Starting this summer as a AN1 and curious if I should have a designated WFH spot in my apt or just use the generic space in my building to WFH. Apt is a bit on the smaller side so a WFH set up would take up a considerable amount of space
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I find working in my apartment more convenient. It gives you flexibility to get up and grab a drink out of the refrigerator or do household chores when you have some downtime. Although, I suggest you try and keep your desk outside your bedroom. Invest in a good chair (you’ll be sitting down all day and doing so uncomfortably is not worth saving a few hundred bucks), a decent monitor (Dell 32 inch ultra-wide curved is a good choice + a cheaper 21.5 inch vertical screen for reading filings and other docs), and a decent mechanical keyboard (Logitech has some good ones). Lastly, if you can afford it buy a standing desk; I swear it’s a game changer. This set up should cost ~1,200, excluding the standing desk ($300 chair + $600 monitors + $150 keyboard, $50 monitor arm, $100 regular desk).
Do you have any good chair recommendations that aren’t 1k each? Thanks for the suggestions! I do have a pair of monitors already which would eat a lot of the costs you mentioned. Also any standing desk suggestions?
Aeron and Herman Miller chairs are top notch, but can get pricey, especially the latter. EazeeChairs has some good quality chairs for under $500. I had an M5 pro for over a year and have zero complains. For standing desks, I’d just go on Amazon and read the reviews. I got mine as a gift in 2020 and it’s been phenomenal. My gf paid ~500 for it on Amazon, but I’m sure there’s a lot of options to choose from at different price ranges
Built my WFH throne a while back so can share some of the thorough research I had done:
With respect to chair, I've been using Autonomous which I recommend (looks like they've increased their prices, pretty sure I got mine in the 300s)
https://www.autonomous.ai/office-chairs?quickview=ergonomic-chair&categ…
I have the equivalent of the Ergo Chair Pro (which again used to be cheaper was always sold out) and I really appreciate the built-in headrest and the full recline -- allows you to get a proper working slouch that can be comfortable over long periods.
I generally agree with SleazyBanker but would suggest instead of the 32 UW + vertical, just getting two 27 inch screens can be a lot simpler. Be sure to get a dock that works with your computer and can supply power as well (when you get home and need to plug in you don't want to be plugging in 4 different cables when you can just plug in a single USB-C). Logic behind the double 27 inch (or 24 inch as some can find the 27 inch is too large) is that you want to replicate your office's presumed set-up as much as possible. Consistent with this, having the same keyboard as office and home is also key as it will help you increase your typing speed as you don't need to adjust key placements every time you switch between home and office.
Regarding keyboard, I have a Das mechanical both at home (blue keys which are louder) and a Das for office (brown key which is not as loud -- don't do blue key for office, it will piss off your whole floor).
I also have a standing desk from UpliftDesk (though you can buy much cheaper ones at Ikea or on Amazon I believe) -- I don't really use it for standing (only occasionally if I need to grab something under my desk without crouching) but I do really appreciate that I can slightly tweak the height for comfort for my wrists (wrist comfort is incredibly important for long term survivability without hand cramps and other issues).
I have this for both home and office: https://www.amazon.com/3M-Keyboards-Soothing-Technology-WR85B/dp/B0188W…;
Other misc. thoughts:
Will need a webcam,
wireless mouse is nice I use logitech one thats about 50 bucks
Footrest (i use my printer but you can get a proper one)
Could not agree more with Sleazy on keeping the desk outside of your bedroom, you will get drowsy if it's in your bedroom and find yourself with more excuses for quick naps.
I have heard you can buy HM refurb for slightly less.
Why a mechanical keyboard? Those things are so loud
Research shows that mechanical keyboards reduce typos, and improve accuracy and typing speed. It all comes down to personal preference. You can check out linear switches (generally red cherry switches), those don’t offer a tactile feedback, but the key strokes are very smooth and consistent.
Definitely need a decent WFH space... would say it's not even optional at this point. It's such a game changer to have your monitors on and be able to make lunch, sit on the couch, or do laundry in the background. Do early morning or late night stuff in your pajamas instead of having to get dressed. Also, 2 monitors is basically the bare minimum to effectively WFH so I'd question if your coworking space even has that?
Agree to have desk outside bedroom.
For chairs, go on FB Marketplace and pick yourself up an Aeron Chair (be aware there are replicas out there... maybe ask if they have a receipt or serial number). Best ergo chair on the market, will make a massive difference over a similarly priced chair from Wayfair or whatever
Definitely want a comfortable space. Go for whichever chair makes you comfortable (and is the right size for your desk). Make sure that you computer and monitors work seamlessly. I simply close my laptop and use two decent-sized screens. Position the monitors to be at eye-level. Make sure that the wires are out of the way and you have enough room to take notes on the desk space. Helps to have some water/snacks set up near the desk.
The Altwork Signature Station is a good all-in-one solution that fully reclines 180 degrees so you don't even have to leave your desk to sleep.
Wish I could keep desk outside bedroom. But I feel like keeping it in living room would be even worse, especially when roommate/others are in there
Lol American consumerism at its best, I just have two monitors and a regular chair, tf you dropping $1k for lol it's just a desk, "muh ergonomic" holy fuck are companies good at deceiving people into dropping more money for no reason
What’s a good internet speed that doesn’t hinder work?
My group’s working in person 5 days a week but we also almost exclusively work on Saturday and Sunday as well so the way I am thinking is 5 days in person 2 days wfh. Also, there’s a chance on the weekdays we go home sooner - say after dinner around 7pm - and work from there.
Is 50 mbps good enough for wfh? Should I go higher?
dude what? we're using 1gbps over here are you living in africa or something
The question isn't what is the highest speed I can get. Sure I can get 1gbps, but do I really need that much?
I am trying to get the speed that's needed to operate effectively while WFH.
Do you mean 500 mbps? 50 mbps is extremely low.
I read somewhere that you need a least 50mbps for Zoom calls which would likely be the most demanding of your bandwidth for work. If you're streaming stuff outside work you'd def want more than 100mpbs. Also whether you live with anyone else should be a main consideration- For example if you choose a 300mpbs package and you live with 2 other ppl and you all use similar amounts of bandwidth, you effectively have 100mbps per person.
If you live alone, 300mbps would for sure be enough (which is the lowest tier VZ fios offers)
If you have the space & funds, I got this Samsung 49" ultrawide which sometimes goes on sale on w/ edu email for $800. Before it arrived, thought it wouldn't be worth the $$$ but found that it's been super helpful w/ productivity. Size & resolution wise it's the same as having 2 QHD 27" monitors without the bezel. I split my screen so that I have 1 27" section in the middle and 2 taller rectangular sections and each side...The left & right sections are great for email/slack/reading etc.
+ the benefit of no extra wiring and takes up less desk space. I paired it with this arm mount to free up even more desk space and this electric standing desk.
For chairs, I didn't want to spend the money on a new Herman and didn't want to go through the hassle of vetting a used one. I ended up going with and recommend this gaming chair which is 1/2 the cost of a new Herman...aside from bankers, figured hardcore gamers are the only other group of ppl needing a chair suitable for marathon sessions & the one i've bought has been super comfortable
Best keyboard for banking?
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