Chapter 1: The Myth of Success in Remote Work

In today's world, many define success as the point where concerns about tax obligations overshadow the creative aspects of their work. If you're struggling to cover your taxes, it's clear that more fundamental expenses are out of reach. A hobby project remains just that—a hobby. A genuine business not only generates revenue but also fulfills its tax obligations.

Now, let’s examine the popular belief that remote work is inherently more affordable and convenient. By avoiding the expenses associated with renting an office or maintaining a separate workspace, individuals can seemingly save money. There are no additional insurance costs, no need for business licenses, and no requirement for in-person meetings. You can skip the coffee runs and avoid the stress of presentations. Plus, you sidestep the hassles of commuting, parking, and listening to coworkers chat about their weekends. You can engage with them later online, all while being in your creative zone around the clock, free from unexpected interruptions and distractions.

Instead of a dedicated workspace, your personal area becomes the focal point of your productivity. You don’t even need a fan for your computer because your presence keeps it cool. You can easily reach your mouse from bed, even if you left your laptop on the bathroom counter next to the tub.

By working from home, you minimize stress, or at least leave it in the bathroom. After all, who wouldn’t want to be close to family? Of course, this also means your family is nearby, but the benefits of being together seem to outweigh any potential downsides. Plus, being physically present allows you to respond immediately to family antics, with yelling often being a cheaper alternative to texting.

And let’s consider the environmental impact! We can assume that eliminating the commute saves on fuel costs, while online shopping reduces the need for local services. As neighbors sell less and businesses close, you can remain steadfast without a physical location to shut down. You won’t even need an "Open" sign to flip over.

Imagine how these savings could boost your business! Soon, you might find yourself closing deals in someone else's office. Let them invest in decor while you enjoy the unique environments that each business creates. It’s healthy to step out occasionally, and what's a little gas money to enjoy better coffee with important clients? It’s not like you’ll be doing this every day.

When clients see your products displayed on a conference table, they will surely accept the personal touch, like the scent of your partner and the inevitable pet hair on your packaging. Coffee stains on your shirt can be a testament to your dedication. You didn’t reschedule three times before settling for a video call because you value integrity. Instead of investing in an office, you poured that money into a trade show where you could sell at competitive prices, surrounded by other vendors just like you. Your sacrifices, like sharing a hotel room, might pay off in the long run if you remain patient and focused.

However, what’s the point of constructing a thriving business when a turnkey solution is already available? Welcome to the gig economy, where traditional office spaces feel outdated. The focus now is on transactional work—earning enough without overextending. This makes it challenging to create in a market flooded with so-called "real" entrepreneurs working from home, often using unemployment benefits to invest in cryptocurrencies.

As you knit or craft in hopes of making a profit at the next market, others are hastily snatching up what’s left, indifferent to the ethical implications. They lack collaboration skills and seem unconcerned with humor or grace. Living and working in isolation, they began their journey innocently enough, seeking to save money and earn a little extra cash from their new side projects.

They likely didn’t even notice the shift when work became just another task, another click, and another consequence neatly digitized for a paycheck. With their services becoming indistinguishable from one another, the risk of a "cool" brand fades. Their financial motivations do not support creativity or growth; rather, they focus on transactional exchanges for a fee, resembling a mercenary approach.

If you aspire to build a legitimate business, it’s wise to tread cautiously when relying too heavily on the gig economy. History shows that it didn’t work out too well for the Romans.

A look at the construction process of a cool room using refrigerated panels.

Chapter 2: The Evolution of the Cool Room

In this context, let's explore the evolution of the cool room concept.

A nostalgic look back at the cool room setup from September 13, 2000.