Home Office Desk Setup for Working Professionals with a "real" job

Had enough "hype beast" desk setups and actually need to get real work done? Here's my desk setup for holding down a complicated job and doing the occasional content creation.
Stuff from the video:
Laptop Shelf: amzn.to/3zavkEm
Laptop holder: amzn.to/3NcRcmX
Long USB-C cables: amzn.to/3x8GoR6
Dell 4K Monitors: amzn.to/3x7CTdw
Monitor stand: amzn.to/3am0VJa
Speakers: amzn.to/38F5uxD
Alexa: amzn.to/3PV9MBK
Logitech ergo keyboard: amzn.to/3MaetEs
Logitech ergo mouse: amzn.to/38YaEVI
Headset: amzn.to/3M457tX
Webcams: amzn.to/3z8K8DC
Todoist Task Management: todoist.com
Caffeine coaster: www.thingiverse.com/thing:780635
Acoustic tiles: amzn.to/3NPPPKE
Standing desk: amzn.to/390LIwF
Ergo chair (so comfortable): amzn.to/3wZ254Y
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[@dylanwagner4018]

Thank you so much for making this video. FINALLY someone who has a regular job like most of us and makes practical decisions instead of basing everything off of aesthetics

[@TheBigHeavy]

Glad to help!

[@jbielich1972]

I really appreciate this video. I’m a professional with a real job also, and been trying to look around for some ideas for my home office, and you’re the most practical video I found so far in terms of how to set things up.

[@TheBigHeavy]

Awesome! Glad I could help and good luck with the office setup.

[@JustMe-to8te]

it would have been nice to see more of your setup rather than your face for most of the video.

[@TheBigHeavy]

I'd also like to see less of my face but I'm sort of stuck with it.

[@JustMe-to8te]

@@TheBigHeavy understand

[@Turtle12o992]

I’m screaming 😂😂😂

[@NafisaLondon]

Not very nice.

[@NafisaLondon]

So rude, have some respect.

[@lilshaff07]

Feels good to see a realistic & real video surrounding this. The handful I’ve seen our folks who sponsored, and those things are never attainable for me so this video was awesome thanks for sharing!

[@TheBigHeavy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@t_rizz]

Great video! A lot of these "setup" videos on KZbin are by creative professionals which is great but very few videos for us corporate folks. Nice!

[@TheBigHeavy]

Glad you enjoyed it! Much as I wish I could be a full time creative person someone has to pay the mortgage!

[@philreasoner7922]

Thank you! A real desk setup without clickity clackity keyboards! And I'm very similar - started using MS ergo's and now use Logitech ergo's!

[@TheBigHeavy]

Glad it helped!

[@micahjhoffman8329]

thank you man. its refreshing to see normal people

[@TheBigHeavy]

Glad to help, and appreciate being categorized among the normal since my family doesn’t always think so!

[@JJay91]

I admit, I want all the flashy lights and trinkets.... But that's exactly why I needed this video. I've been designing my office for hours now and with all the decorative things in online shopping carts. You reminded me that those things are secondary IF/When I have time. Thanks for being realistic and offering the right advice!

[@TheBigHeavy]

I hear you, there’s definitely endless cool stuff out there that seems to make sense when it’s being shown in a really well-filmed video with pumping soundtrack. Good aesthetics are nice, and I’m working on redesigning my main office, but sometimes form gets in the way of function so glad the video helped!

[@rockhurstable]

Thank you so much for making this video. So many hype beast setups who spend a ridiculous amount of money on their setups.

[@TheBigHeavy]

Sure thing. This setup wasn't cheap, but it's focused on getting work done without too much extra or impractical BS.

[@DirkWerning]

Great video. Glad I stumbled across it. I also have a real job with KZbin on the side. Your dual computer plan/thoughts are GREAT. Thanks again for sharing.

[@TheBigHeavy]

Glad to help! I'm also glad to see there are other fellow working stiffs out there on the 'tubes!

