On Being a Programming Nomad
June 14th, 2008 (8:00am) Mike Gunderloy 13 Comments
Freelance developer Matthew Bass has put up a great new blog entry summarizing his experiences with nomadic programming:
Recently, I’ve started doing what I’ve termed “nomadic programming.” Namely, spending the day roaming between various wi-fi hotspots instead of working from home. This has worked really well for me. So well, in fact, that I think the concept needs to start spreading.
Among the benefits Bass has found are a reduction in loneliness compared to working at home, an increase in focus, and boosted productivity. Though he does mention the expense & distractions of this workstyle, it’s clear that on the whole it’s positive for him
What about you? Have you tried wandering while you work?
13 Comments Post your own comment
Jeremy says: June 14th, 2008 8:25am
There’s no link to Matthew’s blog!?
Kelly says: June 14th, 2008 8:30am
Yeah, um… no link love?
Mike Gunderloy says: June 14th, 2008 9:18am
Whoa, sorry about that! Looks like I pushed “publish” just a little too soon. Fixed now - thanks for the catch, Jeremy and Kelly. Matthew’s blog is well worth regular visits.
Jacob says: June 14th, 2008 9:31am
Great idea, for SoCal or SF Bay. No-can-do in Milwaukee.
Brian says: June 14th, 2008 11:12am
@Jacob you could always just get a cellular wireless card. They are perfect for nomads and really extend where you can work. If only they had a dual phone/wireless so I could pay one plan and have one device.
sj says: June 14th, 2008 11:30am
I’ve done this for years, first in new york and now in Chicago. I’ve found I’m significantly more productive than when I’m at home…most liked because of the steady stream of caffeine flowing through my veins…
Gregg Marshall says: June 14th, 2008 11:44am
Sounds like Mathew should investigate coworking. From what I’ve read (none close to me), a coworking location would be exactly what he’s looking for.
psmithaustin says: June 14th, 2008 1:23pm
yeah - lots of cooler coworking places popping up these days, too, not just the high-end, for-show places.
Zviki Cohen says: June 14th, 2008 9:20pm
I used to do that more than I do today. I think mostly because I got spoiled: I’m having a hard time without my external 20″ display (I’m working with my Laptop’s display and the external together).
Tarique Naseem says: June 16th, 2008 2:41am
I agree with Zviki. I’d love to do it, but I have been spoilt by my 24″ external display (I need the screen real estate for my development work).
The co-working space I use in Leeds is okay though, as they provide nice 30″ Cinema Displays :)
Chris Luckhardt says: June 16th, 2008 1:53pm
I find that getting out of the house every now and again to work remotely is a nice refresher.
Jim - ki work says: June 17th, 2008 4:20am
yes - nice to get out of the basement every now and then - I use this site: myhotspots to find places around the UK. Also been getting into Wifi on the train - nomadic working on the move indeed!
Jo says: June 24th, 2008 10:10pm
Excellent idea! I can think of a few places to use as ‘workspot’. Thanks for sharing.