WORKING IN THE LIGHT
We are lucky enough to have a second bedroom which we have turned into a study, making it the perfect place for shutting away the world (the washing up, the dirty laundry…), and simply getting on with work. I’m a big procrastinator and so for me it is really important to be able to work somewhere with very few distractions. A huge bookshelf dominates one entire wall, and a beautiful fig tree grows just outside the window making this a very peaceful environment. Another fantastic benefit of the study is the 27 inch monitor and wireless mouse which I hook up to my laptop. Having two screens is invaluable when simultaneously using Skype and talking through documents. I also find this set up is very helpful in avoiding ‘laptop neck’ and the back pain that often comes with mobile working.
Light and sound
I love the light and the sunshine. Being able to look out at the daylight really relaxes me – a world away from that stuffy office feeling. I also love the productivity of other people and so enjoy working in busy environments, bustling with people going about their lives.
Moving for motivation
At least 3 times a week I try to mix up my workspace and head to the gym. Admittedly unusual place to work, but we are lucky enough to be members of a beautiful gym in the heart of Kings Park in West Perth. I like to head there in the morning for a swim in the rooftop pool, dry off poolside with my book, and then head down to the beautiful light and airy members’ lounge to set up my laptop for the rest of the day. I also often break up the day with a gym class before heading back for a few more hours work. There are always plenty of others taking advantage of this beautiful space, and I enjoy the buzz of working amongst other freelancers, old ladies playing bridge, and corporate business meetings.
Getting the balance right
When I first began freelancing I struggled to get into a routine. The freedom of being able to spring clean the bathroom or make amazing food for dinner often got in the way of my actually doing work. Often I’d find myself working well into the evenings to make up for it. I now try and separate work and home life as much as possible, even if they are the same space. Dedicating a clear space to work – whether it’s a corner of the living room, a small office, or the café down the road – I find is vital to productivity. It also helps you feel justified in switching off too!
Workspace Essentials
I move around a lot and so have learnt the art of travelling light. In the transition from the UK to Australia I have worked in hotel rooms, parents’ houses, planes, and numerous cafés and restaurants. My water bottle goes everywhere with me as being hydrated is essential to my being able to stay focused throughout the day and I carry my iPod and wireless mouse with me wherever I work. My notebook is also very important to me – I write endless lists and it helps me to prioritise when working on several books at once. I use my phone as a timer, and like to work in 90 minute blocks before forcing myself to have a little break and get up and move about.
Helen Cook is a Hoxby Associate and a freelance book editor. She previously worked for Oxford University Press and specialises in developing educational material. Originally from the UK, Helen has recently relocated to Perth, Australia with her Australian fiancé and is now getting to know her adoptive country, enjoying the outdoor lifestyle and learning to call flip flops ‘thongs’.