Ask YC: Would you rather work from home or live in office? | Hacker News Reader

Ask YC: Would you rather work from home or live in office?

6 pointsbreck6 comments

This question is for the former & current YC'ers (and other startup founders).

I had this debate with some founders tonight in Cambridge regarding one guy who just moved into town.

Situation: you are a Web 2.0 startup moving to Cambridge from out of state. Would you recommend getting a residential apartment and working from home, or getting an office and sleeping on the couch/cot at night?

I had my opinion, but I'll save it to hear yours first.

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I'd always recommend an apartment for a small startup with little money. Even if you don't live in it, I'd recommend getting an apartment as an office. Apartments are cheaper and nicer to work in. The only advantages of offices are that the can hold more people (not an issue for a young startup) and that they seem more professional. But having a good product is more important than seeming professional, and you're more likely to get one if you work in a good place.

"... Would you recommend getting a residential apartment and working from home, or getting an office and sleeping on the couch/cot at night? ..."

You mean you get a choice? Apartment every time. Why?

Unless you can get a good office, your apartment is going to be more comfortable, close to the essentials fridge, terminal, bed (not needed if you fall asleep at the terminal) and kitchen. A determinant factor is also access to a internet connection.

Your time is only 3months. By then you will have created something and require a new office. Then again if you do get an office make sure it is just a bit better than home so you (and others) stay there. Read Joels article which comments on Phill Greenspuns, "Managing Software Engineers" ~ http://www.joelonsoftware.com/news/fog0000000170.html

Get an apartment with your cofounders and set up a "home office", making sure that your office qualifies for the home office tax deduction.

Also make sure their aren't zoning or HOA or other restrictions on running a business from a residence.

If you do not have much traffic this may just be a matter of keeping your mouth shut.

Get a home office and a third place (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Third_Place). Having recently left my former employer and taken the plunge, I've found myself strangely having the highest levels of productivity sitting for a few hours at a coffee shop with free Wi-Fi.

Not a YC founder (yet, hopefully), but we work from home. Our rooms are separated from our work area though so I don't know if you'll have enough space for that type of situation. No matter what you do, mentally or physically prepare for work (even if it means just brushing your teeth). Also, remember to exercise.

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