The Working World
The McOffice?
The many people who have been laid off from longtime office jobs are probably finding out something that, as a full-time freelance writer and editor, I’ve known for a while: It sucks to spend all day working at home.
The television is a constant temptation. Household chores suddenly seem a welcome and fulfilling activity. Snacks in the fridge call your name. Loudly. And your days can seem like they’re going nowhere.
That’s why I make a point of getting out of the house. I’m always on the hunt for places where I can set up at a comfortable table and access a (preferably free) WiFi connection.
My latest discovery: McDonald’s. Yep. The house of Ronald has added WiFi to its menu.
(I want to add here that although — full disclosure alert — I recently purchased a small amount of McDonald’s stock, the idea was my editor’s. She asked that I check it out, and even though I’ve found I work best at the New York Public Library, I obliged.)
The fast-food company has installed WiFi at about 15,000 McDonald’s locations around the world. The closest to me is Mickey D’s in downtown Brooklyn, so on a recent mid-afternoon, I packed up my gear and checked it out.
The aural environment was—no surprise, quite the opposite of the generally silent NYPL—loud. Hip-hop music blared in the background. The Golden Arches was full of noisy teenagers not just screaming, but throwing food.
Even though it was the middle of the afternoon, there was only one plastic table available. It was pretty greasy, requiring a flotilla of napkins to be set up underneath my Mac. The tables are also relatively narrow, making it hard to type while referring to books or papers. And finally (and most importantly), the odor of french fries is overwhelming. After 20 minutes, I caved in and bought some, resulting in additional grease on my keyboard. And as the only guy with a laptop open, I felt like I was killing the buzz around me.
But here’s why you might want to set up your laptop at McDonald’s: It’s cheaper than Starbucks ($2.95 for two hours, as opposed to $3.99) and the wireless is high-speed. Finally, if you’re looking to be the only one working, you just might find it here.
As for me, I’m headed back to the library. There are enough people working there to make you feel like you are part of a community, and the enforced silence and ban on food or drink makes it easier to focus. The only downside is that you have to go outside of the building to make phone calls.
I think I can live with that.
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5 comments for “The McOffice?”
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Glad you are using the library. Free WiFi is great, and we are seeing more and more people working here. Not only is the WiFi free, but you aren’t surrounded by other things that tempt you to spend money.
Also, keep in mind that the library is a great place to stay active and productive if you find yourself out of work. We offer lots of free workshops and classes, lecture programs, etc., to help keep you thinking, and to keep your spirits up. And, we offer lots of job related classes….resume workshops, career counseling, job search databases, etc, to help you find something new. or, we can help you navigate through the process of filing for unemployment benefits. Check out http://www.nypl.org/services/jobs/ for lots of great stuff and a place to chat live with a librarian for help or just for company.
I became a freelancer about a year ago, but I worked on-site. I had a desk and phone just like the full time chaps. Unfortunately, due to the recession, fewer projects came, and I was sent home to work as an off-site, per project freelancer. That’s great when you are 16, living at home with NO responsibilities. That’s not my profile.
I used to enjoy waking up to run to the gym then run to work, then anticipate weekends.
Now I wake up with nowhere to go. I do go to the gym, but afterward…what?
I used to do homework at Starbucks, but as David mentioned re. McDonald’s, there’s a lure to buy. And at Starbuck’s, you may get nasty looks after you’re sitting there with an empty cup after 6 hours.
Being isolated at home without co-workers and feedback is psychological torture. Every once in a while, I meet with co-workers who are still employed for outings to maintain the socializing as well as to network and gage the possibility of my return to work.
Gary’s mention of library activities is very encouraging. I live near the NY Public Library, and should take advantage of the programs he mentioned.
Overall, getting out of the house is just mentally healthy. When I stay indoors all day, and I have, it’s due to depression. Getting outside helps.
When we work(ed) in offices, we looked forward to weekends to enjoy two days of leisure. I became depressed when everyday was a leisure day, but we can find productive things to do during the week and allow ourselves only two days of leisure so that the weekends, weekdays and life after a job loss are things we can better cope with.
I’m sure it’s rough for a many people out there. My business provides office space to individuals…in light of the tough economy we’re going to be trying harder to make it work for people…we’re also working on a package that will include counseling, and a career coach…group workshops…and we’re open to other suggestions. email me and I’ll see what we can do to help…
david@microoffice.com
Thanks for article. Everytime like to read you.
Excellent post. I am often found posted behind an open laptop at a fast food restaurant.
I usually buy an iced tea when I first walk in. By the time I leave, I’m sure that I have consumed the $1.99 worth of free refills.
At a table in the back corner, my typing and clicking never bothers anyone. Not even during the lunch rush.
The problem I come to now is that I need a place to make phone calls. I don’t want to be rude to the other diners. Outdoors works for a couple of calls, but the noise, wind and lack of writing surface preclude it for most calls.
Any suggestions?