[@chuckman231]

Great info. I set mine up w/ the least bells and whistles possible. I have what I want/need to work both for work and home things. I just got a Google speaker and have automated a few things w/ voice commands. When I say good morning, it turns my lights and my monitors on, tells me my schedule, then plays my favorite radio station. If have a smart outlet on a stand alone fan so if I get hot I simply say, "its getting hot in here" and it turns on the fan. If I say "I'm cool enough" it turns it off. Sounds lazy but when you are deep into a project it saves you from distraction of getting up to turn on the fan.

[@TheBigHeavy]

Now if you add the ability to play Nelly “Hot in here” when activating the fan you’d be in business :-)

[@laurie2553]

Wow, common sense, practical advise presented really well. Thank you so much. Very helpful video. Subscribed.

[@TheBigHeavy]

Glad it was helpful! In the words of Bruce Willis: Welcome to the party, pal!

[@reddinosaur7]

thank you for the transparent and realistic video!

[@TheBigHeavy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ericmharper]

Nice setup, great office space too. Well done.

[@TheBigHeavy]

Thanks!

[@kakegarcia8056]

Loooooove the title!!! I am a Professional Photographer and Videographer and for few years now I am making my living photographing and filming real estate and doing 100% of the editing as well and most of the home studio videos are too fake for a real life (I wish the stage the houses I shoot LOL), everything is very beautiful and perfect in a way you can tell they do not REALLY work on those offices… Bests regards from a Venezuelan in Panama!

[@TheBigHeavy]

Thanks for the comments. Yes, there’s way too many “staged” office videos more focused on promoting lights and gadgets than getting actual work done! Hope all is well in Panama… it’s very sad seeing what is happening in Venezuela and hopefully things there will turn around for the better!

[@kakegarcia8056]

@@TheBigHeavy 🙏🏽

[@hayeshigginbotham5377]

Great video. Thanks for the insight

[@TheBigHeavy]

Glad it was helpful! I just published a video on the specifics of the "one cable" setup I use that may be useful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIPbdoxqYpiKi7M

[@KaceyGreen]

I use my giant monitor the same way, thankfully it has that split function built in, so I can get one giant screen or two normal sized ones with work and laptop coming in (can also do the desktop but I don't)

[@TheBigHeavy]

I have a similar setup at my other workstation. I did have some problems with losing the webcam connection when switching, which made for some panicked "2 minutes to an important video call" moments, but that can be solved with 2 webcams over one monitor.

[@jasonanderson438]

Perfect video! practical real world use.

[@TheBigHeavy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Underhills]

Thanks for the 80's homage music from Mad Max.

[@TheBigHeavy]

Stick around and I can guarantee more 80s and 90s references!

[@Turtle12o992]

Great work from home video thank you ! Still relevant

[@TheBigHeavy]

Glad to help! Stay awesome!

[@adammartinez4309]

I appreciate your honest! Lots of good tips!

[@TheBigHeavy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BenShengOw]

Nice and honest, down to earth video.

[@TheBigHeavy]

I appreciate that! Trying to earn a living while side hustling on occasion!

[@izzyroses242]

Uplift is a little expensive but I like mine. I like that it’s sturdy when standing. It doesn’t shift front/back/left/right.

[@TheBigHeavy]

Yes, that was the big "pro" I found in my research for uplift. It seemed to be the most stable of the desks which is definitely a good thing when you're trying to get work done.

[@melissasmith4030]

Just put a few new things in my Amazon cart. Thanks for the tech tips. But…. Where did you get that lamp in the background. I love it!

[@TheBigHeavy]

I got it from a dude in RI who went to Rhode Island School of Design and was a glass blower. It's definitely a unique lamp!

[@andrewwomer1052]

I really like your setup! Its very minimul amd athesial! Very nice!

[@TheBigHeavy]

Thanks!

[@gwallace70]

Thanks for doing this video! It is good to see real workers and not just internet celebrities :)

[@TheBigHeavy]

Thanks!

[@guillaumeledique3401]

I saw this video this morning, on my phone, so had to come back later to add my comment... which is: loved it! I keep wondering about all those other "Minimal Desk SetUp tour 2023" and everyone seems to have a budget of around $15.000,- which they can spend again and again every other month or so. The only thing I was missing in your desk setup was a monitor light... unless you mentioned it, and I forgot about it. Anyway, great video!

