Buzz
If you're experiencing a pay cut or trying to build up a savings cushion, the idea of living in your office might cross your mind. This choice can help you avoid the high costs of rent or homeownership. Other motivations for office living include convenience, reduced commuting expenses, more sleep (since you can wake up right before work), and improved overall health.
Steps
Before deciding to move out of your home, spend a few nights in your office on different days of the week. This will help you assess potential issues such as noise, nighttime security concerns, or comfort issues like whether the air conditioning or heating is switched off at night.
Figure out the amount of personal space you'll have and decide which items you plan to keep. Consider selling off the rest to help cover the costs associated with this unconventional living arrangement.
Your car can serve as a storage space for some of your belongings, like clothes or non-perishable food items.
Consider purchasing a compact refrigerator for use in your office.
Get a Crock Pot for easy meal preparation while you're at the office.
Locate a nearby laundromat for your laundry needs.
Adjust your sleep schedule to stay under the radar. You might want to sleep in the early evening after work, allowing you enough time to shower and dress before anyone arrives at the office in the morning.
Find a place where you can shower. If your workplace has a gym, that's perfect. Alternatively, look for an affordable gym membership or a local community pool that offers showers.
You might need a P.O. Box or a reliable friend who can receive your mail for you.
Be discreet about your living situation. While living in your office might not be illegal, it's not something you'd want to broadcast to your coworkers or employer, as it's generally not looked upon favorably.
Use this situation to save extra money for unexpected events, like losing your job.
One downside to this arrangement is if you're single, you'll face the awkwardness of inviting a date to your "home".
-
Consider the advantages: no homeownership responsibilities, protection from job loss worries (since you can quickly create a solid emergency fund), and the convenience of avoiding traffic.
-
Focus on the positives in your life: you're lucky to have a place to stay and give up relatively little. Always try to see the glass as half full rather than half empty.
Warnings
- If you unexpectedly lose your job, you'll also lose your living situation. It's essential to have a backup plan in place. Ideally, this plan will help you accumulate a financial cushion, making job loss easier to handle.
