Comments on: Working From Wherever. Is This Possible? http://caitlinmccabe.com/2009/10/working-from-wherever-is-this-possible/ Social Media News, Critiques, with a Dose of Irreverence Wed, 22 Feb 2012 21:56:15 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1 By: camilynn http://caitlinmccabe.com/2009/10/working-from-wherever-is-this-possible/comment-page-1/#comment-513 camilynn Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:35:39 +0000 http://caitlinmccabe.com/?p=900#comment-513 An insightfull post on "Working From Wherever. Is This Possible?".And I would like to say that I'm living my dream of owning my own business and working from home earning equally or more than the regular jobs by using http://debtfreeliving.ownanewbusiness.com.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Johnson<br /><a href="http://debtfreeliving.ownanewbusiness.com" rel="nofollow">Own a new business</a> An insightfull post on "Working From Wherever. Is This Possible?".And I would like to say that I'm living my dream of owning my own business and working from home earning equally or more than the regular jobs by using http://debtfreeliving.ownanewbusiness.com.

Thanks,
Johnson
Own a new business

]]> By: Cody McKibben http://caitlinmccabe.com/2009/10/working-from-wherever-is-this-possible/comment-page-1/#comment-489 Cody McKibben Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:47:25 +0000 http://caitlinmccabe.com/?p=900#comment-489 Caitlin, kickass post! I actually share very similar productive hours with you, it's funny I thought I was so unique! Working from Asia with clients in the West works well when you're up until 5am.<br /><br />I also rarely think about your other point for small businesses—the cost savings. I hope to see a lot more businesses embracing the digital nomad/location independent philosophy like we have. One question though: what do you do for your social interaction? You're right about all the hours wasted on meetings and distractions in the office, but I find I have to at least put the TV on in the background while at home, or go plug my headphones in and work away at the laptop in a cafe surrounded by other people. And I definitely like to go out to dinner most nights of the week with good friends because I don't get that same interaction I used to get in the office.<br /><br />Thanks for this post! Caitlin, kickass post! I actually share very similar productive hours with you, it's funny I thought I was so unique! Working from Asia with clients in the West works well when you're up until 5am.

I also rarely think about your other point for small businesses—the cost savings. I hope to see a lot more businesses embracing the digital nomad/location independent philosophy like we have. One question though: what do you do for your social interaction? You're right about all the hours wasted on meetings and distractions in the office, but I find I have to at least put the TV on in the background while at home, or go plug my headphones in and work away at the laptop in a cafe surrounded by other people. And I definitely like to go out to dinner most nights of the week with good friends because I don't get that same interaction I used to get in the office.

Thanks for this post!

]]> By: Serolynne http://caitlinmccabe.com/2009/10/working-from-wherever-is-this-possible/comment-page-1/#comment-486 Serolynne Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:25:09 +0000 http://caitlinmccabe.com/?p=900#comment-486 Yes, there are indeed a lot of us working location independent!<br /><br />I started back in 1994 by running my own software development business out of my home, and was able to integrate in my normal work day in with extended personal travel. <br /><br />Since 2007 I gave up a fixed home, and got one on wheels (a small solar powered travel trailer) and now roam the US - working remotely as I go from inspiring locations and visiting friends/family. It's awesome, and it's so thrilling to see this becoming more of a trend. <br /><br /> - Cherie / http://www.technomadia.com Yes, there are indeed a lot of us working location independent!

I started back in 1994 by running my own software development business out of my home, and was able to integrate in my normal work day in with extended personal travel.

Since 2007 I gave up a fixed home, and got one on wheels (a small solar powered travel trailer) and now roam the US – working remotely as I go from inspiring locations and visiting friends/family. It's awesome, and it's so thrilling to see this becoming more of a trend.

– Cherie / http://www.technomadia.com

]]> By: Caitlin http://caitlinmccabe.com/2009/10/working-from-wherever-is-this-possible/comment-page-1/#comment-484 Caitlin Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:31:40 +0000 http://caitlinmccabe.com/?p=900#comment-484 Janet - Thanks for the link!<br /><br />Pamela - I am trying to come up with a post to help people pitch their bosses on working with a more flexible schedule :) If you've got any ideas let me know!<br /><br />Thomas - I haven't even touched that yet but I completely agree on the home office front. Not only do companies save by not having to provide office amenities but people get to work in a space they LIKE. I am not a big fan of cubicles at all so to me, a home office is a space that makes me feel creative and inspired not stifled. Janet – Thanks for the link!

