Freelance Writing Tip: Keep a Comfortable Office
As a freelance writer it is important to be comfortable at all times. While it can be difficult to stay comfortable if you work in an outside office, most freelance writers have the luxury of working at home. That being said, I receive regular emails from writers who are finding it difficult to settle in for one reason or the next.
There are three things that are very important to your comfort as a freelance writer:
1. The right temperature. If you are cold you will find it difficult to concentrate. To go along with this, have you ever tried typing when your hands, fingers, and wrists are cold? If so, you know just how difficult this can be. Of course, you can cause just as many problems if you become overheated. Do whatever it takes to keep a comfortable temperature at all times.
2. A comfortable chair. When I first started working as a freelance writer I was using an old wooden chair with a seat pad. This worked for a few months, but soon enough my back was cramping up midday and I was losing my concentration because of the discomfort. Shortly thereafter I purchased a large, padded chair for $75 and have been comfortable ever since. This may sound like a big purchase, but it is one you will definitely enjoy. Take it from me: this is not something you want to skimp on. Buy a quality office chair early in your career and it will keep you comfortable for years to come.
3. Make it easy to get what you need. All the supplies and documents that I need on a regular basis are kept within reaching distance. This includes highlighters, invoices, my printer and much more. You don’t want to find yourself leaving your desk on a regular basis; this will break your concentration.
How comfortable is your home office? If you follow the three tips above it is safe to say that your office will be comfortable, for the most part. And while many think a comfortable office is overrated, I can assure you this is not the case.
December 23rd, 2008 at 11:56 am
Aye carumba. When I started my business I was confined to a bedroom in a farm house – the only place I could get peace. This meant being hunched over the laptop, cross-legged on my bed! During a brief stint on the other side of the country, I had a desk. Mercy me, I had a desk! It was bliss. I felt like a 6 year old on take your kid to work day! And I got so much done. Now I’m back in Toronto, cramped in a tiny 1 bedroom apartment and sitting on the only available sitting surface: The couch. My back kills me.
I dream one day of a desk and chair.
Wendy
December 23rd, 2008 at 1:16 pm
just being comfortable and ergonomic while working increases the productivity a lot! A comfortable chair is one thing, but it’s also good to have a keyboard tray and monitor arm to relax the shoulders and neck.
Dang laptops are awful ergonomically!
December 23rd, 2008 at 7:08 pm
I totally agree! I just went freelance and my neck gets os stiff when I work via in bed! Its just healthier to make a little workstation, and yeah, ergonomics can be expensive, but I know I got this office chair, its called an Aeron and its like the best in ergonomically-designed chairs, at this site preownedaerons.com and it totally helps.
December 24th, 2008 at 9:40 am
It looks like I am not the only one who believes in a comfortable chair! This is definitely one item that will better your career while increasing productivity.
December 27th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Great post! i especially found it useful where you started. Good job! Thanks for the tips!
December 28th, 2008 at 2:09 am
No kidding, a good office makes a huge difference. If now I could only get in the habit of removing clutter. “The office” has become a waystation for every household object that was not put away!