Advance

CHAPTER 7WORKING VIRTUALLY:The Risks of Being Out of Sight

If you think about it, the virtual-work movement has created a whole new species, once as rare as snow leopards but now multiplying like uncaged rabbits. If you aren’t one of them already, you surely have seen them. Denizens of coffeehouses, or really anywhere with a chair, Wi-Fi, and a power outlet, they’ll be encamped for hours behind laptops, oddly talking to no one until you realize they’re wearing ear-buds. A 2 percent battery reading is the kiss of death for them, second only to loud noises, which send virtual workers scampering away like Dracula from light. They think they’re harmless, but anyone who’s bought coffee and then had to stand or leave has experienced the inconvenience. For their part, businesses are so worried about virtual workers soaking up space that they now keep background music louder in a fruitless effort to shoo them away.

JUST THE LACK OF COMMUTING TIME CAN BE SOUL-SAVING.

I say all this to make an important point: without a doubt, a lot of us would prefer to work virtually. Just the lack of commuting time can be soul-saving, and the benefit to your family life is immeasurable. And without all the distractions of the office, you’re bound to get a lot more done. But at no point should you forget that being part of this species is by its very nature—at least potentially—a real irritant. ...