WWYD about this office/workspace situation?

[RoseAbsolute]

I’m in the process of setting up as self employed and in a bit of an endless loop.

I can’t develop (and earn) without renting a space to work from but to commit to a lease is a bit of a big step without a guaranteed income.

I have found 2 potential spaces I could rent

1. slightly cheaper and simpler process but small and not pretty. Parking easier for clients. Short term lease and all in cost.

1. slightly more expensive but better size and pretty. No allocated parking but on street if you are lucky. Longer term lease plus complicated stuff I don’t yet understand about upkeep. But better location than number 1.

I’m dithering in circles about whether to do it but can’t move on until I do but money and costs and income and I’ve never done this before so clueless.

so what should I do? And what do I need to know please?

I always consider ease of parking when booking in with salons /therapists etc and hate messing around circling the block looking for a space or having to pay at the machine.

I'd go for the less pretty, make it look as nice as I can, and in future keep my eye open for another location to move to if needed the extra space.

How important is parking? Is ease of access a factor in who visits you.

I'd be very very wary of being tied to upkeep with a new business.

Easy parking is most definitely a plus for your clients. Make your work area as clean and attractive as possible. The second option might look good but if your clients can’t park, they won’t see it

This is useful thanks.

Now should I? What if it all goes tits up?

Assuming a change of location in the future is doable once you're established, I'd definitely go for option 1 and try to spruce on a budget. Short term lease and parking big plus. And I imagine a lot of people would drive so unless it's v difficult to get to, wouldn't matter.

Thank you. Number one is the winner. I have a workspace! Fuck me it’s a bit scary. I have savings to cover the first 6 months so even if I dont earn a penny it’ll be ok. And if I never tried I’d still be thinking I should have. I’m equally very excited and shitting myself.