Emma makes full use of a co-working space, away from the comforts and obligations of home and housework

THERE is a hex upon my house when it comes to technology. The internet went again this week. It’s mindblowing how often this happens, randomly and seemingly no one’s fault. It all started when my Monday morning greeting to Alexa (‘Alexa turn on RTÉ Radio 1’. I don’t bother with pleasantries at that hour) went unanswered  and it soon became clear we were off grid. FFS. A few phone calls later it emerged that an engineer couldn’t come out until that Thursday so there was nothing for it except go back to bed. Joking. The wheels of industry and commerce couldn’t grind to a halt  so I had to book a space in a nearby co-working hub and for a change, head out to work.  

Now, as someone who has worked from home for ages, I have to admit I was more than a bit excited at the prospect of this. I ditched my usual work uniform of leggings, fluffy (emotional support) jumper and Birkenstocks in favour of more appropriate attire and off I went with my keep cup in one hand and laptop charger in the other, feeling like a proper grown up. Hey hey, hey ho, it’s off to work we go.

So the first half hour was lovely. Having access to the internet again was like a soothing balm to my nervous system and knowing that I’d meet my deadlines was also reassuring given that I’m a natural born panicker. I go from zero to major catastrophe in half a second. As well as that, the interior of the hub was really appealing (think New York loft with a strong sustainable ethos) and the vibe was friendly (at least no one looked too annoyed as I not-so-silently tried to untangle all my chargers and wires and get set up). I did feel like I needed a beanie or a hat of some description and perhaps impressive looking headphones to really look the part, but all-in-all I felt very much at home. 

Having no distractions was also a huge help: there was no dog to play with, no fridge to explore for mid-morning snacks (after having had a second breakfast) and no nearby bed or couch to lie down for a little 10 minute power nap (which can sometimes extend to an hour). Neither were there any distracting beeping from appliances telling me to empty them, like the tumble dryer, the dishwasher, and all the rest, which was such a joy. So, with all of those out of the equation I was able to get my head down and power on. Get those elephants off my back so to speak. Mighty stuff. 

I have to admit though that working alone from home for so long has meant I’ve built up some pretty anti-social habits including talking out loud to myself, shouting at the computer screen for no apparent reason in mainly colourful language and sometimes humming and even groaning unknowingly loud. I didn’t think my new ‘co-workers’ would appreciate that so I had to concentrate hard to keep a lid on it. Pity though my desk-neighbour didn’t feel the same when he let rip an almighty toot at one point! He had headphones on so I’m not even sure he heard himself! Anyway between the effort of trying not to burst out laughing at that, suppress my muttering and actually having to get down to business, I was exhausted by 10.30am. And I was only after the one breakfast and all. 

The change in the RTE schedule has us all addled.

More advantages though: there were lots of nearby spots for lovely coffee and cake which was a real treat. Does any coffee taste better than the one you don’t have to make? I also got to take a little stroll to a nearby supermarket where I picked up some lovely delicacies for dinner. We had stew left over from the previous evening, but this was far too tempting and besides, lovely and all as my stew is, having it two nights in a row is a bit grim. The vet was also in the neighbourhood and I didn’t want Billy to feel left out, so I got him a few nibbly bits as well. 

I think you get where this is going. Between renting the desk space (very reasonable as it was) and paying for all my indulgences, I’m not sure I even broke even that day. In fact I’m pretty sure it cost me money. But it was lovely, and I got to do it again the following day, when I was a little more frugal. I still went out for a coffee though. The whole experience was both a reminder that work is more than just work, and that when you’re paying for a desk space you get a wriggle on. 

And what about the weather? Sure I have to mention it. After all the downpours my driveway ended up carpeted in worms, which was most disconcerting, particularly when I looked out and saw a flock of sea gulls were after landing and were having a feast. It was like the start of a bad apocalyptic movie on Netflix. First came the gulls, then came the zombies. And it was strangely warm as well. 15 degrees in November? That can’t be right. I fear there’ll never be a time to wear the winter woollies or even a coat without regretting it; and polo necks will become a thing of the past. David Attenborough will declare them a protected garment. I think I’ll hold off on buying that beanie.

Anyone else wildly thrown at hearing David McCullagh take to the airwaves on Radio 1 mid-morning? And what about Oliver Callan nearer lunchtime? I’m not great one for change and generally use broadcasters as a measure of where I need to be on a given day, so RTÉ’s new schedule has me all over the place. We move with it. 

Thankfully, now our internet is back which means I’m back at the home desk, making my own coffee and chatting away to myself. Infuriatingly it was an internal cable that had been slightly damaged that was the problem. Have we a mouse in the house? The very sound internet technician actually gave me his direct work mobile as he felt so sorry for me. For the laugh I saved him in my phone as The Cable Guy, I’m cracking myself up here but I bet now I won’t be able to find him in my phone when I next need him. Anyway, I think I might still treat myself to an odd day here and there in the co-working hub. Especially if it’s night two of stew.