Although one of the greatest things about being a freelance writer is that you work from home (or the library, or the Starbucks, or the co-working group), this same situation can indeed be a disadvantage, too. In fact, I’ve seen and worked with a number of freelancers who choose to leave the home office, and go out, and find a space to call home. Why?
Why would a writer, who gets to deduct from their taxes all that dedicated office space (think heat, plumbing, electric, care, attention, yup- all deductible if you have a dedicated home office space), give up that great big write off, and elect to instead take on a rent payment (my area=$300 per month for a little hole in the wall)? Is it worth it? Why would it be worth it?
Well, it is for some writers and freelancers, and here are some reasons why:
- You need to store things. Maybe you’ve published a book, and you’re an author now, in addition to a freelance writer. Maybe you’ve got a stack of self-published items, or review copies from your publisher, and your husband doesn’t like them in your garage. Or maybe, you're some kind of review writer who has equipment and products constantly flowing in the house. Having items to store can definitely move a writer out of the home and into the office.
- You’re not being productive. Maybe you’ve got small children who you need to/want to interact with, despite having a sitter or a nanny. Or maybe you’re one of those people who can’t work in a messy house (that’s me, my morning routine is to go through the house and pick up all the debris that was forgotten in the school rush). Maybe the laundry knows you’re in your office… Who knows? But if having a small place to go helps you out of those distractions, it might be worth it.
- You can no longer relax. Even when the kids come home from school, and you know your day is done, you find yourself wandering toward the office, just for one more little check of the email. If you can’t separate work time from family time, think twice about that home office.
- You cater to local clients, and are sick of meeting them in coffee shops. Perhaps you don’t want to bring clients to your home. I get it. It’s either too personal, or maybe you don’t carry the right insurance. If you are constantly pushing your clients away from meeting in your home, then it might be time to get an office.
- You begin hiring others. I currently have a very available translator on my staff (I offer translation services in addition to writing services). Were I to need him in person, day after day, it would certainly be easier and more comfortable for both of us if we had a small office to go to. Same goes for hiring an intern or an administrative assistant.
- You’re lonely. Working at home was heaven at first, but now you’re just kind of over it. You find yourself making random phone calls, or showing up early to pick up the kids so you can gossip with the other parents. If you’re lonely during the day, and that’s a distraction, renting an office may be helpful.
- You’re lacking respect. Someone’s not giving you your due, even though you’re making the money and handling the clients. ..for some reason this person’s opinion matters, and they’re not viewing your career as the legitimate undertaking that it is. If having an office away from your bed and TV lends credibility in that person’s eyes, go for it!
