Comments on: Why It’s Okay to Be Alone All Day

By: Lori

Lori — Tue, 31 May 2011 11:24:59 +0000

Naps! Anne, I've yet to partake, but that's a great idea. I signed up for a voluntary energy conservation program - the electric company will cycle off my AC during peak periods for about an hour and a half. Maybe that's a good time to nap on the swing outside...

You'll get there, Wade! I've no doubt. The more you work the marketing and keep your fees where they should be, the faster you'll make it.

You know she'll bark, Paula! LOL Good luck juggling all those interviews and the work people.

By: Paula

Paula — Fri, 27 May 2011 22:22:29 +0000

Next week working from home may pose a challenge. I've got about 10-12 phone interviews to do and should have the handyman selected and hired to repair the damage from some giant hailstones the other day. My dog WILL be barking.

By: Wade Finnegan

Wade Finnegan — Fri, 27 May 2011 20:44:57 +0000

Wow! This sounds like the best job ever. 🙂 But seriously, having that kind of freedom is priceless. Now the trick is getting to that level.

By: Anne Wayman

Anne Wayman — Fri, 27 May 2011 19:33:35 +0000

smiled when I saw the title... love being home alone... almost always, and when I need folks, well they are pretty easy to get to..

Naps! I can take a nap!

And go to the store or the gym or walk in the canyon when it isn't crowded...

I do remember that it was hard at first, but not for very long.

By: Lori

Lori — Fri, 27 May 2011 19:01:27 +0000

Devon, I'm beginning to feel like solitude is my preferred state. I love working in a quiet house. :)

Paula, I guess that means I can talk to Fishy without weird looks. :)

Gabriella, Mika continues to amaze me. I may pick up her book. She's teaching us something our daughters should learn, too - assert your needs.

Ashley, there's the thing - I love being around people, too. But when I'm working, I would shut the door and not want anyone around. Even the human contact got to be too much. LOL

EP, I'm the same way. I know I can, but I don't.

Good point, Damaria. I just got back from a quick trip to the store with my daughter. :)

By: Damaria Senne

Damaria Senne — Fri, 27 May 2011 17:28:43 +0000

I can take enough time to do my household errands during the day, instead trying to cram into the lunch hour and failing.

I love the silence... and being able to work without interruptions. Oh yes, and being able to ignore the phone if I'm busy. Leave a message. Or better yet, email me.

By: EP

EP — Fri, 27 May 2011 15:26:10 +0000

I particularly like that part about "I can take an hour each day to work on my personal writing – and no one will care." I just wish I had more discipline to pursue that matter (even 30 minutes would be a great accomplishment).

By: Ashley

Ashley — Fri, 27 May 2011 15:16:31 +0000

I'm looking forward to making the jump to working solo because my office is *very* loud and distracting. I enjoy being around my co-workers, but there's no peace and quiet in which to work. At all. They know I'm a writer and need quiet to work productively, and yet, it's still a madhouse with people yelling across offices and goofing off and joking around.

I do honestly enjoy the interaction when I have a few minutes to spare, but I'm so distracted most of the day that it's very difficult to get everything done that needs to get done.

But most of all, I won't miss the commute. Mine isn't even very far, but arriving at work and back home angry every day is no fun.

By: Gabriella F.

Gabriella F. — Fri, 27 May 2011 14:53:26 +0000

Agree wholeheartedly with so many, but several I truly am one with you on: I can ignore phone calls, I can do what I want if I'm not crazy busy, and NO COMMUTE!

Boy, I don't miss being a more aggressive person because I had to elbow my way through the throngs daily. I'm so much more zen these days.

I'd add to your list being able to laugh during the day because my dog is next to me all day, often doing something boneheaded. And I get to take him to the beach every afternoon. THAT'S rejuvenating!

I saw a little bit of that Mika/Joe conversation. But on my flight back from my vacay last Thursday, I also read an interview with Mika in More Magazine. Never heard of the magazine, but I was impressed.

Anyway, the interview with Mika was fascinating. She talked about how she worked for ages on Morning Joe making peanuts, along with the various ways she tried to push a raise through. Yelling and poking her boss in the chest didn't work. What worked was knowing her value and calmly laying out her case. Well worth a read!

By: Paula

Paula — Fri, 27 May 2011 14:44:34 +0000

I can get easily distracted by conversation, which doesn't happen when you work alone. Sure, the occasional phone call shakes things up, but it's easier to cut a call short than tell someone to get out of your workspace.

If it's too quiet, I turn on a talk radio station (non-abrasive hosts only). I consider the news people, weather people, producers and hosts are my virtual co-workers.

Best of all? I can go pet my dog whenever I want!