Several years ago, I was living in Toronto in a cozy one-bedroom apartment and commuting to work every day.

By then I had a regular computer desk, I don’t even remember where I got it from, and an Ikea chair. It was all good. I was working at the office most of the day and using my home computer only to edit photos (one of my hobbies) and gaming.

But then I joined Automattic and what was a computer setup I was using on the weekends suddenly became my everyday, 8 hours a day setup.

One of the amazing benefits we have when we start at Automattic is a budget to set up your home office. It is where you will spend a third of your day. It should be comfortable and it should be ergonomic.

But in my head, I already had a desk and a chair, so I decided not to buy those. Big mistake…

Instead, I focused on the tech set up. I got my computer, all the accessories, you know, mouse, keyboard, headset, an AirPort Time Capsule (that I just found out is going to be discontinued by Apple), a second monitor. You know, the good stuff.

Fast-forward to a few years later, and my back started paying the price for the decision I made to use the chair I had.

By then, I wasn’t sure if I could still use the benefit to buy a proper chair and desk. I had been about 6 years since I joined after all.

Turned out I absolutely could and should. 🤩

So I started, 6 years later, to put together my home office. Also, I moved out of Toronto, to the countryside and now have an actual office. So, more space to work with.

Taking into consideration my back was acting up and the physiotherapist advice was less sitting, more standing and moving (sitting is the new smoking), I went for an Autonomous standing desk and ergochair.

Oh my goodness, the difference it made in my quality of life. Just having a proper ergonomic chair, with lower back support and a desk that could be adjusted to be on a specific height was already golden, but what made it even better was that I also got a walking pad.

I’m not able to do everything while I walk, but since then, I hop into the pad for most of my calls. That has made a huge difference as well.

In hindsight, I should have gone for it from day one. It would have saved me some pain (literally). But I’m just happy to have the opportunity to create my ergonomic work space even if it took me a while. And let’s face it, it’s cute too.

But lesson learned. Do not underestimate the need of a properly set up work space.