A few years ago, I was part of the daily 9-to-5 grind—commuting through rush hour traffic, squeezing into crowded elevators, and spending most of my day under fluorescent lights.

At the time, I thought it was just how work was supposed to be. But when I got the chance to work remotely, everything changed.

Suddenly, I had the freedom to structure my day in a way that made sense for me, and I wasn’t tied to a desk for eight straight hours.

The flexibility was eye-opening, and I knew right then I’d never go back to the traditional office setup again.

Turns out, I’m not alone. People who make the switch to remote work and vow never to return to the office often share a few key traits.

If you’re someone who thrives outside the cubicle, you might just recognize yourself in these seven characteristics.

1) Self-reliance

Let’s start with a biggie. People who shun the traditional office environment often have a strong sense of self-reliance.

You see, office work involves teamwork and collaboration. But when you step out of that environment, you’re on your own. And that’s something these individuals are not just comfortable with, but they actually enjoy.

They thrive on taking charge of their tasks, setting their schedules and being directly responsible for their successes or failures.

They would rather navigate through the challenges than rely on a manager or team for support.

And trust me, this self-reliant streak isn’t just about work. It often extends to other areas of their lives too. Whether it’s fixing a leaky faucet or planning a road trip, they prefer doing things their way.

That’s not to say these folks are loners or don’t value collaboration. They do.

But they also cherish the freedom and flexibility that comes with managing their own hours and environment. And they’re willing to bear the responsibilities that come along with it.

2) Adaptability

The second trait is adaptability. Folks who swear off office life need to be comfortable with change and uncertainty, and they often thrive in it.

I love working remotely, but I can’t pretend it was smooth sailing right from the start.

The freedom was amazing, but it also came with a learning curve. Suddenly, I was responsible for creating my own structure, adjusting to different time zones, and dealing with unexpected tech issues—sometimes all at once.

It pushed me to become more flexible, to think on my feet, and to embrace the unpredictability that comes with working outside the office.

People who enjoy remote work tend to be those who can roll with the punches. They don’t need rigid routines to stay productive, and they’re quick to adapt when things don’t go as planned.

Whether it’s shifting deadlines or changing priorities, they thrive in environments where flexibility is key.

It’s a trait that’s crucial for anyone who chooses to step out of the office and into a more dynamic, fluid work life.

3) High risk tolerance

Look, let’s get real for a moment. Choosing to forego the office life isn’t a walk in the park. It’s risky.

When you say goodbye to the office, you’re often saying goodbye to job security, regular paychecks, and company benefits. And that’s a big deal.

People who make this choice aren’t oblivious to these risks. They’re just more willing to take them on.

Maybe it’s because they see potential for higher rewards – financial or otherwise. Maybe it’s because they value independence over stability. Or perhaps they simply believe in their ability to make it work.

Take me, for instance. I dived headfirst into this lifestyle, fully aware of the potential pitfalls. Of course I had my doubts, but I believed that I had what it took to navigate these risks.

So yeah, if you’re looking at someone who’s vowed never to work from an office again, chances are they have a higher-than-average risk tolerance.

They understand that with great risk can come great reward, and they’re willing to roll the dice to see what happens.

4) Resourcefulness

Another trait that commonly surfaces amongst those ditching the office is resourcefulness. And trust me, it’s a crucial one.

When you’re working outside the traditional office scenario, you likely won’t have an IT department to fix your computer glitches, or an admin team to handle your paperwork. You’ve got to sort these things out yourself.

And it’s not just about solving problems. It’s also about making the most of what you have and finding creative ways to fulfill your needs.

I’ve seen remote workers turn their tiny balconies into ergonomic workspaces or use household items as standing desk solutions.

They’ve found free online resources and tools to replace expensive software, or figured out hacks to boost productivity and motivation.

In essence, these individuals have a knack for turning obstacles into opportunities and can often pull off a MacGyver with whatever they have on hand.

It’s this resourcefulness that helps them successfully navigate through their unorthodox work style.

5) Strong self-discipline

The freedom to work when and where you want is a beautiful thing. But let’s be clear, it’s not all rainbows and unicorns.

It requires a significant amount of self-discipline. 

Unlike in an office where you have set hours and managers overseeing your work, when you’re on your own, the line between work and leisure can blur. It’s easy to get sidetracked by the comforts of home or the lure of a sunny day.

Here’s something you might find interesting. A study by Vouchercloud found that out of the traditional 8-hour workday, office workers are productive for only about 2 hours and 53 minutes.

The rest of the time? They’re checking social media, reading news websites, chatting with colleagues, making coffee, and so on.

Now, imagine having the entire day at your disposal with no supervision. The temptation to procrastinate can be incredibly high. This is where self-discipline comes in.

People who ditch office life usually have a strong sense of discipline. They set their schedules, create deadlines, and stick to them.

They understand that while they have the freedom to work as they please, they also have responsibilities and tasks that need to be completed. And they ensure they get done.

This is why I always say that the remote work setup isn’t for everyone. It’s for those who have tremendous self-discipline.

6) Empathy for self

Empathy is usually associated with understanding and sharing the feelings of others. But in this case, I’m talking about empathy for oneself, which is something people who opt out of office life frequently exhibit.

When you’re working in an office, it’s easy to get caught up in the corporate rat race, often at the expense of your own well-being. Deadlines and targets can become more important than your health or happiness.

People who choose to step away from this often do so with a deep understanding of their own needs and limitations.

They prioritize their mental and physical health, and they’re not afraid to take a break when needed.

They understand that they are not machines designed to churn out work non-stop. They are humans with diverse needs and aspirations. They empathize with themselves, respect their boundaries, and take care of their well-being.

And in doing so, they’re not just kinder to themselves but also more productive and content in the long run. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup, can you?

7) Desire for authenticity

Above all else, individuals who vow never to work from an office again often have a strong desire for authenticity.

They long for work that resonates with who they are as individuals. They value their freedom to express themselves, their ideas, and their creativity without the confines of corporate protocols or office politics.

They seek genuine connections with their clients or colleagues, unmarred by hierarchy or competition. They want their work to reflect their values and passions, not just the company’s bottom line.

In essence, these individuals are driven by a deep-seated desire to stay true to themselves in all aspects of their lives, including their work. And that’s something that’s worth admiring and learning from.

Final thoughts

Making the switch to remote work isn’t for everyone, but for those who embrace it, there’s often no going back.

The freedom, flexibility, and ability to shape your own workday can be incredibly empowering, but as you’ve just seen, it requires certain traits to truly thrive in this environment.

So, if you’re someone who’s sworn off office life for good, chances are you recognize these traits in yourself.

And if you’re still on the fence, developing these qualities might just be the key to unlocking a work style that suits you better than you ever imagined.