We're in the midst of a revolution - but many people don't realize the full implications of it.
While telecommuting has been in existence since at least the nineties, the phenomenal development of laptops, PDAs, cell phones with digital cameras and instant messaging capability, and other devices has changed even that concept. Working from home rather than having to go into the office five days a week is a great concept, but actually somewhat limited these days. With public libraries offering broadband and eateries like Starbucks equipped with "wifi," your home office doesn't have to be at home at all, but can be at the library or even your local bistro.
Or how about another city? Electronic communications has become so sophisticated that, if your body doesn't actually have to make an appearance at a physical location, you could accomplish your work anywhere. You could take a vacation without your boss even knowing it! Get out of bed in Paris, work for an hour or so over croissants and coffee at a sidewalk café, check out the Louvre, put in another two or three hours on a park bench, check out a local bistro for lunch, and so on. As long as you're producing and sending in quality work, no one has to know where you're producing it. Think of the freedom of literally having the world at your feet, every day.
Just one thing - if you happen to take a picture of yourself with that digital camera / cell phone combo - make sure the Eiffel Tower isn't in the background.
Aldene Fredenburg is a freelance writer living in southwestern New Hampshire and frequently contributes to Tips and Topics. She has published numerous articles in local and regional publications on a wide range of topics, including business, education, the arts, and local events. Her feature articles include an interview with independent documentary filmmaker Ken Burns and a feature on prisoners at the New Hampshire State Prison in Concord. She may be reached at amfredenburg@yahoo.com.