The two-body problem—a term borrowed from physics—has become a defining challenge in modern work-life balance.
For couples with dual careers, particularly in the tech sector, finding jobs in the same geographic area can be incredibly difficult. But according to the billionaire Collison brothers, co-founders of Stripe, remote work might be the long-awaited solution.
Solving the Two-Body Problem
In a recent interview, Stripe co-founder John Collison spoke candidly about how the rise of remote work has helped address the two-body problem faced by working couples.
“It’s incredibly hard to find great talent, and when you do, they often come as a package,” Collison explained. “Remote work opens the door to hiring exceptional people without forcing them to choose between career and personal life.”
The phrase “two-body problem” has been used in academia and high-skill professions for years to describe the difficulties dual-career couples face when trying to live and work in the same location. The rise of remote work has radically reshaped that conversation, especially in the tech industry.
Remote Work vs. Return-to-Office Mandates
The Collison brothers’ stance stands in contrast to the growing number of companies pushing for return-to-office (RTO) mandates. As Fortune reports, JPMorgan Chase and other firms have begun penalizing employees who resist returning to in-person work.