Pamela – I am trying to come up with a post to help people pitch their bosses on working with a more flexible schedule :) If you've got any ideas let me know!

Thomas – I haven't even touched that yet but I completely agree on the home office front. Not only do companies save by not having to provide office amenities but people get to work in a space they LIKE. I am not a big fan of cubicles at all so to me, a home office is a space that makes me feel creative and inspired not stifled.

]]> By: Thomas http://caitlinmccabe.com/2009/10/working-from-wherever-is-this-possible/comment-page-1/#comment-483 Thomas Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:23:22 +0000 http://caitlinmccabe.com/?p=900#comment-483 I started working from home 100% of the time a few years ago. One big change for me has been in my home office quality.<br /><br />I companies truly believe they are getting value for the: private offices, roomier workspaces and better technology that executives are provided...why not spread that benefit down the chain?<br /><br />I improve my home office space constantly, at my own expense. When I compare that with the ever-increasing cost of an ever-shrinking cubicle...it seems like quite a bargain for the firm. I started working from home 100% of the time a few years ago. One big change for me has been in my home office quality.

I companies truly believe they are getting value for the: private offices, roomier workspaces and better technology that executives are provided…why not spread that benefit down the chain?

I improve my home office space constantly, at my own expense. When I compare that with the ever-increasing cost of an ever-shrinking cubicle…it seems like quite a bargain for the firm.

]]> By: Pamela http://caitlinmccabe.com/2009/10/working-from-wherever-is-this-possible/comment-page-1/#comment-482 Pamela Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:07:19 +0000 http://caitlinmccabe.com/?p=900#comment-482 I too have those same more productive hours, then I set in my office on the days I "have" to be there and think of things I could be getting done at home! I work at home on Wednesdays, and do schedule the day to death. Sort of wishing my employer would get the hint that it's better to work from home. I'm starting my own business, so I know I'll eventually get there. Great post! I needed to see it in writing because I always think it. I too have those same more productive hours, then I set in my office on the days I "have" to be there and think of things I could be getting done at home! I work at home on Wednesdays, and do schedule the day to death. Sort of wishing my employer would get the hint that it's better to work from home. I'm starting my own business, so I know I'll eventually get there. Great post! I needed to see it in writing because I always think it.

]]> By: Janet Clarey http://caitlinmccabe.com/2009/10/working-from-wherever-is-this-possible/comment-page-1/#comment-472 Janet Clarey Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:37:01 +0000 http://caitlinmccabe.com/?p=900#comment-472 You might like this too - the cloudworker creed. http://www.ribbonfarm.com/2008/10/23/the-cloudworkers-creed/ You might like this too – the cloudworker creed. http://www.ribbonfarm.com/2008/10/23/the-cloudworkers-creed/

]]> By: Royce http://caitlinmccabe.com/2009/10/working-from-wherever-is-this-possible/comment-page-1/#comment-471 Royce Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:05:00 +0000 http://caitlinmccabe.com/?p=900#comment-471 Considering this through the lens of my industry - in real estate everything is (obviously) location dependent. The job of most individuals is paradoxically location independent, however. That's because while most of my projects relate to specific properties, the generic office work I do can be done remotely quite easily through phone calls, emails, etc.<br /><br />The biggest benefit to me of having an office and spending time there is that it's a central hub where I can get a lot done very efficiently. The value of a really good scan/fax/copy machine can't be overstated. All my projects involve a lot of paperwork, signatures, reviewing proposals, etc. I get these done for multiple projects and multiple properties quickly by consolidating the files in my office. It's true a lot of things can be sent digitally, but at least half of the files I work with are in physical form at some point.<br /><br />The other major benefit of being in my home office is that I can quickly communicate with other people on my team, from my boss to my accounting group to my advertising group. While a phone call and a linked file in an email are effective, sometimes it's quickest and easiest to walk over to their desks and show them exactly what I'm talking about. Impromptu "on the spot meetings" that you describe, Caitlin, are frequently beneficial to me as well and let me clear issues with my boss without needing a formal review using an exchange of emails. And this may just be my bosses' habit, or it may be endemic to our industry, but emails and voicemails are never answered as quickly as a walk-in question or concern.<br /><br />Anything I can do remotely I am very productive at, and I do resent unproductive time spent in the office. My bosses are old school, however, and I don't foresee them giving me "work from wherever you want" leeway anytime soon. Unfortunately =( Considering this through the lens of my industry – in real estate everything is (obviously) location dependent. The job of most individuals is paradoxically location independent, however. That's because while most of my projects relate to specific properties, the generic office work I do can be done remotely quite easily through phone calls, emails, etc.

