A recent reply to Eric’s rebuttle to a prickly-commentor brought some thoughts about the work environment back to the surface. To summarize the thread, the commenter (Nick) was suggesting that Eric’s committment to work overrided his desire to be at home with his family, implying that Eric was a negligible father due to his desire to be the best at what he does.
As many of my peers will tell you, I have my own opinoins about the work environment. I’ve spent the last five years acquiring experience at various agencies, never having stayed at one place for more than two years. Some may see this behavior as professional suicide and will tell you that having such short stints on a resume in such a short amount of time looks suspicious and could be interpreted as an unwillingness to grow with any one employer. I see it differently. In the big picture, I’m still a rookie, still learning my craft and deciphering where in this indusrty I best fit and where my talents lie. In the words of Milton Glaser: “there is no reason to settle down and commit to any one employer during the first ten years of your career. This is the time where you should take advantage of less responsibility (i.e. wife, kids, etc) and experience as much variety as you can.” These words are summarized, but you get the point.
This is exactly what I have chosen to do. I’m not married. I have no kids. I have no debt (well, not that much). Since graduating I have had the opportunity to work for some employers that were absolutely amazing and provided incredible growing spurts for me as a designer. Other employers, while much less inspiring, still provided material to learn from. They provided me the chance to learn how NOT to do things, or how NOT to treat clients. In my opinion, there is no reason to commit yourself to a place or situation when you know that ultimately it is not going to be the right fit.
Now, moving on to the topic of work ethic etc, which started out this post. Ask any of my peers and they will tell you that I have a very professional, solid work ethic and a healthy desire for learning as much as I can about my craft. Much of this learning, however, takes place outside of the office. As part of a consumer minded and production oriented culture obsessed with efficiency, I choose to stray a bit from the pack. I believe that, as humans, we are not meant to be focused on multiple tasks for 8 to 9 hours a day (sometimes longer). It is unhealthy and will more than likely lead to an unbalanced life. However, I recognize that for many it doesn’t. These people are willing and able to spend 12 hours day after day “working” and never question it, never stop to consider the true benefits of what it is they are working for and if working under the “American workplace model” is counterproductive, as I believe it is.
I’m good for about 6 hours, 7 at the most, in any office. Any time spent after this window becomes counterproductive. The mind tires, thoughts wander, and general daily fatigue sets in. At this point it’s time to go, to get away from the workplace - whether that is an office, home office, library, etc. Get away. Cool down, relax, exercise… anything to rid your mind and body of the previous 6 or 7 hours residue. You can always pick back up later in the day or later that evening with renewed focus and energy.
Now, I understand that this model is not without it’s flaws as some projects do require extended hours and intense effort, but I believe that you should pick your projects and clients accordingly.
