As a footloose and fancy free writer/photographer, I have the enviable pleasure of working alone from my home or wherever there’s a comfy seat and free WiFi much of the time. Still I’m often on the go (obviously, I need to seek out interesting things to write about and photograph). Further, on occasion I find myself in situations where I’m scooting into a client’s office to slog away at whatever assignment they may have for me. Sometimes such hot desk requirements come at a moment’s notice and I’ve got to hop to it quick if I want to get the gig.
Such instances can be a bit of challenge – figuring out stuff like the dynamics specific to any particular workplace, where the office stationery is kept, what’s an appropriate amount of time to take as a lunch break (if any at all) etc. But it can be fun too. A game I’ve started playing since freelancing in London is to try and guess how many times I’ll be asked if I’d like a cuppa tea during a day. My non British readers, you’d be surprised how much tea is consumed in this city!
Goofy games aside, being able to slip in and out of different work environments requires flexibility and a laid back demeanor. I’m pretty sure I’ve got the laid back bit down pat, but I’m still honing how adaptive I am. There’s a lot I can learn to keep ahead of the ever growing number of London freelancers. Anyway, as long as I can pay the bills and retain my sense of humour I reckon everything’s gonna be alright. Now where am I supposed to be tomorrow?
