Blogging in Person

I didn't know it, but this year I joined millions of others who work in a "third space" which is not home or office. It's estimated that 30 million Americans are flocking to coffee shops and libraries with WiFi access. They have already been dubbed "Kinko's generation" and "rootless army." See the articles below:

• USA Today: Working out of a 'third place'
  
• Mercer Human Resource Consulting: Millions leave office, home for "third space"

I love being able to work from home, but there are times when I feel isolated. It's the energy I miss - collaborating with others, networking, the spontaneous conversations (blogging in person).

That's when I head to Panera Bread, the bookstore or the library. The coffee/tea is always hot and the food is great. (Just remember to pace yourself with the caffeine - it's caused me to stay up late many nights.)

And sometimes I like the peace and quiet of home. Most of all, I like the flexibility to choose where to work.

What's your favorite work place? Do you frequent a "third space"?

Photo by Fred Mertz for USA TODAY

Comments

[Mark True]

Sandy:

I'm envious - though I know I shouldn't be - of your freedom to move around. When I get unchained from this desktop unit, I'll be joining you at those places. I want to be part of the rootless army and feed off the spoils of the land, survive the throws and arrows of nature, drink up the energy of life. And hang out with creative people like you!
-MT

[Sandra Renshaw]

Hi Mark,

It's a good life. Looking forward to seeing you there. Join us anytime!

Sandy

[Liz Strauss]

This is a great post, Sandy. I was just thinking about this subject. Isolation is a real problem for many work-at-home folks for so many reasons. I like your solution. :)

[Sandra Renshaw]

Hi Liz,
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. Going to a public space really helps me to get out of my own head and look at the day with fresh eyes, plus I can make new friends and connect with old pals.
Sandy

[Phil Gerbyshak]

Great post Sandy. I hate being isolated too, and I try to get out as much as I can. I still work in the corporate world, but that doesn't mean I don't feel isolated from time to time too. Public places are fun to get reconnected at.

[Sandra Renshaw]

Hi Phil,
Thanks for dropping by. I'm always amazed by the number of business meetings that are conducted in public spaces. I think it helps us all to have a change of scene. Here's to those forward thinking companies that understand that.
Sandy

[Rebate Processor Jobs]

When I process rebates, I always like to switch up where I work at. Sometimes working at home is lonely when my husband is gone, so I may stop by at a local WiFi hot spot and start some conversation with others. Makes time go by faster and I have a lot of fun.

[Virtual Office]

Another solution would be to use a Virtual Office at Servcorp.

Servcorp are the pioneers of the Virtual Office with over 60 prime locations worldwide.

Australia - France - Japan - China - Thailand - New Zealand

[Penisa]

Well its a nice topic and helpful in my studies. I liked the blog ... keep it up buddy.

[Marvin]

technology really is the key to being in business and living away from the crowds, it gets easier to be isolted as technology fets better - thats what i find anyway.