I retired from personal blogging in July 2008 but you can find me over at blog.xero.com
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Work is really changing. I’m now spending probably 3-4 hours a day on calls all over the world. The week starts Monday morning in NZ and finishes early Saturday afternoon when the US knocks off. Usually around 7 most mornings I check my first batch of emails, and after dinner the UK kicks in.
So for two years it’s been all consuming. There has always been more to do. Now I have a more support I think I’m going to try to carve out a couple of hours late afternoon for fitness and family.
Web demonstration technology is providing an incredible opportunity for product companies. It really makes it irrelevant where you are.
While we work long hours, a plus is that I’ve been able to have almost two weeks with the family at the beach. It’s last day of beach holiday today, and I’ve been able to work fairly effectively over my 2MB link. The bach is not really set up for it though. My most stressful call was a web demo to 20 people around the world, my headset wasn’t working 2 mins before the call and while in deep sales mode I had kids running in and people making toast. For next year I’ll have a separate office space.
So while the new technology pulls you into working crazy hours, it is possible to balance out lifestyle. I need to get better at that.
Over the past few months we’ve developed great relationships with our new virtual team that is managed out of the US and has teams in Russia and Canada. Many of these people we’re never met face to face yet, but already their personalities, senses of humour and work style are becoming clear. Over the next few weeks we’ll get to meet these people in the flesh, and its neat that we’re already built a strong relationship.
So the nature of work is really changing. I’m staggered by the number of senior people I talk to who are taking the call at home. Especially in the US and the UK. This teleworking model has drawbacks but also provides a great opportunity. You have to steer your career to exploit this however. For example I try to do things that don’t tie me into being into a particular location.
The ultimate would be a surf in the morning, then close a sale while overlooking the beach. Not there yet but hopefully soon.
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