One of the many reasons people choose to go freelance is the opportunity it brings to break free from the routine of the 9-5 and the formalities of the traditional office set-up. Well, the pandemic has certainly shaken things up and freelancers are joined by thousands of more workers who have taken to a remote working solution.
When you’re freelance, or you work remotely, you get to choose when, where and how you work. But whilst these freedoms are often seen as the perks of the job, sometimes these are also the very things that can lead you to feel disconnected from the rest of the working world. In some cases, it can also make you feel less productive, as you long for the structure of a normal working day.
So What Should You Do? Give Up Freelancing?
No, not necessarily. This may just mean it’s time to start looking at some other options about where and how you work… Like making the choice to rent an office or coworking space, so that you can keep all the flexibility and freedom of being freelance while becoming more connected and tuned-in to the rhythms of the everyday workplace.
The Trouble with Working From Home
Working from home – it’s the dream, isn’t it? And yet the reality of negotiating your work life and home life all under one roof can be difficult. Remember this?
It can also affect the amount of work you’re able to get done. After all, it’s easy to get distracted by household chores. Being at home also means that others might expect you to be more available than someone who goes to the office during typical working hours, which can prove frustrating.
The major benefits of leaving your home behind and going to your very own office is how it creates the routine of the normal working day for you — and sets boundaries for others and their expectations of you during working hours.
Renting an Office Can Boost Your Productivity
Many freelancers find that when they work in an office environment, they feel more productive and able to go home at the end of the day feeling satisfied and able to switch off. Obviously, there are financial implications of choosing to work in a shared office space. But perhaps consider that having a place to go and be productive without interruptions from neighbours, relatives, friends and delivery drivers as an investment into your business – and something that could quite easily pay for itself over time. If you’re thinking about moving out of your home office, another thing to be aware of is that the costs associated with renting office space, including rent and bills, furniture and even stationery are usually all tax-deductible. For more advice on calculating this type of business expense, we recommend speaking to an accountant.
It Can Also Boost Confidence in Your Business…
…And we don’t just mean from your client’s perspective. Although, visiting you at an office in a business centre rather than meeting at your home office or a coffee shop is bound to impress. But more than this, by taking the leap and renting your own office space, you’re showing confidence and conviction in yourself, and readiness to take the next step to grow your business.
If you’d like to find out more about renting an office space at one of our many business centres, please get in touch here.