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Lots of exciting stuff going on here at mental_floss. Starting next month, I am coming aboard full time. (Well, it’s exciting for me, at least.) Because of this, Mangesh and I need a place to congregate.
With this post, we are beginning our search for office space in New York City. This is one of those “can’t hurt to ask” situations. So, to all our New York readers…got any square feet to spare?
We’re looking for a space we could share with another creative group. Nothing fancy. Just a place to call home and have meetings and hang stuff. We’d add plenty of energy and spice up water cooler conversation. Plus I could bring my Wii in from time to time.
If a handful of mental_floss staffers – including the world’s twenty-third coolest entrepreneur under thirty – would make a great addition to your NY office, let us know! Probably better to send me an email than leave a comment.
* * *
Yesterday, I promised to post a new question each day this week for discussion, to help us all get through the afternoon. (Great responses to the “What are the _flossiest places to live?” query, by the way.) Since “Do you have office space we can use?” is not the kind of question that will prompt a lot of comments, let’s try this: In what environment do you do your best work? Maybe you concentrate best in complete silence. Or you feed off noise and chaos. Or you need to work in frigid temperatures. Or, hopefully, something far crazier. Enlighten us.
Comments (14)
Comment
I work best when there’s severe weather outside. Nothing like a good thunderstorm to keep the energy saving ideas flowing!
posted by Lindsay D on 8-7-2007 at 6:44 am
Congratulations, Jason! I am quite jealous.
posted by Miss Cellania on 8-7-2007 at 7:10 am
Yes congratulations first of all to Jason! Thats going to be a big project in itself!
My best working atmosphere actually changes throughout the day according to what I need to get finished. I actually begin to look forward to the lulls and the chaotic parts so that I can use the lulls to focus on reports and the chaotic situations to get energized.
Generally I like to have my hands full. On my computer I currently have about 11 spread sheets open, my company e-mail, and 10 web pages open to reference different articles. In the background I’m talking on the phone with one hand as I surf the computer with my other hand. When all the lines start to ring then its time for fun. I like going a million miles an hour and I find that the day goes by so much faster when there is a lot to do.
At night I can relax by thinking about everything I got done and how I want to word my reports in my downtime the next day. :)
posted by Michael on 8-7-2007 at 7:46 am
I work best in a highly social atmosphere. Something where teamwork is involved and we can all put our minds together. Other people’s ideas tend to spark my own and my creativity in turn.
posted by Connie on 8-7-2007 at 8:13 am
It depends on what I’m trying to get done. The majority of my current job could be done from home. On the rare occasion I’m able to sneak that through, I am much more productive; tv on in the back ground, pjs, curled up on the couch.
For editing, I prefer setting up my laptop at IHOP with lots of coffee.
My photography work is anywhere in any situation. And the crazier it is, the more fun I have.
posted by Tru on 8-7-2007 at 8:32 am
I do my best work when the kids are asleep or at school. That one thing makes so much difference that nothing else matters much.
posted by Miss Cellania on 8-7-2007 at 10:26 am
My best work is done when I’m surrounded by fun and talkative people. Someone who knows how to work, but also likes to wedge in some fun in between in the middle of the work day. A little bit of humor and certainly a lot of sunlight and a nice view to look out to is a definite quality in having a productive day.
posted by Marina on 8-7-2007 at 10:26 am
I work best sitting on a couch with the tv on playing Law and Order; preferably the original but SVU or CI will work in a pinch. I also prefer to have some kind of munchable snack and a big glass of water. If I’m doing any kind of project, this is my ideal situation.
posted by Sally on 8-7-2007 at 10:27 am
The best environment for me to be productive is a clean me. If I really need to focus I make sure I shower, shave, and brush my teeth. Once my actual body is cleaned and organized I find my mind follows suit. After that is established my actual location is inconsequential.
posted by Tom on 8-7-2007 at 12:42 pm
I need music from live.365 coming through my speakers; doesn’t matter where. It can be work, home or the coffee shop. The music helps information go into my head or the thoughts from head comeout in writing.
posted by Julianna on 8-7-2007 at 1:59 pm
Oddly enough, I think I’m at my most productive when I have sports on in the background (either on a television or radio). I used to work on a sports desk at a local paper, and I got used to doing tasks while keeping one eye or ear on whatever late game was on. Plus, I find that the rhythms of a game are an easy way to schedule things. (”I’ll work on this project until the end of the next inning, then I’ll return some phone calls during the break.”)
posted by Ann on 8-7-2007 at 2:12 pm
“extra square footage in NYC” hee hee hee
Sorry, it just made me laugh. I don’t know about office space, but a one-bedroom 425 sq ft apt on the Upper West Side goes for about $550,000. However, I’m thrilled you are joining the staff officially and will be spending time here in NY.
I’m most productive when I’ve got streaming movie soundtracks playing on my computer. That Empire Strikes Back stuff really gets me moving. There may be unconscious fears of being found inadequate when Darth Vader arrives, and I do not want to hear that the Emperor is not pleased with my lack of progress.
posted by Melissa on 8-7-2007 at 3:01 pm
Perfect timing! I’ve been doing contract work for a company that offered me full-time staff position yesterday. It isn’t the healthiest or most motivating place, but it had its benefits (lots of learning and projects I enjoyed).
This post got me thinking about what environment I want (and don’t want) to work in and what I need in order to be excited about my work and workplace. This reflection was a great exercise and really helped me get my head together and make the right decision.
posted by tgr on 8-8-2007 at 2:54 pm
Congrats, Jason. But I gotta ask, why NYC? There are so very many other great places to live & work that don’t cost an arm & a leg. And won’t be under water in 20 years! ;o)
posted by Dave on 8-8-2007 at 10:16 pm