“The computer is just there in the other room — I could stop in on my way to the kitchen and see whether that long-running job is done, couldn’t I?”

Because, you know, it takes some time to boot up and ssh-add and vpnc and arrange my windows and all . . .

I like the idea of setting up blocks of time and possibly breaking up the day. I tend to eat a quick little lunch but on a nice day a good long walk around the city can really hit the spot. Unlike an office full of coworkers a home office is a bit lacking in invigorating stimuli.

Another trick we have is to set up a few Skype video conference kiosks in the common area. Depending on what I’m doing, I’ll boot my personal machine and Skype up a full-screen session with the office, enabling folks to chat me up, and providing some sensation that I’m still around. Face Time!

Thanks for sharing your perspective.