My laptop broke this week and I realized I had totally underestimated my need for freedom. I know I need flexibility in how, when, and where I work. I mean that’s what this whole blog is about! And unlimited flexibility is the primary reason I own my own business and work from home. The entrepreneurial lifestyle is designed for people like me! But this week, as I’ve been stuck at my desk, glaring at my laptop from across the room, cursing my new stationary workstyle, I’ve come to deeply understand how important work environment is to productivity.

My laptop broke this week and I realized I had totally underestimated my need for freedom. I know I need flexibility in how, when, and where I work. I mean that’s what this whole blog is about! And unlimited flexibility is the primary reason I own my own business and work from home. The entrepreneurial lifestyle is designed for people like me! But this week, as I’ve been stuck at my desk, glaring at my laptop from across the room, cursing my new stationary workstyle, I’ve come to deeply understand how important work environment is to productivity.

Prior to this week I was unaware of how much I roam during my workday. Although I typically begin my day at my desk, I rarely stay there. Depending on task, I may work in the dining room, on the couch in the living room, on the couch in my office, on my bed, on the back porch, at Panera Bread, Starbucks, or up at the local library. I’m a roaming worker—I go where I feel inspired, where the environment best suits my needs at any given time.

And this week, since I couldn’t do that because of technology, I found myself frequently frustrated. I wasn’t as productive, creative, or motivated. I didn’t feel like working because I simply cannot sit at a desk all day. I’m sure you can relate if you’ve ever been assigned a desk or office or forced to work in a cubicle even though it’s not the environment where you produce the best results. The freedom and flexibility to move around while you work matters a great deal. And it matters to most people—not just entrepreneurs.

Although I’m not thrilled to be without a laptop as this week concludes, it is good to consciously recognize my deeply engrained need to freely roam and working where I feel inspired.

Leave me a comment and let me know where you do your best work. Are you a roamer like me or do you prefer a static location? What tools and technology do you depend on to make it possible?