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A new career, a new office
Posted on August 28th, 2009 12 commentsLast weekend, I cleaned out my office.
Wait, I should back up. Many of you know that when I moved, I had plans of starting my own business. This did not come to fruition for a few reasons, and I ended up looking for full-time work instead. Although I am armed with a great education and experience in my field, finding work was not so easy. I felt the impact of the recession first hand and have spent the last 7 months unemployed. But I was the busiest unemployed person you could find, constantly applying for jobs, meeting with everyone in my field I could, and often working pro-bono for them, just to get a foot in the door. All the networking and volunteering I’ve done has actually led to something new. Bit by bit, I am starting my own business - beginning with freelance consulting work. I know there is potential on the horizon for a new small business idea to turn into a reality as I’m already seeing a lot of interest from people in the community. Actually, lots of communities. I will be vague about it for now, but I am excited about the plethora of opportunities that I think this fall and winter will bring.
So, I need to make some changes. Changes to the way I budget, changes to my financial plans in general, and changes to my financial record keeping. I have to think a lot about how to budget and make spending/saving plans without a consistent income. I have to keep careful records for tax purposes. I have to find a good way of organizing my time. And I have to budget my time, and keep track of my time so I know what projects are paying me a good return on my investment, and also so that I know when I deserve to have a break (when I manage my own time I tend to feel as though I should always be working, and I want to be able to say - “I’ve worked X hours this week, so I deserve to take Sunday off”.)
First things first, I reorganized my office. Er, that is, I organized my office.
Here’s the before picture - how embarrassing! The entire desk had turned into a “do it later” dumping ground over the last couple of months.
After: Much better! And I’ve managed to keep it perfectly organized all week.
(Can you spot Gail?)
By the way, cats *love* it when you do this kind of reorganizing. Everything is a game.
I’d also been keeping some packaging materials around thinking that they would come in handy for reorganizing, and they did! For example, I discovered that boxes containing cotton swabs are actually perfect for storing delicate paint brushes.
Do you work from home? Are you self-employed? How do you keep organized?
12 responses to “A new career, a new office”
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Love this post!!!!
It speaks to perseverance, staying true to oneself, patience, creativity, resourcefulness, and optimism (which isn’t easy when you’ve been out of work for 7 months).
Congratulations on creating your own (authentic) life . It’s going to be the best adventure ever.
Your office is awesome! I bet you feel so much better in your new space. Time to clean up mine a little, too! Butternut is showing her fierce side…love it! -
I am embarking on a working from home / self-employment adventure. So far, though, any efforts at keeping organized are roundly thwarted by my children. For me it’s even that much MORE important to keep surfaces clean and free of clutter.
As I type this, my baby has gotten into my box of business cards and is throwing them everywhere. I’m allowing it because it’s keeping him entertained enough that I can type. But again, I should have just put the box AWAY!
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Hi there-well done,the after version is great-do keep up the good work and best of luck with your work plans too!
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Saver Queen August 28th, 2009 at 11:31
Thank you SO much for the kind words and supportive messages.
Amber, your post is SO funny. Hilarious to think of your baby pulling out the business cards as you write about self-employment organization. Priceless.
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I’m a long time reader finally coming out of the woodwork and I just wanted to add that I not only spotted Gail, but what I’m assuming is a Capt. Picard figure?!? If so, bonus points for working Star Trek into your workspace =).
Also, your cat seems to be just as ‘helpful’ as mine are. -
Saver Queen August 28th, 2009 at 12:36
Kristen, congrats on being the first person to spot Gail AND Captain Picard! Lol. The tiny items sitting next to him are his tri-corder and his flute (remember that episode?)
For your sharp eye, you win… a great big (virtual) hug!
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Good luck on your new venture.. sounds like you are off to a great start! I have worked from home now for over 11 years with my own business and it’s very important to stay organized. For me it’s just a matter of making sure everything I need has it’s place on my desk or filing cabinet. I store only what I have to keep and all other papers/magazines etc get recycled. I started this business when my daugther was 6 mths so that I could be home with her and it’s by far the best thing I have ever done. Of course it was difficult at first but little by little my business grew and became more secure. All the best to you SQ and thanks for your informative posts.
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Catherine August 28th, 2009 at 14:22
Hi SQ ~ Congratulations on your new endeavour! Time will tell the story. I think you will be a huge success at whatever you choose to do, and everyone in your path will be all the richer for the experience.
I just read your blog and first thing I noticed (yes even on the messy desk) was Jean Luc! How neat! Although, I must admit hubby and I were original Trekkies ala James Tiberius Kirk and Mr. Spock :o) Guess that ages us LOL.
Love the pic of Butternut. Cats are such wonderful companions and give the best hugs.
Looking forward to more blogs! -
Congratulations on your new venture! I wish you all the best and I could spot Gail as well. And your office looks great
Take care!
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Catherine August 29th, 2009 at 09:20
SQ~
Could you check out your August 29 ‘comment’ button? I tried to leave one and it won’t let me. Thanks! -
psychsarah August 30th, 2009 at 21:42
I’m loving the “spot the Gail” game and your kitty’s contribution to cleaning up-looks so much like mine when I’m trying to do something in my office.
Best of luck with your new endeavour-you seem to be such a thoughtful, organized, creative and hardworking individual, I’m sure you’ll define success for yourself, and then achieve it!
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Way to go Saverqueen! It’s amazing how good you feel in an organized room! I know for me ideas flow better, there is a calmness about my activities, and I feel accomplished having completed the work in a well organized room!
All the best on your new ventures! I look forward to hearing about your newest adventures!
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