From Sofa to Armchair, from Retreat to Responsibility

The Last Times

Today my girlfriend is coming to help and afterwards she’ll take the dog to the new place. That means: this morning was the last walk with him here. Yesterday was his last normal night in this apartment. From now on, the “last times” start piling up. In two days it will all be over – I’ll be standing in an empty apartment that has carried me for ten years.

A Home That Shaped Me

This apartment was my safe space. My first real hub, a place where I could grow. My entire twenties are in these walls: nights out, moments with money to spare (at least that’s how it feels in hindsight) – and the leap into self-employment. I trained my dog here, built a desk corner that grew into an office, worked through nights, and in the process developed not only my business but also myself.

One image sums it up: my sofa. I spent countless hours on it – until I sold it and replaced it with an armchair. More space, more clarity. For me it became a symbol: fewer excuses, more responsibility.

The Break and the Uncertainty

The move leaves a gap. I lose autonomy, a space of my own, short distances to the city, a bathtub, a meadow in front of the house. Nostalgia and fear are real. I like being alone, I need that retreat to recharge. The thought of missing that unsettles me.

At the same time, I’m moving closer to my partner. For her, the joy is bigger – she’s been looking forward to it for a long time. For me, it’s more of an adjustment. But one thing is clear: without her trust and patience, the last years would have been much harder.

Self-Employment Is No Joke

The past years have drained a lot of energy: family issues, financial struggles, the attempt to save something from the family business. And on top of that, self-employment, which demands everything. There is no pause button, no “I’ll go half-speed.” Being self-employed means getting up even on days you don’t feel like it.

And in the middle of that, building a relationship wasn’t easy. I know I haven’t always been the easiest partner. Between projects, the dog, chaos, and my own head, there was often little left to give. All the more reason I’m grateful that she stayed, that she trusted.

The Next Step

I want to get out again, use networks, become visible. Build a base that allows me to invest in myself and my business. More money, more freedom, more confidence. Maybe even side solutions to create some breathing space – but one thing is clear: responsibility can’t be outsourced.

And maybe this change will also bring more movement into my relationships. Less retreat, more connection – in the partnership as well as in friendships. It’s time to live connections more consciously again.

Spaces Change – Identity Remains

The apartment is going. But the person I became here remains. My new office exists only because I built everything up in this space. Now it’s about optimizing, creating clarity, and daring more.

Self-employment doesn’t just mean building a business. It means setting yourself up again and again – in space, in mind, in life.

Change in the Air

And still: change can open doors. A good acquaintance will take over my apartment. I myself am moving closer to my partner – which may bring new opportunities: new social networks, new encounters, new paths.

I feel that I want to work more with people again. In exchange, in contact, moving things that are bigger than yourself. Projects that create real value.

If you feel the same – or if you simply want to exchange thoughts – let’s have a coffee or a beer. In the end, it really is: #bettertogether.