On the other hand, if your business is just starting out, don’t jump to the conclusion that you need an office space. You might incur a lot of unnecessary expenses that you could put toward a lot of other useful things like marketing, a solid web site, a good business coach, or just socking it away for a rainy day.
Personality
Finally, consider your personality. Introverts tend to do quite well working from home, but you should actively work to get out of the house sometimes. Extroverts tend to do well working in an environment where other people are milling about.
Deciding whether to rent an office space or work from home can be a big decision, but taking the right pros and cons into account, you can make the best decision for you and for your business.
Do you rent or work from home? Do you like working with others or on your own? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Decisions Decisions 🙂
Thanks Susan
Nice article. I am a freelance mechanical design engineer, I design all sorts of process equipment for the engineering, food and pharma industries. I have been working from a home office for a long time and it works for me. I love being freelance but I am always on the edge of taking on an office and staff, but I love the freedom of being freelance. I am very productive from a whole room properly fitted out as a modern office and I have a very understanding and supportive wife. I have kids and pets but don’t get too many distractions. I would like an office but I spend that much time working that working from home with my family around means I don’t feel like I’m missing out on being with them as much. I get to have breaks and have lunch with my wife and 2 year old daughter which is nice….my big decision is whether I stay freelance or start to expand…..
This is a great read. I agree with your recommendation. Renting an office space or work from home can either be both advantageous and disadvantageous for your business, that’s why before deciding on which one to choose, you should always consider a lot of factors first like is it ideal for your business? Does your business needs an office space? etc. The factors stated on the article should be part of the consideration.
For someone that has always worked from home maybe renting a small office is a way for to become more productive because you’re paying rent and you’re not going to waste your time there. You’re going to be more focused, have a plan, have goals, etc. Working from home provides lots of opportunities to waste time and be unproductive. If you’re honest there’s always stuff to do when you’re at home that gets in the way of productivity.
I love this article thanks. I work from home, and I seem to have a personality that allows me to put boundaries around housework etc. However, I don’t have young children – older ones who are mainly out.
The good hing about working from home is that there is no wasted time – saying hello to people you share office with/walking or driving to office. I can work from home fro 2 hours – get heaps done and then choose to see a friend and go to gym. Get back home and do another 2 hours. I find home very productive.
Helpful article, this will help many freelancer especially here in the Philippines
Impressive share.Helpful for many freelancers
I sure liked it when you said that renting an office space is better than working at home because it will ensure the person that they are away from in-home distractions that can stop them from working peacefully. I guess that was the reason why my hubby asked me to look for an office space he can rent. I wouldn’t be surprised that he would ask for something like that since he can’t ignore the kids when they come to him. Anyway, thanks!
Hi Emery, I’m not sure I would say that renting an office space is ALWAYS better than working from home. I myself work from home and prefer it quite a bit. I do have a home office specifically for working, so I am able to separate work from personal. But for some, having a dedicated work space outside the home is a necessity. What works for you is probably specific and unique to your situation.
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My advice to new entrepreneurs is to definitely start from office space and move into your own office as your team grows. And when you do move into your own office be prepared to deal with all the responsibilities and decisions that getting your own space means.
Excellent blog. I loves the way you distinguished between office space versus work from home pros and cons. Looking forward blogs in future
Thanks 🙂
Well articulated. Keep the good work up.
Thanks for pointing out that having a rental office would keep me away from distractions when working. I’m thinking about being a full-time freelance writer and I do get in the zone to write when a certain ambiance is set around me. I hope I could find a rental office just a train station or two away from home so I wouldn’t have to venture that far.