[@TheBigHeavy]

Thanks! I guess it's "easy" to do office remodels every few months if all your gear is free from sponsors, etc. Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately) I pay for all my stuff. On the monitor light, I don't have one. I see that "everyone" (at least on KZbin) seems to have one and I've looked at them, but still can't quite figure out why I need one. I might give it a try to see if I'm missing something.

[@guillaumeledique3401]

@@TheBigHeavy , I got the Xiaomi as it cost the fraction of what the BenQ goes for. All of this because a friend of mine suggested it to me. Now, depending on the light that you have in your office, these monitor lights will just drop a curtain of light on-top of your desk that is just the best thing since individually wrapped slices of cheese... ;-) Seriously, you will really appreciate it if you work during dawn, dusk or evening hours.

[@TheBigHeavy]

Allright, I think you've convinced me. I just need to find one that will work with my Insta360 video call camera.

[@helenburns2186]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@TheBigHeavy]

You're welcome!

[@thaprototype]

Oh shit a setup without RGB and purple lights everywhere

[@Mama_n_zylie]

finally a "real'' office set up lol I run an office from home 5+ yrs 6-days a week thank u. So sick of these Pinterest ideas I actually work 8+hrs a day lol

[@jonathoncardwell6786]

I tried to setup a home office in a hotel where I could work from where I am but people around me started interfering right away. And probably set up home offices themselves somewhere at other hotels in the area after damaging the one where I was staying. Sad.

[@mariochaves1]

I really loved the video, I got a lot of useful and practical tips for my real job, I wasn't thinking of subscribing until you mentioned the overlords 😀

[@TheBigHeavy]

Awesome and glad it helped! Our robotic overlords thank you, and just might give us a few extra days before they hit Ctrl-Alt-Delete on the simulation!

[@crownprincesslaya2]

great video! thanks for sharing!

[@TheBigHeavy]

Glad you enjoyed it! Mash subscribe for more!

[@Private19783]

Really appreciate this video with all the setup required for remote work with meetings and so on. One question - you said you connected the webcams to the monitors? How would your video software on your laptop recognize that you have a camera connected?

[@TheBigHeavy]

Glad it helped! The monitors I use (I think they’re linked in the description) have several USB and USB-C plugs, and then connect to my laptop via USB-C. The “magic” of the USB-C connection to the laptop is that I can have a bunch of stuff (including the webcams) connected to the monitor’s USB inputs, and then when I plug a single cable into my laptop I get power, webcam, wireless keyboard, etc. This functionality isn’t on every monitor and it seems you usually have to look at somewhat more expensive monitors, but I find the “one cable” aspect to be extremely worthwhile. From the laptop’s perspective, you’re just plugging into a standard USB hub.

[@comfortablyfun]

Well done ! At last- most of the thousands of set up videos are pretty much the same - if I hear the word "super" or the phrase "reached out" I'll poke my eyes out !

[@TheBigHeavy]

Your comment is super. Thanks for reaching out! Yeah there's way to much sponsored stuff that looks neat but isn't at all practical. Thanks for watching and stick around for more non-super content 😎

[@EricMuranoAU]

Even after getting into split mechanical keyboards, I still think the Microsoft Sculpt is the best ergo I've ever used. It's just a shame that they don't last even a year.

[@TheBigHeavy]

I definitely like the feel of the MS ergo keyboards, but their wireless technology seems far inferior to Logitech. I’d often get missed keystrokes or other problems, which was maddening. Logitech are not as nice to type on, but the wireless is 100% and I prefer their mouse.

[@oliver.n278]

I am always looking for home office ideas, but most of the videos really are impractible. I often have the thought that all those "fancy" creators ar just making these office-setup "show off" videos just for the clicks and after that they might ditch the stupid blue LED Lighting 😂. But how do you manage to connect two display to a macbook? My Macbook Air M1 only supports one, is it different with yours?

