Over the years, we’ve tried our fair share of working in different spaces. Some spaces we had to work in to accommodate the client; in other situations, we simply needed a change of scenery. At times, we thought working amongst other creatives would be a great fit, occasionally it was. But, I can say with all certainty, working mostly from home has been the best of all the spaces to work in.
Don’t get me wrong, I have made friendly with our local coffee shops, and others in the city, marking my place for hours on end. But our home office, is the office, and it’s good to have that as base.
Here’s 4 Reasons why we enjoy living and working in the same space:
1. We tap out. We playfully call it the tap out, but in all seriousness, it’s a God send. When necessary, we can be there to help the other or the babysitter. Things come up, and sometimes one of us has an emergency business call, or last minute meeting, or the sitter falls ill. Our availability to each other and our children, makes parenting and working so much easier.
2. We can inspire each other. I know it sounds cheesy to say publicly, but it’s true. I love how I can bounce ideas off of Peter, and he can bounce ideas off of me. We can make decisions on work opportunities together, and really discuss them in-depth as they come. We constantly push each other to be better, dream bigger, and do things with love, I feel lucky to have this energy in our home.
3. Less overhead costs. Albeit small, we have the space, so why not use it? It doesn’t matter how many dollar signs our bank account may say, I’m not a fan of wasting money. If there is a smart and cost affective way, make it work. Come tax time, you’ll be thanking me.
4. We work and play. Beyond tapping out for more serious matters, there’s work and play. Currently, as I’m typing this, our sitter has Oak and Peter took River on a date. We often stay local on weekends to avoid crowds, and adventure on the weekdays when we aren’t working. It makes every experience so much more enjoyable.
There are, of course, some challenges to working and living in the same space, but that’s another post.
Do you work from home? I’d love to hear your experience on it!
photography by Stephania Stanely, for our home tour on Today.com. Read the interview here. Thanks so much for having us Today!
I didn't realize how much I would love working from home. I started almost three years ago and now my husband also has a desk right beside mine. He quit his office job to work on his own projects two years ago. I like to think that I was a good influence on him 😉
It's so true what you say about inspiring each other. In fact, that's how we started working on our online store together. It's like a mom and pop shop for the 21st century. There's a lot to be said for being married to your business partner. We've built up a lot of trust through the years so we know that we can rely on each other. It also means we can be truly open with each other about problems that come up.
Right now we are six months pregnant with our first child. (I say "we" because it has definitely taken both of us to get through this! I could not have done it alone.) I'm looking forward to sharing a whole new project together. Right before we got pregnant, we were saying that we should really try to get something else to talk about besides work. Well we got that in spades!
I so agree with you with points #2 and #3. It is a pleasure to be working at home and sharing little projects together. I chose to work from home as a marketing consultant because I wanted to be my own boss and also because of the flexibility that this solution offers me since we are parents to 2 little girls (the oldest is 4 and the newborn, only 3 months).
My husband who happens to be working at home, has is own office and we can, often discuss about our work. We love to hear each others feedbacks.
I find it hard sometimes because of the "easy distraction factor" but most of the time I enjoy this blessing of being able to set my own schedule and the quietness that offers me the fact of keeping my own child by myself not including a stranger.
Thank you for this post ! I love all about your blog and personality.
A reader from, Paris – France !
My husband and I both work from our home together on our company and his side projects. Aside from his job at an art gallery 2 days a week we are constantly together working and caring for the kids. It is quite challenging and rewarding all at the same time. We both love our life right now and wouldn't change any of it.
hahaha I love this!! You will have PLENTY to talk about, once baby arrives. Actually, you'll be wondering what else did you talk about before the baby!
Honestly, the baby will only push you a little further. Congratulations!
I totally hear you on the distraction level. We started to do no talk times, to help with this. Even by a simple non-rude signal, when the other begins to want to discuss something helps a lot.
It's so cool he has a separate office, I'm sure it works so well!! I'm thankful Peter also often works on set, so I get the desk all to myself.
x
I love hearing this Genevieve! We both occaiosnally leave as well.
xx
LaTonya
Love that family picture! So beautiful
Love this post, I needed it, thank you!
After working in open offices for year while having creative hobbies on the side, I quit my job last year to create my own business as a designer. Working alone at home wasn't that easy at first but since my boyfriend has been moving in (he's a freelancer too!), everything has been smoother! As you say at point #2, we keep bouncing ideas, inspirations, critics to each other's business and it's so necessary ! Plus, we work out together when we need to release our energy and we have that freedom to do it whenever we want during the day. It's not always easy but as you say in another post, we always remind each other that we're a team and we have the same goals.
Love from Paris, France !