EscapeTo A “Real” Office For A Year—Rent-Free (NAPSA)—It’s not uncommon for workers to dread going to the office—at least occasionally. But what about the growing numberof Americans who work at home? When the homeoffice looms as a daily nightmare—piled high with papers, work scattered on every available surface, an antiquated computer propped up on a bridge table, ete.—any job can quickly fall to drudgery. In addition, working at home instead of an office can be fraught with pitfalls. According to a study by the Economist Intelligence Unit, the noted global research and advisory firm, 61 percent of respondents reported that working in a homeoffice blurred the division between their work life and homelife; 44 percent said that working at home made it more difficult to collaborate with colleagues. Other liabilities commonly associated with the home office—especially for all but the most self-disciplined—include intrusive phone calls, the lure of the TV andthe refrigerator, family obligations, procrastination and even a tendencyto overwork. Nowthere’s a contest for people who want to move out of their home offices, with a grand prize of 12 monthsoffree rent for “real” office space. Aimed at those hardy souls who have—in the past and present— toiled amidst crying babies, nagging spouses, annoying neighbors and other horrors found in the unpro- To enter the contest, simply submit a list of your top 1 reasons for wanting (however desperately) to move out of your home office. Entries will be judged by an independent panel that includes volunteers from SCORE (Counselors to America’s Small Businesses), a national nonprofit organization which provides counseling and training to small businesses. “We are pleased to be associated with Offices2share.com and this innovative contest that humorously focuses attention on the issues and challenges facing home-based entrepreneurs and the HomeOffice From Hell” contest will reward one lucky worker with a year-long sabbatical. “For anyone who’s ever had to deal with a bratty child, fend off overly persistent telemarketers and fix a toaster—all while negotiating an important business deal—this is a chance to have a professional office for a year, rent-free,” said Jeffrey A. Landers, founder and president of Offices2share.com. “All they have to do is examine the frustrations and drawbacks of working at home and put a humorous spin on it.” Contestants can base their lists on both real-life and whimsi- Yancey, SCORE’s CEO. About Offices2share.com Founded in 1999, Offices2 share.com operates a Web site that focuses exclusively on shortterm, ready-to-use office space nationwide. This type of space is ideally suited for start-ups, small businesses, consultants/professionals and any other businesses that want to avoid the upfront costs and long lease terms that are typically required when renting “traditional” office space. Those wishing to enter the Home Office From Hell contest can visit www.offices2share.com/ contest and fill out the requisite judged on originality, creativity, humorandrelevance to topic. description, guidelines and helpful hints are included therein. If your home office situation is less than heavenly, a new contest mayhelp. ductive environsof the homeoffice, cal situations; entries will be small businesses,” said Ken online form. Official rules, prize
