I have always enjoyed working in an office. Working in an office gives me a sense of organization and structure I can't manage at home. On my desk at home, my workspace is littered with papers, books and other distractions. At work, the desks present only what is needed: sticky notes, staplers and good pens.
I never thought I would enjoy working without a chair and a desk until I started writing for Odyssey. For example, I am typing this article from the comfort of my kitchen table and chair, 15 minutes before I have to leave for a baby shower. Working on the go: that's me now.
Writing for Odyssey has taught me a lot about what I'm capable of. It's taught me I can meet deadlines, even though I'm a self-proclaimed procrastinator. I'm also excellent at multitasking. I can write timely articles and search for relevant GIFs at the same time. Just like right now:
More importantly, Odyssey has taught me that I'm way better at communicating than I thought. I used to be one of those people who let their emails rot in digital trashcans because I knew nothing important was coming my way. When I started with Odyssey, emails became very important.
Now, I'm not only writing for Odyssey; I am also trying to build new communities. I'm no longer simply responding to emails. I'm now sending them out in waves! I've really had to step up my willingness to communicate with strangers.
I have a horrific fear of asking too many questions, or even one dumb question. Not anymore. Too much information is better than not enough!
However, despite bettering my workspace mentality and making me step out of my box, I think the most important thing I've learned since I started with Odyssey is "work" doesn't have to be "work," if you know what I mean. I have goals to meet and responsibilities, but the environment makes it enjoyable.
If I was stuck at a desk typing articles all day, then I probably wouldn't have such a positive perspective. Odyssey allows me to be out in the world, experiencing what I write about each week.
That being said, sure, some weeks I write articles about cats or "Jurassic Park." But when something in the world happens, I can let my voice be heard. Even if I only reach a few hundred people, they're hearing me.
I think that's the best part of Odyssey for everyone who writes. We all have different backgrounds, childhoods and daily lives, but we come together on one platform and everyone's ideas are shared. Being an Odyssey writer isn't the average gig, and it's definitely special.
