When I sit down at the computer to do design work, I’m amazed how much I rely on space. Head space that is.
Sure, I work with two little kids at home, so I need to be prepared for distractions, and they’re par for the course. I’ve become accustomed to having to leave tasks, to return to them, once the offspring are otherwise entertained, or asleep. What I am finding difficult right now, is the other parental unit, is currently on vacation days (and will be until the 4th of January) but I can’t seem to make it clear to him that simply because he is on vacation, doesn’t mean that I am able to drop everything, participate in every conversation and basically not do any work at all.
If I hear, “Are you on the computer AGAIN?” ONE-MORE-TIME, I may just run to the nearest hillside and break out into a fiendish blood curdling scream.
On another note, because of my freelancing status, and the argument I mention above how, when you’re a freelancer you’re *never* on holiday? Well there are ways of planning to supplement your income while you are on holiday, if you plan ahead. I generally have my finger in several pies, including a spot of online marketing, some web content production and numerous other avenues.
A new one which I’ve just discovered, which I wish I had found shortly after leaving university was a site that allows you to sell textbooks. Imagine how much cash you could regain by selling some of your old text books. When I was at university staying in residence we generally went and found a first year (or they found us) that was studying the same course, who was usually a willing buyer of our second hand stuff, but a site like this would have been so much easier to deal with. Click, ship, ka ching. I like that kind of ease of use and efficiency.
One thing I’ve noticed about myself is that I tend to use the services of business that make a real effort with their online presence (probably because I understand of the great deal of effort that it entails). Just the other day when I was shopping for a new iMac, I found a local (!) online shop that had 24/7 live chat (very rare in South Africa) and were able to answer my questions about stock levels on the spot. NICE. I will definitely send some business their way soon.
On that note, I hope you have all had a peaceful and fun festive season (whether Earthbound or not) ha ha, and I hope you’re looking forward to the New Year as much as I am.
