Join us for the next installment of our “From My Desk” section, featuring Kelly, who shares her tips and joys from when she left the formal office environment and started remote work.
Thank you Kelly for sharing your story to inspire others with your ideas!
From my desk – Kelly’s story:
I started working remotely a few years ago. At first, it was just an experiment to see if I could be more productive outside a traditional office. What began as a “let’s see what happens…” arrangement soon became my preferred way of working.
The flexibility, lack of commuting, and ability to create
my ideal work environment made it hard to go back. Did I mention the joy of no more commuting? Wow – that was such a big bonus. The amount of time that I saved each day not having to sit in traffic was fantastic. The freedom that comes from working in your own space is wonderful!
A Peek at My Workspace
My home office is a small, cozy space. My desk is quite minimalist, and I have a great, comfortable chair and a second monitor that makes multitasking easier. I keep the setup simple—just the essentials—so I don’t get distracted. A large window next to my desk lets in plenty of natural light, which keeps me energized throughout the day.
To make my workspace feel personal, I have a small shelf with a few books, a plant, and a framed photo of a place I love visiting. These little touches make the space feel warm and inviting.
Favorite office item
One of my favorite items in my workspace are my noise-canceling headphones. They were a game changer once I bought them. They help me focus by blocking out distractions. Whether it’s a neighbor mowing their lawn or general household noise, they make all the difference. I also use them for virtual meetings, and the sound quality is awesome.
Remote Work Challenges
At first, I did struggle a bit with the lack of separation between work and personal life. But, over time, I figured out ways to make it work for me and found so much joy in the freedom of remote work.
One of the biggest challenges I faced early on was structuring my day effectively. Without the natural breaks of an office environment, I found myself working too much or getting sidetracked.
To fix this, I implemented a few simple habits:
- Morning routine: I start my day as if I’m going to the office—getting dressed, making coffee, and setting my goals for the day.
- Dedicated work hours: I stick to a schedule with clear start and stop times. But I do allow myself flexibility when needed to deal with the random things that life can spring on you some days.
- Breaks and movement: I take regular breaks, go for a short walk, or stretch to avoid burnout. I love the cup below as a good reminder!
My advice for anyone setting up a home office? Invest in a good chair and create a routine that works for you! Add some personal touches that make your workspace feel comfortable. It’s all about finding what helps you stay productive while maintaining balance.
We have a link here to see some of the items that Kelly has recommended. These favorite home office items will help to make your office space a great remote working experience.
