The economy is a constantly transforming system in which new trends and rules appear every year. One of the latest changes is the transition from the traditional office working day to a free working mode. More and more people are becoming freelancers and working for themselves, sitting at home in comfort and coziness. This feature is one of the key characteristics of the Gig Economy.
Nevertheless, even in this regime, it is necessary to perform with high productivity and good results and to achieve this goal every freelancer should have a comfortable space. In some situations, a house or apartment is not suitable for these purposes, because there are a lot of distracting sounds and factors concentrated there. At this point, ADU comes to the rescue.
In this review, we will talk about what advantages ADU can bring to a freelancer and share useful tips about organizing ADU space to increase productivity, however, let’s start by understanding what the Gig economy is.
GIG Economy Basics
For the first time, the phrase “GIG Economy” was mentioned in a 2009 article on new labor relations, which in those years were only gaining popularity. The word “Gig” in its economic meaning appeared in the first half of the XX century and was used to refer to a non-permanent or part-time job.
In the modern interpretation, GIG Economy means a system based on the principle of non-permanent or precarious working relations for which contracts are not always drawn up. In other words, along with traditional jobs that have certain guarantees, rules, requirements, and social benefits, jobs that are characterized by impermanence and freedom have appeared.
Overall, in addition to the above differences between these two formats, there is another very significant point, namely that freelancers work from home and do not go to the office. Are there any advantages in such a working mode from home? Let’s look into the next part.
Advantages of ADU for Freelancers
Of course, the main benefit of working from home is freedom, which consists of the absence of the need to comply with the dress code or ask for a break. However, if a freelancer chooses a job that he will perform in ADU, this will bring him many more privileges.
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Affordable Housing
The most important advantage of ADU for freelancers is a small investment in construction and maintenance. In comparison with large houses, ADUs have a small area, which means you do not need to wait for many months before the construction is completed. If you are considering the option of renting housing, then again you find yourself in a favorable position, because families who offer to rent an ADU do not raise the price tag and can conclude a lease agreement for a short period.
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Work/Life Balance
This point may be even more significant than the first one because the comfortable ADU space can create the perfect balance between work, leisure, and personal life. From the point of view of working hours, you will not be in a stuffy and oppressive office atmosphere. Instead, you can divide the working day, for example, work effectively for 2-3 hours, then take a break, then work again and rest.
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Extra Income
ADUs can also provide freelancers with a source of extra income. By renting out an ADU on Airbnb or another short-term rental platform, freelancers can generate additional revenue that can help them manage their expenses during slower periods. This can be especially helpful for freelancers who are just starting out and need to build up their client base.
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Increased Productivity
Having a dedicated workspace can also help freelancers be more productive. When working from home, it can be easy to get distracted by household chores or other responsibilities. By having a separate workspace, freelancers can create a professional environment that is conducive to productivity and focus.
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Community Building
Another benefit of ADUs is that they can help build community. By renting out an ADU to a long-term tenant, freelancers can build relationships with their neighbors and create a sense of community. This can be especially valuable for freelancers who work from home and may feel isolated from others.
On the whole, as you can see, there are plenty of benefits for freelancers who work from home. However, to start using them, it is necessary to organize the space correctly.
ADU Design Tips for Freelancers
The principles of organizing ADU for freelancers differ from those that builders adhere to when creating a space for family evenings or housing for elderly relatives in the granny flat. There are slightly different approaches here and now we will tell you about them.
We highlight the following ADU styles that may be suitable for freelancers who are part of the GIG economy:
- A loft-style ADU with a skylight for natural light and a cozy sleeping area.
- A minimalist ADU with a Murphy bed that can be stored away during the day for extra workspace.
- A tiny house-style ADU with a loft bedroom, built-in storage, and a fold-down desk.
- An ADU with a dedicated workspace that includes a standing desk, bookshelves, and a comfortable chair.
- An ADU with a yoga studio or meditation room for taking breaks and staying centered throughout the day.
- A rustic ADU with a wood-burning stove, natural wood accents, and large windows to enjoy the surrounding nature.
- An ADU with a rooftop deck for taking breaks and enjoying the views.
- An ADU with a garden or greenhouse for growing your food and staying connected with nature.
- A mid-century modern ADU with sleek lines, a bright color palette, and a cozy reading nook.
- An ADU with a hidden room or secret door for a touch of whimsy and playfulness in your space.
All in all, the choice of ADU designs for freelancing is huge. You can create an interior in which you can demonstrate maximum productivity in performing work tasks. Another advantage of ADU is that if the design of the space starts to bother you, then without spending much effort you can transform the style and add something new to it that meets your preferences and tastes.
