Today’s blog features Jenny’s workspace as part of my Home/Work project. I visited Jenny at her home in February to photograph her way of working from home as a virtual assistant. Part office, part closet, her son calls her workspace the ‘Cloffice’.
What type of business do you run?
Virtual assistant – supporting small businesses with PA/admin support.
When did you start working from home full-time?
Nearly 5 years ago
What made you decide to work from home rather than in premises off site?
I had the space to do it in my garden which had a office in the half converted garage already. Unfortunately the wifi signal in the office wasn’t good so moved upstairs, so pleased I did as it has a beautiful view! Mainly the cost of an office and I have room at home to be able to. I often have to visit clients offices so that gets me out of home if I need to. Also means that I can get home stuff done around working for my clients too which is vital when juggling so many hats.
What do you like best about working from home?
Being able to have the flexibility to arrange my own work / life fusion!
Are there any difficulties in working from home?
Getting distracted by getting home stuff done, my husband sometimes chooses to share my desk and broadband can be slower than working in an office.
What is your favourite feature of your workspace?
My view of the river and my things around me to encourage work.
To find out more about Jenny’s work visit www.pa-angels.co.uk or connect with her on Twitter: www.twitter.com/pa_angels or Facebook: www.facebook.com/paangels1
Home/Work is my current project documenting people who work from home. ‘Home’ is a recurring theme in my work – I am fascinated by our interactions with objects and spaces, particularly our homes, and with the number of home workers on the increase I thought this would be fascinating to investigate.
According to the Office for National Statistics, “There were 4.2 million home workers in January-March 2014, or 13.9% of those in work. This was the highest rate of home working since comparable records began in 1998.” Visit www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/lmac/characteristics-of-home-workers/2014/sty-home-workers.html for further information on these statistics.
I am hoping to photograph the workspaces of lots of different people, working in a wide range of industries, but all of whom work from their home or within the grounds of their home. I am interested in how people create these workspaces and how the lines between home and work are defined or blurred. If you work from home and are interested in participating in the project please get in touch!