It is important to know where and how you work.
In the modern age of knowledge workers, the question of where and how we work has become…complicated.
Why is this complication?
Two words: Remote work.
Remote work is something that some people love. Like this guy.
Jason Fried is the man who wrote the book about remote work. It’s called Remote and was a New York Times bestseller.
Some people are opposed to remote work. Like Marissa Mayer.
She was criticized for forbidding Yahoo employees from working remotely. While many people called her decision an “epic failure in policy,” others called it smart.
Since then, the internet has been abuzz about the issue.
Do you see what I mean by “super important” or “complicated?”
Remote work is here to stay, whether you like it or not. Remote work will continue as long as there are knowledge workers and WiFi. People can work from basements, living rooms, or Tahitian beaches.
To make a point, I offer this brief introduction about the foes and friends of remote work.
Why?
Remote work is a choice that can be made by those who wish to prove their case. It’s the whole guilty-until-proven-innocent thing. You must prove that remote work is more productive, creative, skilled, and attractive than cubicle-dwelling colleagues.
This article will show you how.
(Minus the more attractive thing. Good luck.
1. Find a place to work.
Remote work is becoming more common. Many businesses are taking advantage of the growing remote workforce. What does this all mean for you?
You can find a coworking space or office space if you move from a large or mid-sized city.
You might be able to build a shed or something if you don’t live in a large or mid-sized city. My brother-in law actually built a beautiful shed in his backyard which functions as a small office.
Why is it important to have a designated spot for work?
It is important to draw boundaries between work and home, as home tasks can easily become work tasks and vice versa. Although we may never achieve the “work/life balance”, we can at least give our work tasks their own place.
You have the ability to control your work space by having a dedicated spot. Instead of having to deal with clutter on the kitchen table or arranging crayons for your children’s play, you can arrange file folders and white boards, printers, and other paraphernalia that will improve your workflow.
Another perk is productivity. The physical space of a dedicated workspace allows you to focus on the task at hand.
Google “remote offices center” to find or rent office space near you.
These coworking spaces are plentiful in my small city of South Carolina. Although the map below only shows three dots, there are many coworking and collaborative offices in the area.
Regus has many office spaces around the world, and I have rented an office from them. I liked the pre-furnished option, global locations (I love to travel), and close proximity to my home.
2. Locate a protected area.
Remote work is not complete without enclosure.
What does enclosure mean? I refer to an office with walls.
According to Lifehack, privacy, quietness and additional space are the main benefits. Personalization is an important part of enclosed office spaces.
Lifehack’s research shows that workers in enclosed offices are happier and report less frustration.
This sounds like a great way for you to get your remote work groove on.
3. Find a chair that will make you proud.
Your overall work is affected by your chair.
There are two schools that think about the whole sitting thing.
You can sit and work.
Stand and work.

They can be quite frightening.
To circumvent