[@TheBigHeavy]

Yes I have the 14” MacBook Pro which has 3 USB-C. Alternatively with you Air you should be able to “Daisy chain” and connect the two monitors together via USB-C (assuming they support daisy chaining) and the connect 1 to your MacBook and get dual monitors.

[@jayarmstrong]

With your amount of writing, i'd highly recommend you get an ortholinear keyboard. They make lots of silent switches for mech keyboards too that still give you choice of pressure, tactility, etc. With a few shortcuts (home row arrow keys, for example) you'll never go back

[@TheBigHeavy]

I'd never heard of ortholinear keyboards, and just got back from a quick trip to that rabbit hole and came away interested. Any options you'd recommend with an eye toward ergonomics and lots of writing? Do you end up missing the numeric keypad (I do a fair amount of spreadsheets)? It also seems like wireless options are lacking? Thanks for the comment. I always love learning about stuff I never knew existed!

[@jayarmstrong]

@@TheBigHeavy yes, there are some wireless options (1 custom, 1 Kickstarter). The most ergo ones have a 'key well' where your fingers can sink in a bit: Keyboardio, Kinesis, Keymouse, Naya tech (end game). Personally, I prefer the short travel keys but they're just catching on so not a lot of options. I love my ZSA moonlander and their app is probably the best place to start. You can quickly adjust your settings and try other users configs and ideas. It's also easy to use and incredibly powerful. Don't miss a number pad as I have a layer with 1-0 on my home row fingers. Some people add a number pad layer (hold down or toggle a key and right half of keyboard turns into number pad). Once you see how much better it is you'll never go back 😁

[@TheBigHeavy]

@@jayarmstrong This is great info.It's always helpful to have someone get you pointed in the right direction in a new domain so I appreciate it and will check out the Moonlander and see about giving it a shot!

[@3fingerroll]

really good video

[@TheBigHeavy]

Thanks!

[@MrBryan325]

What device do you use to link your two different laptops to the monitors? And do you have a link?

[@TheBigHeavy]

It's just a standard USB-C connection. I love USB-C and did a whole video about the specifics of the USB-C portion of the setup here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIPbdoxqYpiKi7Msi=EEUKFusNLqmgt-TO. If you have monitors that don't have a USB-C connection there are a couple work arounds that I talk about in the aforementioned video.

[@MrBryan325]

@@TheBigHeavy thank you. I have the Logitech keyboard from this video and I love it. When you talked about swapping between computers, that’s what I’m trying to accomplish

[@TheBigHeavy]

If you install the Logitech software on both computers you can setup swapping between them with either the buttons on the keyboard or via a hot key. It works really well.

[@St3V3_W]

You mean you don't have a piece of wood on your desk for nearly £300 wow dude are you even for real :-) - great video and nice to see a REAL desk set up for a change

[@TheBigHeavy]

Wait until you hear that I don’t take AG1 or use a VPN…

[@St3V3_W]

😂 genius 👌🏼

[@abrahamlopez8562]

Amen! Thanks. I am boring of desk with 279 led, 73 loud keyboards and 0 pens cero purposes. And PROMOS

[@TheBigHeavy]

Shout my promo code "JABRONI" at your local Starbucks and they'll charge you $5 for a totally lackluster coffee!! 😎

[@sharip.2432]

😆I love the title.

[@TheBigHeavy]

We can't all be "content creators" doin' it for the 'gram!

[@northerntier2441]

@thebigheavy Appreciate the thoughts. Catalyst for a couple or three ideas. ;-)

[@TheBigHeavy]

Glad to help!

[@geechisuede98]

Dude said "hype beast" lol. Awesome

[@TheBigHeavy]

Flava Flav said it best: “Don’t believe the hype!”

[@geechisuede98]

I actually checked out UpLift desks based on this video. Definitely on the short list.

[@TheBigHeavy]

@@geechisuede98 I've been happy with mine. I don't have any relationship with the company but they seemed to be the best combo of "works well" and "reasonably priced." If you're handy, you could make a cool wood top and just buy the legs, but for now I'm rocking the bamboo and partying like it's 2018.

