Remote work offers flexibility and freedom, but it has come at a cost. Patrick reflects on his experience since starting his career in 2012, emphasizing the loss of community and apprenticeship as work transitioned from a physical space to a virtual one. He learned valuable skills by being physically present with more experienced colleagues, absorbing lessons through informal interactions and everyday immersion. This type of learning is difficult to replicate online, leaving junior employees without the mentorship and guidance they need to develop their judgment and expertise. The article highlights how offices served as ecosystems for knowledge sharing, where friendships formed and community bonds strengthened. Activities like happy hours and team events were more than just socializing; they created connections that fostered collaboration and support. In contrast, remote work can lead to relationships that feel transactional, reducing individuals to mere nodes in a network. Patrick argues that while the move to remote work fulfills personal desires for autonomy and efficiency, it also undermines the social structures that help build future experts and maintain community ties. Patrick doesn’t advocate for eliminating remote work but calls for a discussion on how to rebuild community and support structures for the next generation. He urges readers to consider their own early learning experiences and to find ways to recreate proximity in their work environments. Suggestions include inviting junior colleagues to shadow meetings or sharing knowledge through articles and videos. The challenge lies in balancing the benefits of remote work with the need for connection and mentorship.