I started working from home in 2013 after almost 12 months of rehabilitation. In 2012 I had a scuba dive accident and the bends, caisson disease, The accident paralyzed me for months and by the time I could sit and walk again I wasn’t the same anymore.
For about two years I walked around with two crutches and sitting was causing distress to my spine and my nervous system. The pain of sitting, standing or lying down really got to me mentally. But, we all need to get back to work some day, right? My first few jobs were data entry and processing tasks. Working for 30 minutes was the best I could do for the first few weeks with agonizing nerve pain in my back, hip and groin as a result. Some stretches taught me how I could last a few minutes longer. I started doing squats behind a chair and sit-ups on the ground to help me strengthen my core so I could build up working hours sitting at the dining table, although it remained a very uncomfortable position.
Fast forward to 2020 when the pandemic was creating havoc and suddenly I found myself in video calls and online meetings and I, of course, wanted to look like a professional. This was my time to shine
It was obvious early on that whatever I was going to do, it was important to have a bed and a bathroom close to me at all times. So it was time to build a home office.
I built a little laptop desk from pallet wood. It even had a designated space for my notebook and personal stationaries. I could sit on the floor with my back against my bed using some pillows for support. That position brought a lot of relief, even though it wasn’t the best posture. I watched countless ergonomic videos and tried every position my body would allow me to sit in.
Fast forward to 2020 when the pandemic was creating havoc and suddenly I found myself in video calls and online meetings and I, of course, wanted to look like a professional. This was my time to shine. Suddenly the world had slowed down to the pace I was living in and for a year and a half I was showing up in every call and meeting I could get into.
My first investment went into wireless earbuds, the Enecfire20. A wonderful pair for an excellent price, but the mic was just not good enough for my taste and that’s when I walked straight into some sort of techy rabbit hole. When I walked out on the other side, I had a full semi pro podcast setup and an executive chair while sitting at my sister’s dresser.
If I was going to comment on other people's décor, I should do better myself.
I practice what I preach.
I was hosting a Digital Conference per month with speakers with a connection to Curaçao. Facilitating the Innovation Ç webinars also meant coaching people with their presentations, their speaking techniques and the décor around them so the Digital Conference would be a real experience for the viewer. I soon realized that if I was going to comment on other people's décor, I should do better myself.
I practice what I preach. 👊
I applied for an Active Chance grant as a social entrepreneur and combined with two other contributions which gave me plenty of financial space, I went online shopping 🛍️ I had done my research, online and locally and I had shopping lists with A-tier and B-tier products so the shopping cart 🛒 was soon filled. A quality headset 🎧 and a quality mic 🎙️ were the first on my list. I kept watching countless ergonomics YouTube videos and I got seriously hooked into watching desk set up videos as well.
If it needs to be good for my physical health,
it should also be good for my mental health.
If it needs to be good for my physical health, it should also be good for my mental health. I knew I was going to spend a lot of time at home and behind my desk and I needed to figure out how that would work for me with my physical condition. In December 2021 I was finally able to buy the standing desk that I so desperately wanted. Little did I know that a standing desk would bring ergonomics to my attention that I never realized would have such a physical and mental impact. The height of your monitor, a supporting chair, standing on your feet means support for your knees and then there is cable management... the list was endless. As I spend more time at my desk calling with clients abroad, I knew I was on to something.
That's when I started Curaçao Home Offices and Advice to facilitate people who are seeking their solutions. Finding the right desk, or the right work corner in your home can be quite challenging, even demanding. With my experience I can advice people on their needs and offer fitting solutions.
I've let people sit at my desk and experience for themselves what the benefits of having a higher monitor, or working behind a standing desk are. Or, ow can you prevent eye strain.Or, prevent carpel tunnel syndrome. It's not rocket science, but having someone who has done the research and know what to look for will save you time and a lot of money 💸 with the right approach.
Do you always wanted a creative corner in your home? A corner where you can create, work and also relax? Than it's time for us to meet and let me help you get the dream office you want.
📸 Gitland Garmes
💡 Discover more about the tech I use on kit.co 👉 The Creative Instigator Studio 👈
Thank you for reading this blog post, writing is more fun when you have people appreciating your efforts. I would appreciate your coffee ☕ to stimulate me to write more, but just a ❤︎ would also brighten my day.
👨👨👧👧 Feel free to share this blog post with your friends and family.