Working in New York

Most folks, if you ask them what they think it’s like to work in New York, would probably picture crisp suits, long hours, cutthroat bosses, and the inevitable cramped subway ride home.

I imagine few would think to mention carrying one’s own desk to work on Day 1 - but that’s exactly what I got to do.  And I loved it.

The office only recently moved to Manhattan from Connecticut where my colleagues both live and previously held shop.  Inasmuch, there is nothing in the way of permanent furniture thus far at 424 Madison.  The good stuff is coming next week, so rather than spend the time and money to rent a temporary desk, I left the apartment on Monday with card table and folding chair in tow, hailed a taxi, and was off the office.  It was nothing short of ridiculous (and hilarious) - in fact, this should probably become a scene in The Office at some point.

I like to think I’ve come a long way in my short career from my first job at CED, which not-so coincidentally coincided with my first foray into blogging - entitled “The World As Seen From My Half-Cubicle.” That’s right, I didn’t even have a cubicle, only half.

So I guess I’m going back to my roots - and though the creature comforts of a proper desk will be a nice addition next week, this time amidst the bare essentials reminds me just why I love workign with start-ups (and for a start-up as well…the Bank’s turning 3 in just two days).  Having a small office with no administrative staff is not glamorous, but it does make you craftier and more grateful for the things you do have - like the LCD screen and docking station which arrived today. Suddenly, little victories (like figuring out the copier without the help of IT!) can make you feel like a giant-killer.

So as you read this post from your posh desk chair while sipping a chai tea latte, think of your long lost friend, slaving away at the card table - and smiling the whole time.