With so many business owners switching from home offices to shared office space, it’s always insightful to understand what motivates entrepreneurs to change. Moving outside the comforts and confines of your home can be a welcomed change; however, there are many factors to consider. The opportunity to interact with others, a change of scenery, and that much needed professional look and feel are often times what drive business owners to make the switch. However, the ability to keep expenses down and the extra added convenience are what keep them at home. If you are still contemplating which option is best for you, this story just might provide the clarity you need.
The Daily Report asked a woman who works from home and a woman who works from a shared office to switch places for the day and what they each learned about themselves as business owners was not only interesting but invaluable.
Meet Christina: 28 year old architect and artist, works at The Distillery (a professional co-working space), founder of www.mybookcase.org –an online platform to share books. Her thoughts on her one day switch to a home office…
Pros: Liked having the extra time
Cons: Missed having people to talk to and share issues, too distracted, missed office facilities, technology, and good phone reception
Synopsis: “I tried working from home but it was difficult to focus because I had all this stuff around. I do more work if I’m in the office. If I was working at home regularly it would be difficult to separate work and home. It’s useful to go to another place to work because then you are in more control of your hours. I want to leave work behind when I close my office door. I also like to meet people from different disciplines. At home there’s no one to bounce ideas around with. At The Distillery, there’s lots happening. It also takes me 15 minutes to cycle to work and I really like starting my day this way. I’ll be sticking with the office.”
Meet Jude: Freelance PR, marketing and events consultant, owns Candace Communications, works from her home. Her thoughts on her one day office experience at The Distillery…
Pros: Human interaction, better work/life separation, ability to collaborate with others, reason to get dressed up every now and then, positive vibe, interesting people, get out of the house
Cons: Thoughts of having to get dressed up every day, productivity about the same as working from home
Synopsis: “I wouldn’t want to go to an office every day as it wouldn’t fit into my lifestyle but maybe once a week would be beneficial for me. When you work for yourself making contact with other people is invaluable.”
So, which option is right for you? If you are ready for a professional look and feel, an opportunity to get out of the house, a professional meeting space at your disposal, and a chance to network with other like-minded entrepreneurs…then My Annapolis Office has what you are looking for. We offer unique workspace packages of office space, technology services, and support that are a superior alternative to traditional office space. Our experienced staff is here to make sure that your business has what it needs to succeed while our state-of-the-art facility, prime location, and first class meeting rooms will provide the rest. Come see the difference you can expect at My Annapolis Office. To learn more, call 410-656-1600 or visit us on the web at myannapolisoffice.com.
Source: The Daily Record