This is an evolving document about my work habits.
I use the concept of deep work and focus time so that I can avoid context switching. The book Deep Work by Cal Newport prompted the examination of my work and learning habits. A few key principles I adopted after reading this book are:
- Reserving time blocks I dedicate to deep work each day, depending on the time available in my schedule.
- Cutting off as many distractions as possible, including email, Slack, and other notifications from my computer and phone.
- Reducing 'shallow' tasks wherever possible (tasks can become busy work and waste time)
I set my status to "focus work" or something similar in my Slack status update. I might not respond to messages right away during those times. When working on other batched tasks or while in focus time, I might include what I'm working on generally in my Slack status update as well.
For Example:
"Down the 🕳️ - researching deep work benefits"
Because I work remotely, I work mostly asynchronously - meaning I respond when I'm able and I expect others to respond when they are able to as well. Not instantly. Because that's one of the best parts about remote work. 🎉
I don't have a separate office, but have my own corner of the world in our living room. When needed I might use a separate area for client calls or meetings without interruptions (see below). Occassionally I work in a local coffee shop.
My work is updated based on the needs of my employer or project. Depending on what is needed, find all in-progress documentation or reports in:
- GitHub - either through a work-specific repo, issues, or via PRs and commits
- gDrive - generally in a shared folder, with WIP documents identified in the title or document
- Confluence - either as part of a specific space (like one titled "Knowledge Base" or via Jira issues
- Jira - updates on all issues daily or whenever the issue is worked on
- Slack - when stand-ups are a part of my work day, I will use the specified Workflow or channel to share my update
I specify where to find my work so you can always see I am making progress on my tasks, and also to hold myself accountable. As a technical writer, my work is usually spread across multiple projects and teams. This means I might use one or all of the above along with other, company-specific, tools.
- I prefer to work 9-5 EST most days, but due to family commitments I usually work a flexible schedule.
- The best time to touch base with me is late morning, early afternoon, EST.
My calendar is updated in my personal company-wide Google Calendar. I usually work flexible hours so look for whether I'm active on Slack. I use Slack status updates to share my focus project/work for the day.
I adopt the methods required by the company I work with. I like using Slack best, followed by email.
Give it to me direct. I prefer honest and constructive feedback. I'd rather improve based on solid feedback than never realize I could have done so. I'm happy to receive feedback openly, in public channels or GitHub.
I am meticulous about either taking notes or listening to a conversation - it's hard for me to do both (it's also why I rarely offer to take notes). This is why I rarely offer to take notes OR I use a tool like Otter.ai to do the heavy lifting.
- Summaries
- To-do lists
- Breaking tasks down into smallest 'action' points
- Talking with others (sometimes too much!)
- Writing
- Editing
- Going down rabbit holes (research!!!)
- Documenting All the Things™
I prefer the quiet, and wake up between 4:30 - 6 a.m. most mornings so I have some personal time for journaling and writing projects. After getting our youngest to school, I take time to read and learn before starting my work day.
I start my work day by writing down my day's tasks in my Bullet Journal. Depending on morning meetings, I settle into focus time ASAP or after meetings. My focus time is set in my personal company calendar.
I'm the primary caregiver and adventure wrangler for my husband and three teenagers/young adults. They are usually home with me, making for an always-wild home environment.
My guys share several diagnoses, so we have therapy and specialist appointments regularly. And since they are awesomely autistic, they will happily (and enthusiastically!) join in on many meetings and calls unless I arrange otherwise. 😁 I say they have a ton of awesomeness, where awesomeness = autism, epilepsy, rare diseases, cerebral palsy, blindness, and a whole lot more.
I'm an enthusiastic, adaptable, and caring team member who works efficiently to make everyone around me shine. The people I work with become friends. I'm always learning and growing as a person and employee.