Each day in August I’m saying “thank you” to one person/place/thing that’s helped define who I am and where I am today. I’m encouraging each of you to participate on your own blog. and if you’re the hashtag type, we’re using #31ty on Twitter.
Dear Office,
I used to hate going into an office. I loathed the routine of getting up in the morning, showering, grabbing a cup of coffee, sitting in traffic and listening to talk radio on the commute into work.
The routine got old very fast – and by the ripe old age of 24, I had enough. I told myself that someday I’d have a job that didn’t require me to come into an office every day. That someday, I could work at home from my PJs while watching Saved by the Bell reruns.
And well, that day came much sooner than expected. As I left the corporate world and began my journey as an entrepreneur, I had more freedom than I knew what to do with.
I actually had TOO MUCH freedom. I quickly learned that working in PJs while watching Saved by the Bell wasn’t actually all-that productive. That I needed to find a dedicated work space. And that especially, as my company (Proof) continued to grow, it was extremely important to have a place that we could not only meet with clients, but more importantly, a place to work from, a place to collaborate with others…
And most important of all, a place to leave my work behind at the end of the day.
I’m still working on that last part. But I’m getting there. Today, my office (aka “The Distillery”) is a place I love coming into. Maybe it’s because it’s the office of the company I helped start – but it’s a place where, as they say, “the magic happens”. We write proposal, sign clients, think creativley, listen to music, eat Oatmeal Cream Pies, drink beers, and shake hands with clients.
Having an office has helped our business exponentially in just two short months since signing the lease.
But more importantly, it’s helped me get an important piece of my personal life back. That piece that used to leave work at work. I’m establishing what everyone always preaches about and craves: balance. My work is a huge part of my life, but it isn’t my life. I have my office to thank for reminding me of that each and every day when I pack things up and head home.
So here’s to you, office, and all the meetings and memories you’ll continue to be a part of for years to come.
Signed, your loyal tenant,
Matt