Andrea Cooley Creative Services

I’ve had fairly steady freelance projects for about the last month and I’m learning some things about working at home. I’ve also finally settled into our office (seen above). Before I was working at home, the “office” was Adam’s domain. He had a fancy set up with a stand for his laptop, a wireless keyboard and mouse, and his computer books. The first few months I was home, I resisted moving into the office. I think I felt like settling in would make the reality of being laid off too permanent. So when I wanted to work I would camp out at the dining room table, or on the sofa, even in the bedroom. Anything to avoid unpacking my boxes and sitting at the desk.

But then I started getting more projects to work on and slowly started migrating toward the desk. It just made sense. That was where the paper (and most importantly the post-its), the printer, the pens, and all that other work-related stuff was. So now I’ve set up camp and some nights when Adam comes home he looks at the desk area and just shakes his head (as you can see, I tend to pile things up and spread things out). If it drives him crazy, he’s good about holding his tongue. For now we’ll make this work. I’m still looking for full time work. I really miss the comradry of working in an office with a team, but I’m thankful for things to work on in the meantime.

Here are the things I love and hate about working at home:
Love: When I have a deadline I can buckle down and get things done without being interrupted by meetings, random phone calls, and countless e-mails to respond to.

Hate: There’s no one to talk to about the results of Dancing with the Stars or the season finale of Lost

Love: I can do three loads of laundry while working

Hate: It’s easy to get distracted by the sunshine, the dirty dishes, dusting, you name it. I know I could close the door, but then I’m really confined to this little room

Love: If I want to, I can take my laptop out on the balcony and work on a nice day.

Hate: Waiting for the next project. You know me, I like to be busy, to have things to check off my list. And sometimes there’s not anything to work on and I need to be OK with that and enjoy the down time.

Love: I can go for a run anytime I want to!

Anyone else who works at home have pros and cons to share?