The flip side of that is being remote and away from the politics can sometimes mean y u get work done when those in the thick of bullshit don't.

Which is worse, because you’ll have done all the work, but get none of the reward.

As long as they pay me I don’t give a fuck. Don’t patronize me with pats on the back for doing what I agreed to do, just pay me.

Don’t get emotional, when you get bored and it’s time to move on get a better offer from somewhere and tell them to counter it or you walk, then follow through.

When you’re a remote worker you must learn to not play any sort of games. Say what you mean and mean what you say and you’ll be respected in the industry.

At the end of the day, all that matters is getting paid.

Sure. And to get paid well you have to be given the opportunity to do work that matters. What you described is a perfectly valid way of doing office politics: being a no-bs person that people respect for the ability to get the job done and have canidid conversation with. But that's also politics.

When you're the only one doing work you're the only one doing work that matters.

Been there done that left for a higher paying job where other people worked too.

Depends, if you are a contractor then yes. As an employee you probably also hope to earn some raises and promotions, as the only way to get paid more. And that always involves a lot of politics.

The way to get paid more is to leave that remote job for another remote job that pays better.

Don’t “hope” for raises or promotions, ask for them. And if they aren’t given, start looking.

This is how you develop a powerful remote career.