Workspace
Work. After years as a software engineer—usually at companies with products I didn’t believe in—I realized that the end product really did matter. Going out with the guys in a huge pack at lunch and listening to Lil John soundboards while coding didn’t cut it for job satisfaction anymore.
I moved away to the northwest with Mike, in search of a few things that may sound new-agey unless I explain in person over a plate of local produce or while gazing at the Olympic Mountains. I hunted for work thousands of miles from any contacts, and based my search on a fit of core philosophies. Luck? Determination? I’m not sure how things really materialized, but now I work for a company that I feel is innovative without being evil.
I work for an architecture and landscape architecture firm that specializes in projects that use green building techniques and tries to build sensitively on the land. There’s an importance placed on how culture and communities affect spaces, whether it’s a dwelling or an estuary.
My desk. Note the huge plants!
I wish I had photos of all my past working spaces. Some were horrid, dark, small areas with no windows and stained carpets. Most of them were fine. But now I can’t believe how much some natural light and a view looking out over a park can affect my mood at work.
I love open source software. I love working with guys that are quirky and a bit socially awkward, and goodness I’ve come to really like geek humor and talking shop. I still code. But the tech industry is just not my thing.
What I do love is going to a place every morning where I’m comfortable, use my computer to work on tangible results, and most of all feel proud of my efforts.
Posting your comment
Amelie | August 13, 2008 @ 11:19 pm
That sounds/looks really wonderful. I’m in shared office space right now, and it’s one of those that is “fine.” But I hope someday to be able to have an office with real light and design truly pleasing to me.
I had no idea you were moving to Seattle. We have to catch up soon!
Elenka | September 20, 2008 @ 12:54 am
What a lovely working space!