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Comment by ketzu | Hacker News Reader

Number one reason for me is the separation of work and private life. It's so much easier to keep work from creeping into my private life when it happens in a totally different place.

I also miss the social interactions, discussion with colleagues is much easier in person. Lastly, I hope it will reduce the amount of video conferences that crept up considerably.

edit: Not OP obviously.

edit2: Note: Just to make sure, I know this is personal preference and I am perfectly happy with other people being super happy and productive at home!

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I've worked at home for 20 years, more or less, and I have a separate space (garden office), $300 conference camera and mic, huge screen, and the best internet connection possible. When this is your life you arrange things differently, and I've no doubt that others who make the change to working from home will make similar adjustments over time.

I could work with it if I was forced to do it, which I was for a few months. If I had to do it for an even longer period, a separate room would probably be necessary. But having a "black space" room is not exactly something I want in my private space either. (Not to think about my work most likely not willing to pay rent for that room :D )

I know this is a personal preference, but for me, physical distance makes my work more productive and my private time more relaxing.

Which camera and mic are you using?

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=24459676

> $300 conference camera and mic, huge screen

Can you recommend your camera, mic and screen setup? And what brand/model they are? TY!

Not the parent, but I use a Logitech 920s webcam. I could use one of my high-end cameras--I even have an older model Fujifilm I don't use any longer--with an HDMI to USB converter but I decided it wasn't worth the trouble and it's harder to make work in physical space anyway.

I use a Blue Snowball mic but any decent USB mic will work. I have a dedicated office and I haven't found using a headset makes it better though YMMV. I'd just as soon not wear a headset unless necessary.

Computer is just a 27" iMac with a 2nd monitor. (Though I actually usually work with video on my main screen and do any work with shared docs etc. on a MacBook.)

Also have an Elgato keylight to get the lighting a bit more even.

ADDED: Probably at least as important is that you're not backlit by a window and you have the camera at maybe a bit above eye level. I've also done a bit of "set decorating" of my background.

Logitech BCC950: https://www.logitech.com/en-roeu/product/conferencecam-bcc95...

If I had the extra space and time to set it all up I would probably use a regular SLR camera on a tripod, and lavalier mic. But the Logitech is a lot more convenient - connects over a single USB through the docking station and just works with zero set up.

The screen is just a regular LG 4K 55" TV mounted on the wall which connects to the laptop docking station, allowing video conferences, slides, etc. to be "thrown" over there when it's convenient.

At 5.30 I reboot my workstation from linux into windows. Separation complete :)

I am glad this works for you! Maybe it's because I can't switch my mind so easily, I prefer a physical distance (I don't think a separate room would be enough for me either).

If you don't have a separate room, it's hard to see how much difference it can make. I've worked from home since 2008 with a one-year break immediately before COVID-19, and I'm glad to be back, but the separate room was essential for me.

To be fair I've been working 60% remote for a few years now, so moving to 100% wasn't a huge strain for me. It's actually something I've wanted for a while.

I've had time to get my head around the separation you talk about, I guess. Also helps that I'm on a small team and we all slack something like "Signing off now, catch you tomorrow" at around 5.30. Puts an end on the day.

What worked for me best during lockdown was strong ritualized schedule (which is completely at odds with my normal personality).

What used to be going to work in the morning became exercise. Then, when it was end of day, we went outside. I have kids which made it making more sense. But you can go outside for walk or read book outside etc. The point is that you leave room and do something that causes mental switch.

AM or PM?

It works both ways.

That's a great reason. You like to set boundaries between work and private life.

But I'm not convinced a corporate office is the only, let alone, best option. Have you considered alternatives?

No I haven't considered alternatives between a corporate office and a home office. Could you list some? I am fairy uncreative about these things, unfortunately :/

Coworking space or a small private office that's separate from your house/aparment.

Thank you for the ideas, I'll have something to think about now

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