The best thing about working from home is I don’t have to share an office with anyone. I have set up a lovely spot under the window in our bedroom where I write for a whole of host of clients, including myself. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve met some of my closest friends working in offices, but the freedom of being in my own space is something I relish.
Recently, my eldest girl needed some of her own space too, so we decided she’d move into the small office my husband works in. It has been a wonderful move for her and the family as a whole. She loves it.
The only problem is my husband became office-less. So, he moved his desk into our already cramped bedroom and now I am no longer alone.
We now share an “office”. We are separated by our bed. This also does not bode well seeing that he is a man and the simple fact there is a bed between us makes him want to use it. If you get my drift.
Anyway, the whole situation is going to take some time to get used to. And it’s made me think of ways to get him out.
Here’s my tips on: How (Not) To Share An Office
1) Sing. I didn’t realise how much I actually sing to myself.
2) Type loudly. Apparently, I’m a “loud, fast typer”. Who knew?
3) Talk about blogging A LOT. A simple statement about a WordPress plug-in, made my husband hit back with an extended discussion about aperture and depth of field. He’s a photographer. My ears close over when he gets technical.
4) Read everything you write out loud. I find it impossible to edit my writing without reading it to myself, sometimes over and over. I may have to ask him to leave the room.
5) Fart often. Not only do I like to fart, I like to congratulate myself on sound and odour. I think it’s important to congratulate yourself on the small things in life. And I obviously don’t get out enough.
6) Make weird sounds. When I’m not farting or burping. I spontaneously, without reason, make weird sounds. Bling, brrrrr, weeee, la la la. I’m sure it is borderline crazy, yet it helps me write.
7) Clean stuff. I am a very anal person when it comes to my work desk. I also procrastinate A LOT. The two go hand-in-hand. It could be annoying for those who prefer to live like they are in squatting in slum conditions (that would be Twiggy).
8) Pick your nose/ear. It’s weird how often I pick at pimples etc without realising it. Now, I’m sharing my space I am very self conscious of the things I do. And don’t get me started on my husband.
9) Google/Facebook/Twitter. I seriously spend much of my dedicated “working time” internet surfing. It’s awkward looking at photos of Matt Damon when your husband can look over your shoulder.
10) Look at the bed. Sometimes I like to nap when my husband thinks I’m working. Now, I can’t even glance in the direction of the bed without him thinking we are going to have sex.
I don’t think this sharing an office thing is going to work!
What annoys you about sharing an office?
bigwords x
Hi, I'm Bianca Wordley, I write about life.
I sing to myself too – I used to do it when I worked open plan and honestly had no idea till I left and my colleges said that they were going miss my singing! (which was pretty generous considering that I can’t actually sing!) xx
I absolutely have to read things out loud too. To edit, and sometimes to think of the right word, too. Sometimes, depending on the word I’m seeking, there’s also an accompanying action.
And I absolutely totally could not share an office with my husband. He’d agree.
Nothing worthwhile to add…just.laughing.so.much! My current writing ‘workspace’ is the arm of one of our sofas. I know this needs fixing as I’m tired of sharing my office with everyone (and having to hear Peppa Pig whilst writing a serious health report – Peppa is annoyingly compelling!)
Peppa is annoyingly compelling! Hope you find a better office space soon – one with cake. xx
Funny! I also have to self-censor when I’m writing in the presence of others – cretins! don’t they understand the creative process goes hand in hand with weird noises and singing??