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Dan Lupo asked about other policies imposed by our organizations that we
feel affects our writing.
I work for SPIE, a technical society for professionals in the fields of
optical engineering, holography, etc.
A few years ago I had decided to leave SPIE and open a day care in my home
to meet the needs of my younger son. I didn't really want to leave SPIE
and SPIE did not want to lose me. We worked out an agreement where I work
part time at home (approx. 25 hours per week). I have an assistant to
run the day care so that I can be available to go into the office as needed
to do research or meet with other staff.
As far as writing goes, I am much more productive at home. I have much fewer
interruptions, and when I stumble on a writing block, can get away from my
desk. Neither am I as vulnerable to office politics. The fact that the
company values my work does wonders for my morale and my working relationship
with the company. In many ways, I have the best of both worlds (although
it doesn't *always* feel that way!). I feel grateful that I am not in a
situation similar to what some of you have expressed. The next time I do
feel the urge to go back to the office full-time, I'll remember this
conversation.
Carrie Walljasper
Documentation Specialist
SPIE - Society for Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers
carriew -at- mom -dot- spie -dot- org
