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Working Better at Night
on 09 Jan 29
Are you one of those web designers or developers that thrive on working until the roosters are crowing? Don’t fret, you’re not alone. Actually, as I type out this article on my new MacBook, it’s about midnight here; a few of us have decided to pull an all-nighter simply to catch up (or get ahead) on some projects.
Why Are We Doing This?
I recall the days when I was the only designer here at OnWired, and I clearly remember being much more productive between 10pm and 4am. Oh, the nights of sitting at the kitchen table with Fireworks and Dreamweaver, and the aching back staying up late provided.
I don’t design much anymore, but I’ve been brainstorming on how to get the most out of the awesome talent we have on staff. Obviously, as a company we need to deal with clients during the daylight hours, though, a few of us produce our best stuff in the moonlight. It just comes natural to some people.
Staying up 24 hours isn’t always feasible; the human body isn’t built to handle sleepless nights for long. Still, as the owner of a creative firm, I never want to limit the spark of my employees — if my people work better at night, like I do, why disallow them the opportunity to do so? I encouraged some of the team to work a few nights at the office at their own discretion — come in, relax, crank up the music, dim the lights, do whatever it is they’d do in their own home work environment (well, maybe not whatever).
As Brett works all night as it is, he was game right away. Sean reminisced of his college days and jumped at the bit as well. Our significant others aren’t so keen to the idea, but they’ve been reassured it’s only an occasional thing.
The Benefits
Less distractions! Just not having the phone ring, solicitors selling cookies, the reduction of emails, and less chatter pays tremendous dividends to working at night. Your mind relaxes and opens up to a slew of creativity — it’s easy to get into the zone when you’re at ease.
Go ahead, give it a try. Just don’t do it on a night before a morning meeting. Trust me: nobody wants to see you drooling over your big-gulp sized Caribou coffee.
Image supplied compliments of flickr user estimmel
About the Author
Tony is the proud owner of OnWired, the web design agency he’s raised since birth in 2001. A designer-entrepreneur with a nose for trouble, he keeps his peeps on their toes and his sights focused on what’s next.
For over 9 years, OnWired has delivered beautiful websites that make your business known. Don’t be shy, check out our work.
Read Tony’s Bio, and Tweet with him @tonychester