8 Tips to Slay the Freelance Life from Girls Who Know

VITTSJÖ

The VITTSJÖ desk is ideal for working in small spaces. It’s only about 14 inches deep, but reaches nearly 40 inches wide, providing a fair amount of space to arrange books, cords, accessories, and the like.

The frame of the VITTSJÖ desk is crafted from steel, and features one large glass panel that spreads across the tabletop. There’s a small hutch on the right side of the desk that's helpful for stowing clutter (or less frequently reached-for items) away. You can buy it in white or dark brown colorways.

B+C team member Meredith's work set-up packs pretty light (sometimes, just a single laptop), and this IKEA desk is the perfect host for what she needs on a daily basis. A laptop stand, bluetooth keyboard + mouse, and IKEA’s TOBIAS chair make her WFH desk feel more comfortable and professional, but what this IKEA desk really excels at is fitting into her small space.

There’s not many places in Meredith’s apartment that fit a full-size desk, leaving the living room as the only option. Since the VITTSJÖ desk boasts a slim size, it was one of the only IKEA desks that made sense. Additionally, the clear glass and white accents don’t hold much visual weight, so the desk isn't a distraction from the rest of her living room.

The VITTSJÖ desk costs $69.99, so it’s an amazing affordable option if you don’t want to spend a ton on a new WFH arrangement. Meredith’s had her VITTSJÖ desk for over a year, and it’s held up amazingly well. In fact, more than half of her apartment’s furniture is from IKEA!

LAGKAPTEN / MITTBACK

This trestle + table top duo keeps the creative juices flowing for B+C team member, Theresa. It mimics a traditional drafting table, except you can adjust the height with ease – let it slant or sit flat! It’s super artistic and looks gorgeous even when it’s not being used for WFH purposes.

At its highest, the LAGKAPTEN / MITTBACK desk stands about 38 inches tall. The surface measures about 55 x 23 inches, providing ample space for a sizable computer monitor, work notes, drawings, and much more – even some colorful desk decor!

The trestle segments that hold this IKEA desk up are made from solid birch, so you can count on its durability, no matter what position you put it in. They also feature a small shelf space for miscellaneous goods. The table top is responsibly crafted from 70% recycled structured paper filling, fiberboard, plastic edging, and acrylic paint. The natural finish on each piece allows you to easily match it with existing furniture.

For those searching for IKEA desks that’ll fit into a proper office space, the LAGKAPTEN / MITTBACK design offers a sleek sitting space for simply getting stuff done!

MICKE

The IKEA MICKE desk is such a sleek and solid choice for a more permanent home office space. B+C team member Ali enjoys the vast amount of storage space that this desk has to offer in its discreet pull-out drawers, and has taken her skill for decorating to every corner of her WFH set-up, wall art included.

MICKE measures about 29 inches tall, 41 inches wide, and 19 inches deep and is suitable for practically any screen set-up, from a single laptop to double monitors.

If cord organization is top of mind for your WFH space, MICKE features a convenient cable outlet near the back of the top surface that tidies things up.

There aren’t too many bits and bobs associated with this IKEA desk, but it’s still super practical. Its design leans on the cleaner side, so it can match any interior, from a dorm room to a home office. Given its minimalist quality, you can dress it up any way you want!

MICKE currently comes in four different colors – white, black-brown, black-red, and white-anthracite.

ISTJ ("The Logistician")

Orderly and dutiful, ISTJs thrive in a traditional workspace and do best when they progress slowly up the ladder, achieving their goals in good time and measure. These dedicated thinkers bring a certain harmony to their workplaces, since their chief goal is to create a smooth, stable operation.

For ISTJs, a highly structured office is best. They thrive when there's a place for everything, and the furniture is sturdy and reliable. However, these slow-and-steady workers may benefit from unexpected details, so don't be afraid to wear that kooky sweater or take on a project you're not so sure about.

INFJ ("The Advocate")

INFJs are a unique blend of emotion and concrete action. As seekers of harmony and justice, INFJs likely have many fans around the office (meaning tons of visitors who may not be welcome when you need to recharge).

