The Pains (and Perks) of Being a Solo Worker
This past Monday, Squarespace invited all of their Berlin-based Circle members to a happy hour in order to meet each other as well as some of their visiting Squarespace executives including the International Marketing Director. It was a casual affair in a hotel lobby, drinks were flowing and light snacks were too. We each introduced ourselves and shared how long we’d been working with the platform/living in Berlin. Some of us griped about the weather (ahem, me) and how Berlin had changed in the last 8.5 years, but overall it was a pleasant atmosphere.
What stood out to me most was the fact that in the 10+ years, I have been slinging websites, I never actually thought about the fact that there were others out there like me. Folks who didn’t have co-workers to chit-chat with around the water cooler or complain about the boss’s bad attitude. Folks who had to raise their own rates, and set their own goals for the year because if they didn’t no one else would. Folks who sometimes got lonely, especially on a cold winter day, when they didn’t interact with anyone else except maybe the postman dropping off a package for their neighbor (who was probably out at happy hour with his co-workers.)
Working remotely certainly has its perks. I can click clack away anywhere there is internet. If I have a travel week planned, I can rearrange my schedule to accommodate. I don’t have annoying co-workers or have to stay late because the boss is on a power trip.
But, what I realized on Monday, was that I do miss out on the ability to brainstorm, to collaborate, to commiserate, and to joke around with others, others who also happen to understand the benefits (and pains) of working primarily alone.
I am SUPER grateful for Squarespace. I was first introduced to the platform while living in LA in 2011 by a mentor, someone who had been experimenting with building sites for clients. He told me I should try it as well, and I did. My first site was for a future RV park in the middle of the Arizona desert. I never in a million years would have guessed that I’d still be working with the platform 13 years later. But wow am I so thankful for the opportunity. And equally thankful that the company is starting to make it easier to network and connect with other designers locally and globally.
Upon leaving the event, I asked one of the executives if it would be possible to meet more regularly with the Berlin-based designers because I’d been having so much fun. She said, “Sure, let me see who is the lead of your division and you can ask them to set up a WhatsApp group.” After she scrolled through her phone she announced, “Nicole Paulus is the lead, you can contact her.”
“That’s me,” I laughed. I knew that I was a rep for Squarespace. For the past few months, I have been helping them lead events and getting paid to do so. But it hadn’t dawned on me that I also had the power to build a little community of designers in Berlin. So that’s what I am going to do. I just wish I would have thought of this years ago. Why?
Because 1/ it probably would have saved me a LOT of moments of self-doubt and loneliness. And 2/ because I will be leaving Berlin soon, likely for good. Luckily, though, my fellow remote workers won’t hold it against me - because they’ll likely be off on their own adventures soon enough.