[@V1N_574]

Wait so you telling me I don't need to speed like 2500 on aRGM al around me and work in darkness?

[@TheBigHeavy]

I guess if your aspiration is to WFNC (Work From Night Club) it might be a good way to practice!

[@subwayscool]

Is that a 3D printer??? Nope! Popcorn. 👌

[@TheBigHeavy]

Ya can’t 3D print snacks (yet)!

[@saralacy5133]

👍👍👍👍CRAZY GOOD VIDDDD IM GOING TO DO THE SAME THING FOR MY PLACE and yOUR #LUMIY lightblade such a BRIGHT LAMP 👍👍👍👍

[@elNachoman0691]

"We don´t need another hero"

[@TheBigHeavy]

We don’t need to know the way home.

[@KMoneytime]

LoL 😂 , the mechanical keyboard part

[@TheBigHeavy]

As someone that first used computers with IBM Model M keyboards I’ve never quite understood the fascination with the “clickety clackety” although there was something soothing about walking into an old school office and hearing a dozen of those things clacking away.

[@ramaya007]

This setup while professional is still just as much as the fancy ones influencers make.

[@TheBigHeavy]

You can do something similar with cheaper monitors and hardware, but in my case it’s worth it for things I have to stare at all day. Think of all the money I’ve saved on LEDs and clickey keyboards 😎

[@muha8598]

Is that a popcorn machine?

[@TheBigHeavy]

Sure is! The office/KZbin room is also the movie room!

[@muha8598]

@@TheBigHeavy Nice!

[@CimInc]

You do know that not all mechanical keyboards are loud, or have rgb....right? There's everything from silenced linear/tactile switches to actual super loud clicky switches, the thing is you can actually choose these things and a million other things for that matter and for someone that types all day - everyday, this is way better than a mushy membrane keyboard.

[@TheBigHeavy]

Yes, I'm aware of the different levels of "clickiness." The problem is that I haven't found my "unicorn" of decent ergo shape, wireless that works well, and really nice tactile feel all in one keyboard. Does such a thing exist? I'm also a bit biased in that my first computing experience was on IBM XT/AT with the super-clicky IBM keyboards of the day. I will say their clickiness was only surpassed by their reliability.

[@WhiteError37]

With the monitor decision you could just ssh into the other machine. This is probably what I'm going to do with everything else that isn't my main machine e.g. Raspberry Pi, laptop. The home office tour is basically "yo look at my desk". Which is the main part of the office but I was looking for whole room inspiration.

[@TheBigHeavy]

That would require that I actually cleanup the whole space 😎. I do have something about the build of my detached workshop/office space in the works, so “watch this space” as they say. Agree on the ssh although that doesn’t help as much for a company-managed computer that runs windows or a similar GUI.

[@millionairemindsets]

What’s your job?

[@TheBigHeavy]

I'm an exec in a large company and spent many years in management consulting. KZbin is a hobby since I got interested in video writing/editing/production and I believe everyone should have an interesting side hustle.

[@KarlDahlquist]

You mean those influencers don't work on those fancy setups?

[@TheBigHeavy]

I'm sure they "work," but they probably have a different definition of "work" than slinging slides, excelling at excel, and running my trap on teams, which is 90% of my job.

[@creditrazer981]

Ever notice how often those influences change setups? Like very often, why you ask...Content for thier paying affiliate links...Notice how almost all of them link to Amazon? That's why they have fancy setups, and often, to promote affiliate links...This isn't hard to figure out folks.

[@vanilla232]

I appreciate this video. I’m a professional with a job also outside of influencing, however, putting down others who are influencers and who make 5 times a normal salary is pretty insane and out of place in a world filled by hatred as it is. your tone about others was quite disappointing

[@TheBigHeavy]

While I wholeheartedly agree the world needs less hatred, it also needs more humor. If you can’t have a laugh or two at a career based on hyping products and getting paid extremely well to do so, then I’m not sure who you can have a laugh at.And don’t worry, the person I make fun of most in my videos is myself. Have a spectacular day and thanks for the comment.