Give yourself the ability to shut the world out by installing a cubicle privacy door in your space, setting your remote communication tools off, or by asking team members to schedule meetings ahead of time. When you set up your workspace, feel free to scrap the traditional desk/chair/filing cabinet arrangement for something that better suits your unique preferences. Don't worry — with your intuition and innate sense of balance, you're bound to find the right setup!

INTJ ("The Mastermind")

You could just as easily nickname this type the "bookworm," since INTJs have an ingrained thirst for knowledge and highly cerebral pursuits. If you fall into this personality type, you'd do well to curate a library of professional reading that tickles your intellectual curiosity. Keep these books in your office where you can access them in one of your many retreats from the rest of the team.

In terms of decor, opt for flexible furniture, such as a convertible standing desk that will suit your need for freedom in your workspace. Choose colors that are soothing, with geometric patterns that work with your highly strategic mindset. And make sure that everything stays orderly — there's nothing an INTJ hates more than a chaotic desk!

ISFJ ("The Nurturer")

ISFJs are natural helpers, but they have a tendency to underestimate their own contribution to office culture. Therefore, they might benefit from displaying evidence of their achievements on their office walls — perhaps hanging an award or the race bib from a completed marathon.

Take time selecting your furniture when you set up your workspace, since you tend to perform best when everything feels welcoming and nothing is overlooked. And remember to book some time for learning when you start a new project. Nurturers like to approach new tasks with a hands-on attitude, so you'll need some room in your schedule to really dig into the details.

ISTP ("The Virtuoso")

Decorating for you means finding the perfect balance between order and quirkiness. With your out-of-the-box approach to life, you thrive in spaces that both allow you to express your unique blend of boldness and freedom and provide an enclosed retreat for private tinkering. Look for unusual, stimulating colors, like peaches and mint greens, but keep the furniture sleek with a slim profile that doesn't intrude on your thinking. And make sure to add some tactile desk toys — it will give you something to fiddle with while you wait for the perfect solution to drop out of the sky!

ISFP ("The Artist")

If you're an ISFP and you're reading this, you've probably already put a lot of thought into your office's setup. As sensual, visual people, ISFPs thrive on aesthetics — but that can also make them a little overly sensitive to what's going on around them. ISFPs should therefore strive to separate themselves from busy atmospheres, choosing instead spots near a window, where they can be drawn in by the natural ambience.

No windows in your office? Choose some soothing furniture, like a desk in blonde wood, and top it with plants or a small tranquil waterfall. Anything beautiful and peaceful is your milieu.

INFP (A.K.A. the "Idealist")

Dreamy and emotive, INFPs seek harmony and fairness in the workplace. This type needs a soothing, calming space to retreat, where they can recharge and reflect on their next move. If you can, choose an office space that's set away from the hustle and bustle of the main room. INFPs may have trouble becoming inspired by traditional office decor with its focus on function. Instead, you should try to integrate your personal passions into your office, choosing pieces that are fair trade, for instance, or that weave in natural elements.

INTP (A.K.A. the "Architect")

INTPs adore playing with ideas and exploring — no wonder some of the world's renowned scientists fall into this personality type. These are the folks who are so creative and logical they can come up with the theory of relativity (Einstein is one of their more celebrated members), but will often abandon their coffee mid-sip in the throes of a new theory. A well-ordered space, with highly efficient shelving and organization systems, will suit this type well. But make sure to include a miscellaneous file — and a nook for doing more unordered thinking — for when the creative bug sets in.

ESTP (A.K.A. the "Entrepreneur")

ESTPs are having quite a moment these days. These rule-breakers love to think outside the box and are the kind you'd see chatting about "disruption" and "failing forward." Therefore, they need an energetic workspace that captures the boldness and risk-taking that inspires them.

Charged colors, like electric blue or bright orange, with unexpected accents — a curved desk, for instance, or an unusual piece of artwork — will keep this type running on all four cylinders. Just don't go for anything too fussy. With your preference for rapid change, you'll likely be reorganizing often.

