When Working From Home No Longer Works
For the past 12 years, I’ve been working from home. It took me about 8 years to find my “groove” and really find balance between work and home life. I know a lot more people are working from home, ever since the pandemic hit, but it’s not for everyone. As soon as the stay-at-home orders lifted, so many were ready to get back in the office. Not all companies were ready to welcome their employees back, which is why so many are looking for alternatives to working at their kitchen table. Some went into the WFH like thinking it’s easy, and quickly realized although your office chair is now your sofa, and your fancy work suits are now your pjs, it’s an adjustment not everyone is comfortable with. For years, my farthest commute was from the bedroom to the kitchen and my flexible hours were amazing, but I quickly realized I didn’t know how to clock out at the end of the day, this is actually something I’m still working on. So today, we’re talking about 5 reasons it might be time to get out of the house and into an office space.
One of the biggest obstacles people face when working from home, is not having anyone breathing down your neck or checking up on you. Although this sounds like you’d accomplish more, being alone with no distractions and interruptions, it can actually have the opposite affect. The absence of a boss can quickly steer you off course. Next thing you know you’re scrolling social more often, watching too many hours of TV and YouTube or even playing with your children or fur babies. There are often too many distractions in the home, and if you can’t/ don’t avoid them, you’ll find yourself putting in even more hours. If you can’t stay organized and focused, it may be time to source a location outside of the home. Even a small workspace or office can help you stay productive.
I’ve now been in one of The Focal Point Group buildings for 7 months and loving it. It gets me out of the house a few hours a day, allows me to be creative, have like minded individuals over to create content together, without taking away from my home life. This family-owned company owns and operates several locations across the Forest City area and are there every step of the way, ensuring they find the perfect space for your wants and needs. The Rains family genuinely care about each one of their tenants, taking an interest in each one of their businesses, ensuring they find them the perfect building and space. I’m in the Victoria Professional building, and a few rooms just opened up, anything from 300 square feet, into the thousands, they can literarily find you your ideal space. Plus, there is free on-site parking and even an on-site management in case you have any questions.
We’re meant to be social and working from home puts limitations on communicating with others. We’re basically forced to chat with clients, coworkers or potential customers virtually. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want complete strangers in my home, so I rely on Zoom calls. No matter how advance video technology is, it’s not the same as face-to-face. I like to see people’s facial expressions and body language to help me tune into what they are thinking/ wanting. Face-to-face communication is key in being successful, and you lose that when working from home. If you’re in an industry where you thrive from brainstorming with others or enjoy having clients or coworkers over to come up with creative and fresh new ideas, it might be time to get your own workspace out of the home. This way you’ll be able to have person-to-person chats with your clients and teammates without inviting them into your personal home life.
If you’re feeling unhealthy working from home, it might be time to get out of the house. Apart from sitting down most of day, not walking around to see your coworkers, you might not be eating properly which can be very damaging on your health. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve looked at the clock only to realize it’s 3pm and I haven’t eaten today. Because you might not be setting a snack break, or going out to lunch with colleagues, you might be forgetting to eat. Having a space to call your own, outside of the home, allows you to get into more of a work routine and schedule, lunch being one of them. The Victoria Professional Building it right downtown, with so many cute cafes and restaurants within walking distance, so there’s no excuse not to grab a bite to eat mid-day.
To maintain inspiration and a creative workflow, it’s important to stimulate the brain. When you feel like you’re running out of original ideas, it’s probably because you’re stuck in the same old boring routine. Having an inspiring environment that encourages you to break away from your kitchen table and meet new people in your building, is an excellent way to increase your experience, gather powerful knowledge and give your brain a chance to be creative again. If you’re feeling unmotivated, it may be time to get out of the house. When you’re alone all day, it’s hard to stimulate yourself when things aren’t going as planned. Just being in a new space, or around people who are going through similar experiences can help boost your mood and confidence again.
Finally, is the only networking you’re doing on social media? Although the internet is amazing in finding new clients and customers, it’s not the only place to get new leads. Large office buildings, like The Victoria Professional building is a great place to meet new people. It’s the ideal place to network, without having to share an actual office room together. I have quickly become friendly with everyone on my floor, and others in the building, and their knowledge and expertise are there when I need it. Connecting with people and offering advice, tips and tricks, and even suggestions is an amazing way to get to know people and give back. This is essential when building strong relationships and a network of like minded individuals. Plus, it’s always nice to lend a helping hand to others.
So, tell me, are you over working from home and looking for a new creative space?
