Paul Fitzgerald in Rollingstone.com: Remote Work is Nothing New: You Can Achieve Success Too
WRITER AND JOURNALIST Hunter S. Thompson’s fabled daily routine was first published in a stylized account of the writer’s life by E. Jean Carroll. Part biography, part fiction, how much of it is actually true matters little in an account of Thompson, for his part as much man as myth, who was rarely one to let fact get in the way of truth. And in this case, the truth is there was madness to his method.
Thompson’s reported daily routine is not the type you can keep up in a dimly lit cubicle at your 9 to 5 without more than a few questions from HR. But more and more, the conventional restraints of in-office work are being rejected in favor of work-from-home accommodations. It remains unlikely your employer will accept a routine that involves actions that impact your cognitive abilities—and are more closely associated with the bygone era of newsrooms than modern reporting. However, work life for millions has drastically changed from what was considered conventional. But for a health-conscious modern world, a reimagined work landscape is needed.
When the Going Gets Weird, the Weird Turn Professional
The turn to remote work was unavoidable in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Children and dogs popped in on meetings, the commute shortened to a roll out of bed, and viral videos of jacket and tie-wearing employees caught completing their ensemble with gym shorts hit the web. What would have been weird in 2019 became professional in 2020. However, in the time since the height of the pandemic, the debate about the virtues and future of remote work as the new normal carries on.
The battle lines are drawn between the idea of the necessity for in-person work for productivity and efficiency and work-life balance, coupled with a question of the legitimacy of these concerns.
In the public arena, “Technoking of Tesla” and “Chief Nothing Officer” of Twitter-cum-X, Elon Musk, as he has called himself publicly, is a face of the return to the office side of the argument. Musk issued memos demanding employees at Tesla and then Twitter spend a minimum of 40 hours a week in the office. In a Tweet, Musk replied to questions about those who didn’t want to return by writing, “They should pretend to work somewhere else.” Upon his Twitter takeover, Musk also reportedly eliminated “days of rest,” which provided a companywide day off per month. Musk also emailed Twitter workers they would need to be “extremely hardcore” while encouraging long hours.
Musk’s insistences highlight a divide on not only work from home but on the increasing desire of many to find a work-life balance and growing pushback against “hustle culture” and the normalization of such long hours in favor of a healthier lifestyle.
So what are the proponents of remote work telling us? And what lessons can we learn from Thompson’s and other renowned writers’ routines?
The Yogurt Diaries
Working from home provides an opportunity for individuals to take charge of their nutrition. Instead of relying on office cafeterias or fast-food options during lunch breaks, remote workers can prepare nutritious meals in their own kitchens. This control over food choices can lead to improved eating habits and overall health.
Replacing Thompson’s Chivas Regal with a refreshing yogurt smoothie can serve as a more fulfilling alternative while still maintaining the spirit of uniqueness and personal indulgence. A balanced diet can contribute to increased energy levels and better focus, leading to higher productivity during work hours.
Fear and Loathing of the 9 to 5
Working from home has provided relief from the daily stresses of commuting, which can significantly impact mental health. The time and energy spent on commuting to and from the office can leave employees drained and anxious. By eliminating this commute, individuals can start their day with a sense of calm and use that saved time for self-care activities.
Taking a cue from Thompson’s unconventional approach to life, remote workers have the freedom to explore their passions and hobbies during breaks, whether it’s writing, painting or simply taking a moment to breathe and enjoy nature. This freedom to explore and prioritize mental well-being can lead to increased creativity and a more positive outlook on work and life.
“Write Drunk, Edit Sober” — A Quote Often Attributed to Ernest Hemmingway
As we embrace remote work, we can draw inspiration from renowned writers like Thompson and their unique daily rituals. Although we might not follow Thompson’s exact routine, we can learn the importance of establishing rituals that set the tone for our workdays. For instance, Ernest Hemmingway elected to write first thing every morning somewhere cool, cold and isolated. Hemmingway would carry on until around noon, careful to stop when he was both spent for the day but still had an idea of what was coming next to get him started the next day. And contrary to legend, Mariel Hemingway, Ernest’s granddaughter, said the author always wrote and edited sober.
Creating a morning routine, whether it’s plainly structured like Hemmingway’s or a little more haphazard like Thompson’s, can act as a trigger for productivity and focus. Whether it’s starting the day with a cup of herbal tea, going for a short walk or writing in a journal, these rituals can provide a sense of structure and intention that carries throughout the day.
“Anything worth doing is worth doing right.” ― Hunter S. Thompson
Wherever you fall on the work-from-home debate, and there is evidence on both sides, success ultimately comes from what you put into it. So for those who do have the opportunity to work remotely, light up a Dunhill or blend a kale shake and find a routine that works for you.