The biggest benefit to me of having an office and spending time there is that it's a central hub where I can get a lot done very efficiently. The value of a really good scan/fax/copy machine can't be overstated. All my projects involve a lot of paperwork, signatures, reviewing proposals, etc. I get these done for multiple projects and multiple properties quickly by consolidating the files in my office. It's true a lot of things can be sent digitally, but at least half of the files I work with are in physical form at some point.

The other major benefit of being in my home office is that I can quickly communicate with other people on my team, from my boss to my accounting group to my advertising group. While a phone call and a linked file in an email are effective, sometimes it's quickest and easiest to walk over to their desks and show them exactly what I'm talking about. Impromptu "on the spot meetings" that you describe, Caitlin, are frequently beneficial to me as well and let me clear issues with my boss without needing a formal review using an exchange of emails. And this may just be my bosses' habit, or it may be endemic to our industry, but emails and voicemails are never answered as quickly as a walk-in question or concern.

Anything I can do remotely I am very productive at, and I do resent unproductive time spent in the office. My bosses are old school, however, and I don't foresee them giving me "work from wherever you want" leeway anytime soon. Unfortunately =(

]]> By: Grace Boyle http://caitlinmccabe.com/2009/10/working-from-wherever-is-this-possible/comment-page-1/#comment-470 Grace Boyle Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:22:38 +0000 http://caitlinmccabe.com/?p=900#comment-470 This is also interesting and reminds me of what you said here: http://www.creativeclass.com/creative_class/2009/10/25/do-live-work-spaces-work/ This is also interesting and reminds me of what you said here: http://www.creativeclass.com/creative_class/2009/10/25/do-live-work-spaces-work/

]]> By: Caitlin http://caitlinmccabe.com/2009/10/working-from-wherever-is-this-possible/comment-page-1/#comment-469 Caitlin Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:27:56 +0000 http://caitlinmccabe.com/?p=900#comment-469 Grace - you're spot on with the challenges. Self discipline is mandatory to actually completing projects....<br />also interesting question. I think everyone could certainly benefit from more work flexibility. Can anyone work remotely? Not sure, some people seem to like the office hour routine and work better with a more scheduled day.<br /><br />FindtheJake - It took a while for me to break out of 9-5 enough to figure out what my productive hours were but they definitely exist! At first I tried to make myself work from 9-5 but my work day looks so different now, and I think, more productive. <br /><br />Nathan - I like your combo idea, having an office for meetings, to get out of the house, etc. :) I also agree with being more creative by yourself but brainstorming with others. That's why I'm really attracted to the co-working idea, so that you'd still have people to bounce ideas off of if you need them. Thanks for the comment. Grace – you're spot on with the challenges. Self discipline is mandatory to actually completing projects….
also interesting question. I think everyone could certainly benefit from more work flexibility. Can anyone work remotely? Not sure, some people seem to like the office hour routine and work better with a more scheduled day.

FindtheJake – It took a while for me to break out of 9-5 enough to figure out what my productive hours were but they definitely exist! At first I tried to make myself work from 9-5 but my work day looks so different now, and I think, more productive.

Nathan – I like your combo idea, having an office for meetings, to get out of the house, etc. :) I also agree with being more creative by yourself but brainstorming with others. That's why I'm really attracted to the co-working idea, so that you'd still have people to bounce ideas off of if you need them. Thanks for the comment.

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