Hello, Home.
May 3rd, 2008 Rachel
In Marketing? Looking for something more?
April 29th, 2008 RachelIf you’re experienced and enjoy the development of startup marketing strategies and ’self starter’ is your middle name, an open position with an up and coming technology company in Toronto might be waiting for you.
This is not your average communications flunkie position - the role requires someone who is passionate about the internet, knowledgeable about blogging/online marketing and ideally has a working knowledge of how to properly take a product to market. A tall order, yes - but a wicked opportunity for the right person.
Years in the field, previous titles - these things are secondary to something less concrete. Basically - you’re going to have to ‘wow’ to win this one.
Preference for someone in Toronto…but if you’re not, well then that just means you’re going to have to work even harder to impress the team.
Think you might be the one and what to learn more? Drop me a note (rachel.segal at my gmail account) and I’ll get you in touch with the right folks.
[Note: sorree…this is not a position with b5media.]
Telecommuting Misnomers
March 15th, 2008 RachelSo, as many of you know, I “work from home”. I’m one of a growing number of people who has a home office, the opportunity to cuddle with a kitten in between typing, and no long commute in the morning.
Some thoughts on the subject.
- It’s *not* working from home. If you work from home, you never get to “go home”. I’ve established a very clearly defined nook where I “go to work” in the morning. At night, I turn off the light in my little office and now I’m home. Yeah, yeah - I never left. But the mental separation is truly important if you’re ever going to expect to maintain a reasonable level of clarity and balance.
- Regular work hours are important. They can (and are often) long, but they’re as normal as they were when I went to an office. Usually I’m up at the same time or before my other half…and sometimes (thought not always) I’m working after he gets home. Again…it’s these crazy little routines that keep you sane and focused on the job at hand…without mistaking a typical mid-afternoon Tuesday for the perfect time for a nap or Perfect Strangers marathon.
- Take a shower already. In the morning…drumroll please…I get ready for work. Shocking right? You’re probably thinking that because I’m at home I can chill in my PJs all day and not realize I’ve lost a hairbrush for a week or so. But for me…that would be depressing. And quite honestly you never know who you’re going to run into on the street (the puppy has to go out sometime) - why take the chance looking like a vagrant?
- You can curb feeling isolated. Telephone, email, skype…etc…etc…etc…inevitably, there are times that are lonely. There are also times where you’re left out of the loop or the last to know. It happens. But instead of getting angry or passive aggressive about it…what can you do about it? Don’t try to force watercooler conversation to get the scoop on what you’re missing - you’ll sound so fake and turn people off faster than you even know. Just stay in touch. Yeah, it’s harder now and takes a bit more effort because proximity isn’t exactly on your side. But it’s achievable - especially if you remember you’re not perfect either and this is an adjustment for the rest of your team too.
There you have it - that pretty much sums up how I keep my sanity, balance, and focus as a telecommuter. The way I see it, and from past experience, letting any of these key pieces go only results in a work day that never ends and productivity that goes down the drain.
Little differences, big impact
February 9th, 2008 Rachel
Well, I’m here now. I’ve been back in Canada for forty-eight hours exactly and it’s a large slice of wonderful, let me tell you. Now, that’s not to say there aren’t things I’m missing. I got to know some incredible people while down in California and it would all be much easier if you could just collect people you grow to love and take them with you everywhere. Yes, this is the idealistic dream of a girl who’s traipsed across a number of states and one token Canadian province.
The same sense that Toronto is not that much different while being at the same time a world apart from the typical American lifestyle consumes me. Minor details, such as the signature Canadian driver I’m-cutting-in-front-of-you-hope-you-don’t-mind wave out the back window, french translations on packaging, and the brisk air whipping across my cheek make me feel back at home. A million memories come to mind with every crunch of the snow. I love it here - while we may not be here forever, now is certainly the right time.
My notes might be sporadic while we get settled and I adjust to life as a telecommuter. Which is really code for I’ll probably be too distracted watching the kitties follow the falling snowflakes with their round, wondering eyes. Every little difference is a delight and I’m relishing every bit of it.
The traveling continues
February 4th, 2008 Rachel
I’m back in Los Angeles…at least for the next 72 hours. My ‘to do’ list keeps growing and the hours keep ticking by. One major ‘to do’ would be packing - there’s still a lot left. I’m not sure how many people or how many times I’ve heard “Just let the movers do it! They’ll pack your stuff!”. But alas, that won’t be happening. Not only because I’m a control freak, but also because I’m a stubborn arse who doesn’t like giving people the opportunity to say “I told you so.” Even if I’m puttering to the plane on Thursday half awake and bleary eyed, I will have everything done. As Harley as my witness.
For my return on Sunday, I was supposed to be going through DFW - the price difference between a direct vs. 1 stop flight was approximately $300. Argh. That’s fine, I can deal with layovers that don’t involve carting around angry kitties.
As I got to the front counter at YYZ, I let the agent know that the kiosk wasn’t letting me check in because it thinks I still have my pet, when I don’t - she stayed. He looked at me like I was deranged and said…
American Airlines Agent (AAA): “What did you do with your pet?”
Me: “Oh,” I replied, trying to figure out how I could sum up the last 3 weeks into as few words as possible. “She’s with my husband - we’re moving back here. I have to go deal with movers.”
AAA: “Ah…”
Good. Mission accomplished.
Type, type, type, type, type….<pause>…type, type, type.
AAA: “Do you want to go on a direct flight?”
Me: “Um….yeah! Of course! If one is available.”
Type, type, type…<pause>…type, type….<pause>…type, type, type.
AAA: “Hang on. I lie. You don’t lie.”
Me: “Wha…?”
Taps agent to his left on the shoulder.
AAA: “Could you approve this? She needs to get to LA directly - it’s an emergency, she’s running late.”
Yes. My American Airlines Ticket Agent went all stealth opps on me and got me on the direct flight. AMAZING.
I love traveling.
