Do you have a dedicated space to work?

Interview with Alaina, a nonprofit program state director

I had a dedicated space in my last place. I turned my sunroom into an office with a desk, wall calendar, cork board, and a fun chalkboard with a weekly to-do list.

I also had a vibrant accent wall that viewers could see on conference calls, and it was a great conversation starter.

I'll be honest though, many days I would end up working on my couch, but I was most productive at my desk. (Note: If your office has an accent wall, it's easy to distinguish when you are not working from your office on video calls)

I moved a few months ago, and I'm still unpacking, so I mostly work at my dining room table or on my couch.

Sometimes it's really frustrating to not have the option of that dedicated workspace, especially because I like to visually see reminders on post-it notes on the wall and seeing events on my old wall calendar.

It takes a minute to find your rhythm in a new remote position—hear how Alaina organizes her time to hit the ground running in a new remote work job.

Read full interview from Interview with Alaina, a nonprofit program state director.

Interview with Dane, a freelance writer and author with 7 published books

Yes and no.

I think my case is a little different to most because I also write books etc. in my own time, so I’m pretty much always working on something.

Because of that, my living room is basically set up as my workspace because after I finish work and my partner comes home, I switch to working on my books.

I’d love to have a dedicated office space, but at the moment I’m locked into a contract in a small studio flat and so there just aren’t enough rooms. It’s actually quite a big problem because I’m paying above average rent just for the location I live in and now that I’m no longer in full-time employment, there’s no reason for me to live here. When the contract runs out in March, the plan is to move out into the countryside where we can get a bigger house for the same price and hopefully a better quality of living.

As for my actual workspace, I basically have a desktop computer plugged into an array of screens. I have my big widescreen TV plugged into a Chromecast that I use to stream content (I watch a lot of YouTube because I take part in the “BookTube” community where people talk about books), and then my computer is plugged into three monitors.

When we move house and I can get an office sorted out, I’ll have all of my bookcases lining the walls (they currently wind throughout the house) and I’ll get an adjustable standing desk. But at the moment, I just sit on the sofa.

Dane is a freelance writer and author who works remotely, and balances client work with writing his own books.

Read full interview from Interview with Dane, a freelance writer and author with 7 published books.

Interview with Henry, a consultant who found remote work by saying No

My wife and I both work from home, so we have a dedicated home office we share. We have two desks (we each invested in those before we had kids), but only one chair.

We gave away our second office chair when we realized we wouldn't be working at the same time until our kids were much older.

Sometimes a "no" can lead to an exceptional opportunity. For Henry, that answer led to an ideal remote work career. In this interview, Henry shares his remote work tool stack, and essential tip for remote employees and managers.

Read full interview from Interview with Henry, a consultant who found remote work by saying No.

Interview with Chloe, a customer support freelancer and multi-project expert

I have a relatively small space, but I do designate a corner of it to strictly work. My environment is quiet, well lit and uncluttered.

It consists of a desk, computer, pad of paper, and a few pens and pencils (I like to color code my notes).

I feel that if you set the energy in your space, it is easier to get into that mindset.

So, I keep recreational projects and distractions away from that corner so when I sit down; I go into “work mode.”

Chloe uses the flexibility of freelancing to her advantage—see how she successfully manages multiple projects at one time.

Read full interview from Interview with Chloe, a customer support freelancer and multi-project expert.

Interview with Melissa, a co-founder and remote work champion

I like to vary it up.

I divide my time between a home office, local coffee shops with reliable wifi and a new co-working space called The Lola here in Atlanta.

They are a members-only, women's only co-working space. I love being around other smart women; it fuels me to keep going. Plus, the way they decorated this space instantly makes me feel happy and relaxed.

Melissa started Work Well Wherever to help individuals & companies embrace remote work—see how she balances entrepreneurship, parenthood, & self-care.

Read full interview from Interview with Melissa, a co-founder and remote work champion.

Interview with Vivek, an entrepreneur building a virtual office for remote teams

I keep my workspace in my bedroom. The ambient light is excellent, and I can easily step outside to take a breather and meditate.

I use this hardware for my daily routine:

• VARIDESK – height adjustable standing desk converter
• BenQ 32" 4K monitor
• Apple Magic Keyboard
• Evoluent VM4R vertical mouse
• Rain Design mStand

The long San Francisco commute sent Vivek into remote work—hear about his three strategies for eliminating distractions & his must-have tools.

Read full interview from Interview with Vivek, an entrepreneur building a virtual office for remote teams.

Interview with Kristi, a CEO and remote team leader

Yes—I have a wonderful tiny office/library in Israel that's filled with framed prints, photos of loved ones, running medals (all participation!), and tchotchkes from my global travels. When we're in the San Juan Islands north of Seattle, I've got a large, less-cluttered room to work out of with a view of the sea.

Kristi is a CEO, remote work author, and speaker. In this interview, she shares the impact of new motherhood and remote team leadership on her work.

Read full interview from Interview with Kristi, a CEO and remote team leader.

Interview with Vaishali, a content marketer and a productivity tool expert

Yes. I have a home office and a dedicated desk where I work. It is comfortable with a desk, a cozy chair, and some decor. I have painted it bright and light colors, so it feels fresh.

I get ready as if I am going to an office each day. Fortunately, I can just walk to my office without needing to travel.

I find I am more productive and in work-mode when I am in my office.

Vaishali persevered until she found the right remote work job for her lifestyle—check out how she uses productivity tools and time management strategies to stay productive.

Read full interview from Interview with Vaishali, a content marketer and a productivity tool expert.

Interview with Gino, a founder skilled in building remote teams

I do, but I didn’t always.

I have to say, the difference between having a dedicated space for work and working out of your living room, for example, is drastic.

At least for me, it has proven to be one of the most important factors when working remotely. I know not everyone can afford to have an extra room at home that is exclusively used as an office, but that’s why I make sure I live in areas where I can comfortably afford to have dedicated space in the house that is just set up as my office. The difference in productivity for me is considerable.

Gino realized how important remote work could be to finding the best talent—see his strategies for building remote teams.

Read full interview from Interview with Gino, a founder skilled in building remote teams.

Interview with Kay, an independent software consultant who found freedom in remote work

I don't have a dedicated space to work.

I work from where I am, sometimes at home, sometimes at one of my partners flats, sometimes in a coffeeshop or library.

Mostly I work with a MacBook Pro, which can do everything I need for work. I also carry around a few iOS and Android devices for testing purposes.

Learn how Kay made the jump from full-time employee to full-time remote consultant

Read full interview from Interview with Kay, an independent software consultant who found freedom in remote work.