ESFP (A.K.A. the "Performer")

Expressive and vocal about your opinions, you probably take no issue redecorating your office as you see fit. But as a caring, compassionate person, you love to reach out to friends around your workplace too, so don't be afraid to ask them for their advice! Seriousness is for the other personality types to worry about, so go ahead, grab that fabulous bulletin board and that dramatic desk chair. Just make sure you don't get too caught up in decorating—after all, you still have actual work to do!

ENFP (A.K.A. the "Campaigner")

Blessed with natural charisma and an energetic spark, ENFPs are passionate about their ideas and bring the fun at the office happy hour. In their workspaces, they need decor that will refill their nearly never-ending cup of joy. But they could probably also do with some simplifying as well, since these types hate routine tasks and view organization as a form of drudgery. Keep your filing system as simple as possible to avoid the blahs and allow you to focus on what you care about: new ideas.

ENTP (A.K.A. the "Visionary")

As "big picture" thinkers, ENTPs tend to overlook the finer details, such as organization. For these idea-oriented types, challenges are motivating, so if you can view the cleaning as a problem that needs to be solved, you'll likely have much better results. Use unconventional solutions — an unusual, eye-catching shelf, or a standing desk with rolling walls — or just give yourself the freedom to work in a new coffee shop or restaurant, if that's an option. Just keep it flexible, and remember: everything is reversible!

ESTJ (A.K.A. the "Executive")

As you might guess by their moniker, ESTJs thrive on order and tend to follow the rules. They're also hard-working and moral, so they don't like to be weighed down by trivial details. Therefore, if you fall into this category, you'll do best with clean, unfettered decor that doesn't really push the envelope.

Think "oval office" and get inspired by the mixture of traditional luxury and executive prowess. And make sure to add an extra seat for visitors. With your reputation for leadership and community organization, you're sure to have more than a few office drop-ins!

ESFJ (A.K.A. the "Caregiver")

You know that one chatty coworker who's always game for a quick conversation? If you're an ESFJ, it's probably you! You love working with people and view meetings as more than just work — they're a chance to entertain, too.

Give yourself enough room to invite people in when the mood strikes, while still maintaining the order and organization in your space. Go for practical, utilitarian pieces, like a rolling white board, that can help you lead a group meeting and keep your thoughts together.

ENFJ (A.K.A. the "Giver")

Generous and collaborative, an ENFJ is the very definition of a "people person." Therefore, they prefer spaces that are hospitable, inviting, and comfortable, and thrive in spaces that are energetic and novel (think "startup with bean bag chairs and wall murals.").

Choose pieces that are punchy and will start a conversation, but still maintain a sense of order in your space. Whatever you do, make sure there's plenty of room for collaboration. In fact, you may even want to share your office, if that's a possibility. ENFJs are one of those rare types who actually enjoy open plan offices, since they allow them to easily do their work in teams. If you work from home, try out coworking spaces and coffee shops.

ENTJ (A.K.A. the "Commander")

You like to brag that you've never been bested by a car salesman, and that's because you enjoy the challenge of negotiating. With your commanding presence and dominating personality, you need decor that's just as domineering — and maybe even just the slightest bit intimidating. Pick out the biggest desk you can get and a plush leather chair to capture that ambience of control.

But don't forget to allow your sensitive side out once and awhile, too. A few gentle touches, like a photo of your dog displayed on one of your shelves, will go a long way to humanize you to your fellow teammates.

When is Taylor Swift releasing Reputation (Taylor's Version)?

We don't have an official Reputation (Taylor's Version) release date yet, but all signs were originally pointing to an announcement on February 16, 2024. When the music video for "Karma" from Midnights came out, featuring a shot of Taylor holding a cappuccino, Swifties immediately picked up on the symbolism. The blue nail (which represents 1989 (Taylor's Version)) lines up with the 8 on the clock, and the black nail lines up with the 2 on the clock. Taylor ended up announcing 1989 TV on August 9 — and then announced The Tortured Poets Department(also known as TS11) onstage at the 2024 Grammys in February!

