my remote work setup after 2 years – what was worth the money and what wasn't
been working from home for about 2 years and I've bought a lot of stuff for my setup. some of it changed my work life, some of it was a complete waste. figured I'd share the honest breakdown since most "remote setup" posts are just people showing off expensive desks
actually worth it:
desk ($220, basic ikea standing desk frame + top) – I stand maybe 2 hours a day and sit the rest. having the option matters more than actually standing all day. wouldn't go back to a fixed desk
chair ($350, used steelcase leap from craigslist) – spent my first 6 months on a dining chair and my back was destroyed. this was the single best purchase. buy used office chairs, they're built to last 15+ years
second monitor ($160, basic 24" IPS) – I didn't think I needed this until I tried it. having code or docs on one screen and zoom/slack on the other saves constant alt-tabbing. productivity went up noticeably the first week
noise cancelling headphones ($250, sony wh-1000xm4) – not for calls, for focus. I live with my partner who also works from home. these are basically a "do not disturb" sign for your head
not worth it (for me):
standing desk mat ($45) – used it for 2 weeks. now it lives under my desk collecting dust
ring light ($30) – thought it would help with zoom calls. it did, nobody noticed or cared
ultrawide monitor ($500) – returned it. too much screen real estate, neck was constantly moving side to side. two regular monitors > one ultrawide for my workflow
webcam upgrade ($70) – built-in laptop cam was fine for 99% of meetings. nobody's judging your video quality in a standup
mechanical keyboard ($120) – sounds great, feels great. partner threatened to move out because of the clicking during calls. back to my old quiet keyboard now
total spent (keeping): ~$980
total wasted: ~$265
if I had to start over with $500 I'd buy: used chair + cheap second monitor + headphones. desk can wait