[@vanilla232]

@TheBigHeavy every corporation, marketing strategist, and advertising teams such on TV and magazines is built on consumerism. I think influences are brilliant to have created a persona that is marketable to the extent of making millions. Perhaps your definition of an influencer is inaccurate and you need to do some research. And I stand by my point, generalizing a group and laughing at them is a horrible belief system. Best wishes to you

[@TheBigHeavy]

@@vanilla232 I agree much of our commercial society is built on consumerism, arguably a less-than-wonderful state for humanity. I could wring my hands about this state of affairs and assume the world is doomed, or laugh about its foibles. I still disagree that laughing at a group is a "horrible belief system." I've had a good laugh about the goofy aspects of my profession, ethnic and religious background, and general goofiness that humans of all stripes exhibit. If it was unreasonable to laugh about this stuff, then we'd live in a world devoid of comedy that I'd find rather repressive. I have friends that have lived under regimes that attempted to stamp out all free speech and criticism of authority, and their only refuge was humor--is that a horrible belief system? Like all things, this can be taken to a cruel extreme, but I think a binary view of the world that everything is either righteous or "horrible" misses the wonderful nuances that make life interesting. Have a great day, and perhaps I'll become an influencer for the glass casket business. Do you think I'll be successful? Remains to be seen...

[@creditrazer981]

I personally think he had a good point. Work from home people, or most people are realistic when it comes down to it. That being said, a load of RGB everything (Like a teenagers wanna be dream), isn't what alot of working people want. I work a away job, and from home, and like a LITTLE rgb lighting, but not every part of the space. I'm more of a price to performance kinda guy (With a minimalistic approach).

[@Fodiaoner]

Why you so salty about rgb?

[@maxpayne8981]

RGB is the worst.

[@TheBigHeavy]

I’m more of a CMYK dude.

[@creditrazer981]

Nothing wrong with RGB, just people get way overboard with it, and looks like a teenagers wet dream...RGB Overkill!

[@chadsyboy]

The problem with productivity advise and “desk setups” on KZbin is that everyone’s job is KZbinr and they are self employed which represents almost no viewers lol They make videos like “work 3 hours per day”

[@TheBigHeavy]

I guess “work 3 hours a day” is nice work if you can get it! Until my boss man let’s me spend most of my day at the gym and creating videos I’ll optimize for real work!

[@LittleKikuyu]

Idk what „real“ work is. Most people I know in Social Media work way more than 40 hours a week 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@bradenwalker3923]

Give yourself a body of 200lb with 10% body fat while doing this!!! 💪🏽🏃🏾🏋🏾

[@TheBigHeavy]

Pizza, beer, and nachos gave me a body of 225 lbs with 24% fat while doing this!!!

[@bradenwalker3923]

@@TheBigHeavy 😂💯🙏🏽

[@musicspinner]

Sassy.

[@TheBigHeavy]

I put the “ass” back in sass.

[@DontFollowZim]

Each time you said "couple or 3" irked me. Sorry. Nothing personal but all the ways people say "2 or 3" without just saying "2 or 3" or "a few" have always bugged me: "couple 3", "couple few", "couple 2 3" and on and on. Why are we humans so weird?

[@TheBigHeavy]

Not sure why humans are strange, but I'm excited that I've found the second human (in addition to my dear old dad) that uses the word "irked" in polite company! 😎

[@Jgonetto]

U couldve made the video w/out insulting the creator community. The tips are good, but youre attitude towards "real" job, trying to undermine theirs is just sad. And yes, i have a "real" job.

[@TheBigHeavy]

Thanks for the feedback. Be well!

[@theeWhisperingWonders]

Too much talking

[@TheBigHeavy]

You should see me after a couple drinks...

[@LittleKikuyu]

Wth is a real job? 😂😂😂

[@TheBigHeavy]

A job that's not setting up fancy desks and recording them for KZbin 🤓

[@lindseyleblanc9123]

ｐｒｏｍｏｓｍ 😎

[@TheBigHeavy]

t a c o q s m