TaylorNation just teased the Reputation (Taylor's Version) release date by hopping on the latest internet trend, which uses the "You wouldn't last an hour in the asylum where they raised me" lyric from "Who's Afraid Of Little Old Me?" Their Instagram carousel features images that have sent Swifties spiraling in the past, but there are two pics I'm paying special attention to: the "five holes in the fence" image from the Lover era, and a "Bejeweled" music video still of Taylor Swift pressing 3 in an elevator. May 3 (5/3) comes two weeks after the TTPD release, and since Taylor has been emphasizing her lead single "Fortnight" with the "For a Fortnight" challenge, it looks like it could line up perfectly.

There are plenty of other potential summer release dates too! Swifties know Taylor Swift lives and breathes the number 13, and that she's been making her recent rerecording announcements at her Eras Tour shows.

Well, this summer, Taylor is heading to Milan for a show on Saturday, July 13. X user @roranotaurora points out that the symbol for Milan is a snake (it's also a symbol for Rep!) AND that on July 13, 1977, there was a blackout across New York City. When Taylor announced the original Reputation in 2017, the "Don't Blame Me" singer blacked out all her social media. If she announced the album in July, there's a good chance we'd get it just in time for autumn, chilly weather, and Daylight Savings Time, all three of which go perfectly with the Reputation aesthetic.

There's another 13 we need to pay attention to as well: December 13, which is also Taylor Swift's birthday. The popstar had the date front and center in her Tortured Poets Department pop-up installation. Since the date falls on a Friday, it's the perfect day to drop some new music...

Are there any other clues that Reputation (Taylor's Version) will come out next?

Recently, Taylor showed up to the 81st Golden Globe Awards in an all green ensemble, which is already so Reputation-coded to begin with. However, fans noticed one teeeeeeeny tiny detail about her look that really leans into all the theories that Rep (TV) is next. If you zoom in on her rings, one of them is a snake that's wrapped around her finger. 🐍

And after Taylor Swift released a video teasing her new album, Swifties are analyzing all the snakeskin patterns (on the curtains, the floor, and the green couch), as well as the dark visuals. While the video moves from the dark room to a bright one for TTPD, I'm convinced we'll be returning — or continuing down the hallway where you can see a dark picture frame waiting for us...

All the surprise songs at her Tokyo Eras Tour shows referenced falling apart, and a huge part of the Reputation era was related to a quote from Taylor that says "when she fell, she fell apart." Before playing "The Outside" as her piano surprise song on February 9, she made a joke that the song was 175 years old — which has Swifties thinking August 2 (175 days from February 9) could be the album's release date. Considering "The Outside" is off her first album, it's also possible we're getting Taylor Swift (Taylor's Version) in August!

A recent Disney+ ad that paired the Eras Tour film and Disney Pixar's Cars went viral on Twitter because its tagline is "Getaway Car," one of the most beloved songs on Reputation (Taylor's Version)! No matter when the album drops, having Taylor Swift's final two re-recordings be her name and her reputation is literally so iconic and I can't wait to listen.

What Taylor Swift songs are on Reputation (Taylor's Version)?

We know that, based on previous re-recordings, Reputation (Taylor's Version) will have the original tracklist and an unknown number of vault tracks that Taylor wrote ahead of the Reputation era. PEOPLE also confirmed we'll be able to hear Taylor Swift's "Look What You Made Me Do (Taylor's Version)" in the new docuseries for the New England Patriots! You can also hear a snippet in the trailer for Ashley Benson's Wilderness ;). Here's what you can expect on Taylor Swift's Reputation (Taylor's Version). I'm really hoping the vault tracks include "I Don't Want To Live Forever"!

1. "Ready For It? (Taylor's Version)"
2. "End Game (Taylor's Version)"
3. "I Did Something Bad (Taylor's Version)"
4. "Don't Blame Me (Taylor's Version)"
5. "Delicate (Taylor's Version)"
6. "Look What You Made Me Do (Taylor's Version)"
7. "So It Goes... (Taylor's Version)"
8. "Gorgeous (Taylor's Version)"
9. "Getaway Car (Taylor's Version)"
10. "King Of My Heart (Taylor's Version)"
11. "Dancing With Our Hands Tied (Taylor's Version)"
12. "Dress (Taylor's Version)"
13. "This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things (Taylor's Version)"
14. "Call It What You Want (Taylor's Version)"
15. "New Year's Day (Taylor's Version)"

What is Taylor Swift wearing to Grammys 2024?

