A few months ago, I launched my own company, sales and marketing consulting – and when I was picking out an office, I wanted somewhere that felt inspiring. Something that made it feel real. So I went a bit overboard and signed a 3-year lease on this beautiful penthouse unit downtown. Huge windows, skyline views, rooftop access, felt like the kind of place where big ideas happen. Figured it would help with motivation, hosting clients, etc.
And to be fair, for the first couple of months, it was amazing. I actually looked forward to going into work. But here’s where I messed up: I didn’t plan for growth properly.
Fast forward to now, 7 months in – and I’ve already outgrown the space. I started solo, but we’ve added a few people and suddenly it’s like playing Tetris with desks. I’ve got one guy working at the kitchen counter and another in a corner that technically might be a closet. We’re getting more business (which is great), but now I can’t hire who I need because I literally have nowhere to put them.
So I need a bigger office. Like, yesterday. But I’m locked into this damn 3-year lease on my “motivational views” and breaking it is either gonna cost me a fortune or just completely tank my cash flow. The landlord isn’t exactly rushing to let me out of it either, apparently “inspiring aesthetics” isn’t a valid clause for early termination.
Now I’m scrambling to figure out how to sublease or if I just eat the cost and move anyway. I feel like I created the most expensive LinkedIn background photo ever.
TL;DR: Rented a fancy penthouse office to feel like a boss, didn’t think I’d outgrow it in 7 months. Now I’m stuck in a 3-year lease with no room for new hires and nowhere to put them. Great views, terrible planning.