One of my favorite movies is Office Space. The reason I like it so much is because it takes a norm that people expect and flips it upside down. One of the most liberating scenes is when Peter (… what’s happening) unscrews his cubical and knocks down the wall so he has a view.
I don’t think I will ever work in a cubical but I will also probably never work in an office. As cool as an office is to day dream about when you are an aspiring Entrepreneur, the reality is that office life is very gray. Regardless of how nice your decor is, it is a place where inspiration dries out quickly. (Ask any lawyer.)
Also having an office space is expensive. Whether you are buying or renting—the costs really add up. Is it all necessary?
I don’t think it is. Especially in today’s world of infinite and free communication, there is really no reason to fork out all that monthly money to have an office. Here are five alternatives to ending the dull existence that is known as The Office.
1. Studio Space - It’s not just for artists. Renting or buying studio space is great for inspiration. Instead of the dreary office, you are surrounded by a space meant for creative thinking.
2. Home Office - This is the one I am currently using. A home office is great because it saves you tons of time ad money. Working at home so far for me has been great. The most important thing here is separating work space from home space. Having an office as a separate room or area is a good idea.
3. Warehouse - Warehouses are cheap and they have tons of room. You can really make use of it whether you have employees or not. Creativity is not confined to a desk.
Side note: My eventual goal is to buy a warehouse and fix it up into a living and working space for myself. I have read about an artist in Chicago doing this and it really inspired me.
4. Local Cafes - What is more inspirational than people? Being in a setting where there is a flow of fellow human beings might be a little distracting at times but introducing yourself to new atmospheres is a great way to inspire.
5. Nomad Travel - I mentioned in this article that it is a dream of mine to travel the world while I am working. If you work primarily online, why seclude yourself to one place? It’s a great big beautiful world out there. Go see it!
I just recently found a site related to traveling while working that I really like. Check out Location Independent Living for more.
What do you do to escape the office? Or have you yet?
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A warehouse - now thats one I wouldn’t have thought of. I’ve done the office, the loft, the coffee shop, and I’m in the home office right now. Each of them has their perks. While being in a dull dreary office does suck it provides you with a social outlet that being in a home office sometimes doesn’t.
I would love to set up a wireless connection on a yacht and sail around the Caribbean working whenever necessary
Hi there. I’ve done both - had an office and not had one. And while there are benefits to either way, I agree that most start ups don’t need the expense of an office, unless they are starting out with office staff working for them.
[…] Rethink the office. Do you really need an office? Is it screwing up your creative flow if you have one? Rented or bought office space is the most conventional but also the most expensive physical space to run your business. You can read my tips on rethinking the office here. […]