Taylor Swift showed up to the 2024 Grammys in a sculptural white gown from Schiaparelli Couture. I love how Taylor has hopped on the corset trend. This is my favorite neckline in recent years! Even though the dress is white instead of black or green — and ended up going along with the Tortured Poets Department (or TS 11) announcement — I think it's still a Reputation (Taylor's Version) Easter egg. White is, of course, the opposite of black, so I think it's a more unexpected reference to the album, with black accessories like gloves, shoes, and jewelry being a direct nod. Plus, the watch necklace pays homage to Midnights! At the 2022 VMAs, Taylor wore another Reputation-coded outfit before she announced Midnights, so I think it's definitely a pattern.

Is there gonna be a Reputation Taylor's Version?

Yes, we're getting a Reputation (Taylor's Version)! Taylor Swift has been very vocal about the fact she's rerecording her first five albums. However, she's been less direct about the order or the release schedule, which is honestly more fun! The official Taylor Nation account added fuel to the fire when they posted a photo of Taylor rehearsing for The Eras Tour — because, like @nashs_mom on TikTok says, the pose doesn't match up with any of the songs. While all the photos they've previously posted match up with numbers like "Enchanted" or "Illicit Affairs," the new pose seems to match up with "I Did Something Bad" (which is both the last Reputation surprise song left AND the perfect song to announce the rerecording).

"Hear me out," another TikTok user commented. "['I Did Something Bad'] was not part of the set list in 2023 but what if the first night of the tour in 2024 she performs [it] and announces REP TV."

"I literally ratatatataed as soon as I saw it," another user says, referencing the iconic production at the beginning of the song. We have less than a month before the Eras Tour starts up again, so I'm excited to see when we'll finally get a Reputation (Taylor's Version) announcement!

What caused Taylor Swift to make Reputation?

The primary catalyst for Taylor Swift's Reputation era was a phone call with Kanye West and Kim Kardashian. After Taylor said Kanye did not have her permission to say he "made that b-tch famous" in "Famous," a video leak from Kim seemed to show Taylor did actually give her permission (it was later revealed the video was edited, and Taylor gave her permission to be mentioned, NOT to be called a b-tch).

"#TaylorSwiftIsOverParty" began trending on Twitter, and everyone from the media to the general public began calling her a snake. So she disappeared from the public eye for over a year, and Reputation was born. The era was moody — and full of snake imagery. Taylor says in her TIME interview that the album came from "a goth-punk moment of female rage at being gaslit by an entire social structure," and told Rolling Stone in 2019 that Reputation was a "metaphor" and her "playing a character."

How old was Taylor when she wrote Reputation?

Taylor began writing Reputation in 2016, when she was 27. However, the stories she's telling go back farther than that since "Dancing With Our Hands Tied" talks about a relationship from when she was 25.

Is Reputation a love album?

While Reputation is sassy, moody, and satirical, I stand by the idea that it's actually a love album at its core. While the general public talked most about "Ready for It?" and "Look What You Made Me Do," songs like "Delicate," "Call It What You Want," and "New Year's Day" are all about healing after the media turned against her. The message of the album is all about how she wants to spend the the ins and outs of life with people she loves, because they make the boring days beautiful, which is also the sentiment running throughout "Lover."

"I want your midnights, but I'll be cleaning up bottles with you on New Year's Day" and "We can leave the Christmas lights up 'til January" are the same!!

What are the Reputation Taylor's Version vault tracks?

While we don't have the tracklist for Reputation (Taylor's Version) yet, she did mention in her TIME interview that the vault tracks will be "fire."

"I’m collecting horcruxes,” she says of the rerecordings. “I’m collecting infinity stones. Gandalf’s voice is in my head every time I put out a new one. For me, it is a movie now.”

I'm going to be real honest, this is the line that sent me into a tailspin because the idea that Taylor loves stories like Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and the MCU as much as I do is too much!! But it makes sense because after all, she IS a storyteller.