers now prioritize flexibility, autonomy, and the ability to choose where they work.
Coworking spaces have emerged as a powerful alternative, offering a structured yet flexible environment that fosters collaboration, creativity, and networking. Among these, Yellow Coworking in Chiang Mai has become a favorite for digital nomads, freelancers, and remote workers looking for a productive and vibrant space.
Spotlight: Yellow Coworking in Chiang Mai
Overview of Yellow Coworking
Located in the heart of Chiang Mai, Yellow Coworking is more than just a shared workspace—it’s a thriving community of remote professionals and entrepreneurs. Whether you’re a solo freelancer or part of a distributed team, this coworking hub offers everything you need to work efficiently while enjoying the social perks of an office.
Facilities and Amenities
Yellow Coworking provides a well-designed space with modern amenities that cater to digital nomads and remote workers. Some of the standout features include:
• High-Speed Internet: Reliable, fast, and secure Wi-Fi ensures seamless video calls and productivity.
• Comfortable Workspaces: A mix of open seating, private desks, and meeting rooms tailored to different working styles.
• On-Site Café: A cozy café serving fresh coffee, tea, and healthy snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day.
• Event and Workshop Areas: Regular networking events, skill-sharing sessions, and workshops to help professionals grow their skills and connections.
• Chill Zones: Dedicated spaces for relaxation, socializing, and recharging between tasks.
Community and Networking Opportunities
One of the biggest advantages of coworking at Yellow is the strong sense of community. Unlike working from home or a café, Yellow Coworking fosters collaboration and networking among like-minded individuals. Whether you’re looking to exchange ideas, find potential business partners, or simply make new friends, the space provides plenty of opportunities to connect.
Additionally, Chiang Mai has a well-established digital nomad scene, making it an ideal destination for those looking to balance work and lifestyle in a beautiful, affordable setting.
Personal Insights and Experiences
My Journey to Chiang Mai
Like many remote workers, I initially struggled with the transition from a structured office environment to working from anywhere. Finding a balance between productivity and social interaction was challenging. That changed when I arrived in Chiang Mai and discovered the vibrant coworking scene.
Experiences at Yellow Coworking
Yellow Coworking quickly became my go-to workspace. The combination of a productive atmosphere, great facilities, and a welcoming community made all the difference in my remote work experience. Unlike coffee shops, where distractions are common, Yellow provided a focused yet flexible environment tailored for professionals.
Beyond work, the social events and networking opportunities introduced me to fellow entrepreneurs and remote workers from around the world. This community aspect made my experience richer, offering both professional connections and lasting friendships.
Recommendations for Aspiring Remote Workers
If you’re considering the digital nomad lifestyle or simply looking for an alternative to the traditional office, coworking spaces like Yellow in Chiang Mai are worth exploring. Here are some tips to maximize your experience:
• Test Different Workspaces: Not all coworking spaces are the same. Visit a few before settling on the one that fits your work style best.
• Engage with the Community: Attend events, join discussions, and make the most of the networking opportunities.
• Balance Work and Lifestyle: Take breaks, explore the local culture, and make time for activities outside of work. Chiang Mai is rich in experiences beyond just being a work hub.
Check out what I have to say (FYI – I always have A LOT to say 😜) about remote work below!
Q: You passed through Chiang Mai recently. What does the nomad life look like for you?
Michelle: I don’t like the term digital nomad. Location Independent is how I’d describe myself, but it isn’t quite as catchy, is it!?! Someone needs to come up with a new term. I’ve spent much of the last three years based in Bali, but the last year has seen me bounce around a lot of countries. The plan next year is to set up two European bases with a month or two travelling, and a month back home with family.
Q: And now you’re helping others at least work remotely, if not full-on digital nomads?
Michelle: In a nutshell, for the last 3 and a half years my business - Remote Rebellion - has been helping freelancers and workers looking for a fully remote j-o-b. The word “rebellion” felt appropriate as, when I started the company in 2021, “return to office” was beginning. It felt like a rebellion was needed against the dinosaur companies forcing people to work somewhere that doesn't work for them, despite seeing the benefits of remote work.
Q: So, you’re helping people find work to sustain a nomad lifestyle.
Michelle: Yes - or stay at home and never leave! We work to clarify exactly what they want and create a strategy to reach that goal - it’s a holistic process that is more than just a resume review. It’s important to lay the foundations before jumping into applications. We’ll work on personal branding, standing out in a crowded market, networking strategy, marketing themselves, and negotiating. The programme mixes teaching, mentorship, coaching, training and introductions to my network. Most people I work with are senior professionals who are amazing at what they do, but rubbish at selling themselves!
Q: So, what’s happening in 2025?
Michelle: Lots! We're launching our very first remote job fair, both online in April and in person in August. As well as the “do it with you" programme, we're introducing a “do it for you” approach, for business professionals who want a new remote job but don't have the time to search and apply. We're also working on a platform to connect remote workers with the top 500 remote-first companies… like a remote-only LinkedIn, but without all the BS & noise!
Q: Who’s going to benefit most from getting in touch with you?
Michelle: Firstly, individuals who want to get remote work and make the process to reach that goal easier and faster than doing it on their own. I can’t hand a remote job to someone on a silver platter, so this is for those who understand the value of investing in themselves and are willing to put in the work to reach their goal.
Also, remote first companies who want to find the right people for their business. I have a background as a recruiter and built a lot of connections in the remote world, so I work with founders to ensure they attract and retain the best talent.
That’s a wrap for my interview.
Let me ask you now, is 2025 finally the year for you to transit out of your 9-5 office job and into remote work?
Conclusion: Work Where You Thrive
The way we work has changed. And no matter how much companies try to drag us back to the old ways, the future is already here.
Productivity isn’t about where you sit. It’s about how you work. A good coworking space gives you the structure of an office without the nonsense—no micromanaging, no awkward breakroom small talk, and no mandatory birthday cupcakes for Steve from accounting.
If you’re tired of feeling like a cog in someone else’s machine, it’s time to make a move. Explore coworking spaces. Try out Yellow Coworking. Experiment with your work environment.
Because work isn’t just about showing up—it’s about creating something meaningful, on your terms. And that? That’s worth rebelling for.
Stay rebellious,
Michelle
This week’s article is sponsored by Global Nomad Pass. Imagine arriving in a new city and already knowing the best local cafés, coworking spaces, fitness studios and more—all offering exclusive discounts just for you. With Global Nomad Pass, each purchase counts. This is the membership that rewards you for supporting local hidden gems around the world.