I came across this interesting 'manifesto' by James Shelley recently, titled The Freelancer’s Manifesto. While I find the entire article interesting, one point in particular caught me:
"I will transcend the ceiling of cubicle networking in order to surround myself with a robust team of coworkers who genuinely inspire one another (and who are also cleverly disguised as friends who simply enjoy being together)."
I find this statement particularly relevant as many of us are (or soon will be) entering the workforce. With this in mind, I think it is important to consider the type of work environment you are looking to work in. For some, a corporate environment may be suitable. For others, a small studio environment is best. Personally, I know I prefer to work in a small, close-knit environment where everyone knows each other, and everyone is a friend (sorry if that sounds corny). I really think for me, the more I am surrounded by people who make me comfortable, the better work I produce. Moreover, the more comfortable I am with these people, the more open I will be to experimenting and hopefully producing creative work.
Read The Freelancer’s Manifesto in it's entirety here:
http://www.jamesshelley.net/2011/05/the-freelancers-manifesto/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+jamesshelley+%28James+Shelley+Blog%29
I want to work for ideo! they have a really organic, laid back, hands on, and fun environment. I refuse to have a boring job!
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting take on defining what freelance work really is.
ReplyDeleteIf you read the comments you will know that I don't want to be a freelance designer so I get rather discouraged with people saying things like "I will not settle with being paid to tell someone else’s message to the world."
I think that if you work for the right place, their message can be your message.
I think I agree with you. The corporate environment does not appeal to me at all. I have no desire to sit behind a desk and slave away my life. I would prefer to work from home, or a studio.
ReplyDeleteAnd Katie, you have a good point. Although I think freelance is something I might pursue, I have nothing against working for someone else as long as I can still see myself in my work!
I dream of a job where I will be friends with my coworkers! I've heard one too many stories of the workplace feeling like high school with office politics, gossip, and drama.
ReplyDeleteI am right there with you John. I also would prefer a smaller, close-knit environment. I have no real interest in freelancing (to quote Seinfeld: "Not that there's anything wrong with that)
ReplyDeleteI want to start working in a bigger corporation and then work for a boutique like studio later. For me I think that will teach me about both worlds.
ReplyDeleteI always thought it would be interesting to work with close friends. Or even own a business together.
ReplyDeleteRight now I work in a small office in a cubical but I know everyone and we all get along really well. But if I didn't like them it would make work suck that much more.
ReplyDeleteThat is a really strong quote.I love how my current job employees function as a family. Evryone has been there for so long.
ReplyDeleteI hope I can freelance a bit right out of the gate - the autonomy, especially the control over my work environment is very attractive to me.
ReplyDeleteI've promised myself I'll never work in a cubicle. I've noticed how sensitive my mood, even my physical energy can be to environment, and my list of demands make no room for scant windows and fluorescent lighting. Some offices are great - anybody remember the Busy Beaver Button Company building? That's a good office environment. Open air, natural light, attractive furniture and architecture. It might sound petty, but a few months into sitting in a sad little booth and you'll start to wish for a new job no matter how challenging and exciting your projects are.
I feel that a cubicle does not need to be limiting. I work as an assistant to the Office Manager at a law firm on Fridays. The secretaries have cubicles, but they all have friendships. They stop at each other's cubicles to chat for a bit, or they use the speaker on their phones to say something. Even the lawyers chime in on conversations (since they have their doors open). They work together on big cases and have lunch together.
ReplyDeleteI think that it all has to do with your attitude and your coworkers attitudes. If people are willing to work together and have a great time, then a plastic wall will not limit your creativity. But then again that is just my opinion.
I agree that I am definitely more comfortable in an independent or studio environment, however there is something about working for a big corporation and getting to get the flavor for that type of atmosphere and level of professionalism that appeals to me. I want the best of both worlds i guess...
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