Do You have a Dedicated Work Space?

When I first started out as a mortgage broker, I had to move from working in a structured office space out of my home to working from my home. 

I was very excited to be able to stay in my jammies all day and work when, when and how I wanted. I would sit at my kitchen table or on the couch with my laptop open and the TV on in the background. I did not have a designated space in my tiny house to work and I liked it that way.

Until I didn't. 

The lines blurred between my work life and my home life. I couldn't shut down and walk away from my work because it was staring me in the face all time. It became easy to just open my laptop while I was eating supper to just “reply to that one email" or “finish that pre-approval”.

My home was no longer that place I came to after a long day at work to rest and recharge. There was no structure and it was getting tired really fast.

I ended up going back into an office setting outside of the home for a few years and I did like it. However, I did miss the freedom and flexibility along with the cost savings of working from home.

So I had to find a way to achieve the balance and structure I so craved while enjoying the freedom and flexibility I knew I needed.

This is where designing a dedicated work space in my home became paramount. I needed a space where when I walked into the room I was in work mode. This also allowed me to separate my work from my personal life so that my home could remain my home.

Having a dedicated space to work is crucial to your long term success as a business owner. It is also crucial for your personal relationships and your mental and emotional health. 

You should look at creating a space that you enjoy coming into and working. A comfy chair, some pictures that you like and colors that encourage energy and productivity. 

It should also have a door that you can close during work hours so that your family knows you are working, but also so that you can leave the space when your work day day is done.

I've worked from home the majority of the 21 years that I have been in this business. As I moved houses it was a priority to have a dedicated office space on the main floor or upstairs (I cannot work in a basement-I need light and big windows).

I recently renovated my office to make sure the colors bring me joy, the chair is comfy and the desk is functional for what I need. I have two screens (an absolute must) and the wallpaper behind me looks great for zoom calls and social media reels.

Do you have a dedicated work space? Send me a picture if you do!

Renee