Jacqui Smith
From: East Williamsburg, Brooklyn (originally from New Zealand)
Job: Content strategy and PR nookcomms.com
Here’s what a typical day in the life of Jacqui looks like: 7am Drink coffee, chase toddler, clean oatmeal off all sorts of surfaces, pick up toys, pack bags for the day, attempt to leave the apartment about six times before actually doing so.
9am drop son at preschool and by 9.30am, start work. I typically have overnight emails to reply to. If I can’t do them before breakfast, I do them as soon as I open my laptop, then I start on my big task of the day. I try to work on it without interruption for an hour or more. Having such short windows of time to get things done means I need to knuckle down right away. I schedule any calls for 11am or so, when I am happy to step away from my screen for a few minutes. Prosper is great for making calls to journalists and clients, and providing a nice clear, inspirational space to get things done.
1pm Pick my son up, if he naps, do some more work.
7.30pm Log back into emails, work on edits that have come through. If I get that done, then try to find some time to read or watch something. Or just stare into space (my version of meditation).
What is the best thing about being your own boss? Not having to commute during rush hour. Spending quality time with my son.
What’s the worst? Not really ever being “off” work. Weekends and evenings are often precious work time.
Where did you work before you discovered Prosper? Cafes, coworking spaces, home, libraries. I mostly worked out of cafes but it is hectic trying to get a space and you end up eating so many stale croissants! I also make my own coffee at home and really resent paying cafe prices for tea, I love that Prosper is the same cost as working out of cafes but I always get a nice quiet seat, the wifi is always fast, there is space to move my elbows, I can easily make calls, and I don’t have to sit next to people doing things like dating or sleeping. Oh and Prosper has a printer/scanner! So handy!
Which is your favorite spot to work in Prosper’s 1024 Broadway space? I like the tables upstairs because I can look up from my screen and watch life go by on Broadway. I’m also looking forward to sitting in the yard when it’s a bit warmer.
What does the word “Gowork” mean to you? Step out of your house and be guaranteed to get some really high quality work done!
What do you hope to achieve in 2018? Become truly location-independent so if we wanted to, my husband and I could move the family to Portugal or Mexico for a few months and still have a steady income. Also, master the four hour work week! Now that would be amazing!