I began my writing career working from an office at home. After a year or so, I became a staff writer for a family charity in the UK, so worked from an office. I found that often, I would sit in the office with 'writers block' and end up working at home later in the evening. When I left the staff writing position, I went back to working from home, and loved it for a while. But I found that I missed 'being at work' with other people, so now I rent an office in a building that is shared by others. How do others work? Do you find working from home better than going to an office every day? Christine
First of all excellent great going... and achievement. It depends... i some time feel working from home and some time working in office...
going to the office, gets your mind focued. cause you know you're there for a reason, but at the end of the day, then you get unfocued, cause you're thinking about the ride,walk,drive home.
Nice job you have there. I am working at home today for 8 months already. Today I feel like getting a job (going to the office). Though there's a saying that you cannot serve two masters at the same time, focus and time scheduling could make you successful for both.
I'm not working professionally with it, I only do some freelance stuff from home once in a while. But I can imagine one feeling more "pressured" to come up with something when sitting in an office environment. Home is more relaxed and when you're working creatively, relaxed could be the preferred way to go.
When I first started working from home, I missed the people too, that's why I have become a member of DP, it's like my office. There is always something to talk about if you look around, and you can go back to work with just a few clicks of the mouse.
I found that Im not disciplined enough to work at home. There was always the washing machine...or even the coffee shop at the end of the road. Renting an office and working from there means that Im 'going to work' - luckily its only a 20 min walk away - and I find that when I get home, I dont feel that I should be working. Today, Im 'off sick', and I feel as guilty as if I was taking a day off when working for someone else! On days like this, that staff writer job, with sick pay seems a good idea.....(just kidding!) Christine
Working at home just isn't for everyone, and even if it's for you, it can take some time to adapt. I've always loved working from home... I moved there from working in the non-profit sector, so the lack of politics was such a breath of fresh air. Sometimes it can get lonely, but I have a few friends and colleagues that I take a "time out" with on the phone if I need a break. We exchange emails all the time as well, and I'm on DP on and off all day most days (networking, PMing clients, etc.). There's definitely not a lack of social interaction; it's just a different kind. Most of my face-to-face interaction with work actually happens in bars and clubs, with the musicians I deal with... definitely not a normal business environment. It is tough sometimes to set the distractions aside, and to make yourself stop working at the end of the day. But knowing it's a challenge you'll have to deal with really is half of the battle.
You stop working? I can't start on "work" for the day until my day job are both in bed asleep! I actually like working in an office because I like the face-to-face socialization. I also love teaching which just doesn't work well from home. This year I'll be working from home exclusively which is exciting - it should be an interesting experiment. Being a work-at-home mom involves a lot more juggling than working out of the home. The trade off is being home to be with my babies. The drawbacks are the serious lack of down-time. As in, I don't have any unless you count Mickey Mouse Clubhouse at 7:30 every morning. Rebecca
I can work from anywhere--home, office, Starbucks, etc. Many have issues with working at home and that's understandable. It's definitely something that isn't for everyone. I've also run across a fair number of people who just can't write outside of the home. But, it's all mental. Control your mind, control your world. If you believe that you can't write in an office, that's exactly what will happen.
When I first started writing, my children were all young. School time was ok, but the holidays were difficult to say the least! As they grew up, I still had difficulty in getting them to realise that I actually did 'work' from home, and didnt just sit in the attic playing around on the computer! When they finally got the message, I had rented an office, and the youngest is about to move out! The building that I rent my office in, has just been put up for sale - just when I thought I had it all sussed! So its back to the drawing board. On a brighter note, Im off on my hols on the weekend - a week of sun (Ive forgotten what that is!) sea and being waited on hand and foot (but am taking a portable keyboard....just in case inspiration strikes!) Thanks for all your comments - its interesting to see how others in the industry work. Christine
I can write from anywhere - home, office, friends house, doesnt matter. I dont really have a choice but to work at home atthe moment, and some days are better than others. my main difficulty is the kids and when they need something ( which lately seems to be constantly!) days like that, being able to "go" to work seems nice! You could always see if you could get a part time position with a paper, or magazine (or whatever audience you are targeting). that way you have the socialization of other people, but still have freedom to do it from home as well. best of both worlds.