Have been working hard here in Princeton Public Library--it feels good to be writing at this Dell computer in the midst of other industrious people, rather than home alone in my kitchen. [H.'s office is upstairs; mine is in the sunroom. But I need to buy a new computer, so until then, I've been sitting in the breakfast nook, where the Mac is.]
Being here reminds me of what I always liked about working in an office away from home:
- I'm dressing for other people, too. Not working in a vacuum--or, for that matter, near our broken vacuum cleaner at home. Gave me a good reason to pull on nude pantyhose and dig out my gold charm bracelet.
- I'm not anonymous. I could tell that the librarian, who was also here yesterday, recognized me.
- Better neighborhood coffee and lunch choices, all within walking distance. Today I went to the cafe in the library for a simple croque-monsieur on tender freshly made bread ($3.85) and one perfect, slim marble biscotti ($1). Actually, the croque was very light on the ham and Swiss [like one slice each], but that's okay. Feels much more cultured than leftovers in my kitchen. Also, not in vicinity of Ritz cracker box or peanut butter jar.
- I'm not distracted. It's unpack notebooks and folders from totebag, park bottom on chair, work. No piles of laundry, balls of dust, unopened bills, shaggy dog to walk. I can concentrate.
- And mainly, I am not alone. We're all working hard, moving through this life together--the young students, the retirees, the professor types, the nannies, the hipsters, the moms, the librarians--and me.
I sure do like it here.
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Your Princeton remote location sounds so great, Alice! I've finally been picking up the pace on some freelance work, and I'm enjoying it, but BOY, "working from home" has its challenges!
ReplyDeleteHi Eileen....good for you with the freelancing! Send me some links when you can. I know they'll be great. Yes, working from home definitely has its challenges. A lot of times I try to dress nicely, as if going to an office, b/c then I feel more professional and productive. but remote locations are very good. love alice
ReplyDeleteAlice,
ReplyDeleteThe only thing I miss about working in an office is eating lunch out on a regular basis. Once I started working at home I realized how many distractions there were in the office (mostly talking with people for 20 minutes at a time throughout the day about stuff not related to work). Also I hated getting dressed up! When I think about going back to a regular job in the next couple of years it is not something I am looking forward to - I am hoping freelancing picks up so I don't have to!
Celia, i like getting your opinion on this. I have a feeling that you are far more disciplined than I am. But definitely true, I loved going out for lunch while working in NYC. love alice
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