After working from home for myself as a freelancer for 4+ years (awesome!), I’ve taken on a part-time job in my field three days a week. A huge blessing in this still-tough economy. I wasn’t quite sure what it would be like to return to an office setting and a boss — actually four bosses — after such a long time of being on my own and running the show.
So after two weeks, I have to admit that it’s actually really nice. First of all, my four bosses are pretty cool. (And yes, I think they do read this blog from time to time — hi guys!) I like all of my co-workers so far: they’re welcoming, very talented and creative. Things are progressing more quickly than I was expecting on the new business front, which rocks. And there aren’t any delis within a block of my building, which will force me to either get exercise or limit me to the Lean Cuisines that I swore I’d start eating for lunch. No more wandering downstairs to pilfer my kids’ chocolate pudding cups!
All positives.
One thing that has shown itself to be a stark contrast, which I guess I’d just forgotten, is how motivating having a boss can be. Anyone that has been their own boss knows that motivation can become an issue at times. When no one is looking over your shoulder, asking how things are going and checking up on you, it’s just too easy to relax and not push as hard. It’s not that I’d veg out on the couch and watch Oprah all day. I don’t think I even did that once while I was working from home. But it’s easy to be distracted by little things and not stay as focused as you probably should.
So that’s certainly a positive. And, at least for these past two weeks, that’s carrying over into my freelance work on the other two days. Perhaps it’s just trying to cram all of my writing into two days that’s keeping me so busy. Or maybe it’s that I’m getting into the habit of being more focused again. Maybe a combo of both. Either way, I think I’m getting about 50% more done each day than I was a few months ago, which feels good!