This is not it... this is not reality in my day. This is My Pretty that I created to show you how I would LOVE for my desk to look on a regular basis. Isn't it so pretty!??! My desk is clean, there are no post-its everywhere, stacks of paper, cups from yesterday (or maybe three days ago - who knows?!) It's tidy and lovely and really makes me want to get in there and create more Pretties!
But the REAL reality... that looks like this.
Yep... chaos. The Pretty stays that way for about one day MAX. Then new paperwork slowly starts to pile up, I forget to take my coffee cup to the kitchen... and then my lunch plate... I make about ten different "to do" lists on post-its, tablets, with Siri, and where ever else I can scribble them down. And, that Zaza is ALWAYS trying to steal my seat. No joke! And, this is a standing desk... so, she's got some skills.
The rest of my reality is getting sidetracked. All. Day. Long. I have about 42 projects I want/need to do in my head at all times. (hence the desk) And, I'm pretty sure I never get through one of them... ever. As soon as I start one, I have a chore that needs done or a knock on the door or a call I have to take or an email I forgot to respond to or a Rabbit Hole I must go down on Instagram or Facebook... etc etc etc. And, of course, the pups... they are ever-needy. It seriously doesn't stop. Major props to all you working parents out there. I don't even want to imagine what this desk will look like when there are babies in the mix!!!
They are cute little distractions, though...
Being self-employed and working from home has it's ups and downs for sure. Freedom to come and go as you please, setting your own schedule, wearing pajamas all day and even into the next day if you want, having all the snacks, snuggle breaks with fluffy co-workers are just a few of my favorite perks.
On the flip side of that coin there are some major bummers too... not talking to anyone in person all day long, it's super easy to get bored and restless, distractions aplenty, accountability comes from only yourself, no one can cover for you if you're sick or on vacation, and so on. But I will say, even though there are some down sides, I still prefer this over anything else. And, I've tried other things... even since I have been a photographer.
I (tried to) quit photography in 2011. (I'll have to fill you all in on the "Groupon Incident" one of these days.) But after that happened, I sold all my gear and moved to Denver in search of a new life and career. I tried working for a couple of different companies while I was there and QUICKLY figured out there is nothing I could or will ever love more than this. Plus, the reality of having coworkers and a "boss" is SOOOO different than my fantasies. I use the word "boss" loosely since I hate that word and everything it implies. Not sure why, but I've never liked it. One day, if I am fortunate enough to hire a fabulous human to work with me, I'm going to have to come up with some other term for my role... Feel free to contribute ideas in the comments below.
All that to say, I've tried other roles and positions and nothing fits me better than this. It's so nice to have peace and contentment in what you do. I hope you find that in whatever it is you choose for your path!