When you work as a sole trader, you can be anywhere that is comfortable. Creating an outdoor space and taking a backlit laptop or notebook outside to work allows you to experience the fresh air and sunshine instead of being cooped up in the house or office all day. These days there are many different styles of outdoor furniture that are comfortable and convenient. Your outside office chair can be made of wicker, rattan or boat wood from Indonesia or Bali.
Many people start their own small business from their homes – sometimes even using a corner of the dining room table for their office until they get the business going. Often they are happy to stay small, but in other the business increases beyond their wildest dreams and before they know it they’ve had to employ staff and move to a larger office.
However, there are many benefits to remaining a sole trader who doesn’t employ staff. It suits some people to continue to work alone from their home and use the internet as a way of contacting their clients. A big benefit is that you can organise your work schedule around your life and can be at home to care for children, or for when the children come home from school.
When working outside, be sure to add a comfortable chair and a small table for the office supplies and you are set for a day working in a beautiful outdoor office with sun and shade, fresh air and greenery to enjoy. Just because you are working doesn’t mean you have to be inside, or be sitting on a computer chair all the time. Even just taking work outdoors for an hour will rejuvenate your senses and make you feel refreshed and invigorated.
An indoors home office can also be set up however you like it when you work for yourself from home. Make sure it is a pleasant place that is uncluttered and has everything you need at your fingertips, including –
- Phone
- Fax
- Printer
- Paper
- Pens
- Computer
- File storage
- An indoor potted plant
- A comfortable chair away from the computer
The plant will help to keep the air fresh and adds that important touch of greenery to the decor. Studies have shown that people who have a plant or two around them are happier and healthier. Having a comfortable chair to relax in between work sessions will help to prevent backaches, headaches and other aches and pains you get from sitting still for long hours at a computer.
There are many opportunities these days for working from home as a sole trader, so if you’ve been laid off and can’t seem to get another job, consider working for yourself instead. It can be fun as well.
