Lucky is doing what you love for a living, being surrounded by people who not only support you in doing what you love, but who also forgive you when you become tunnel-visioned and consumed with it.I went to my one onsite client’s office today where I do a monthly series of diagnostics, tests and updates — check out the functionality of their network, each computer on the network, and address any questions, concerns or issues that they may be experiencing.

I work in the office on the farm nearly every day, and this once a month trip out reconnects me with the real world. I guess that, and the fact that I adore the clients, are the reasons I don’t give up that contract, even though it’s not my area of specialization. Besides, it forces me to stay on top of the hardware and software end of technology advances and helps me to work more efficiently in my own “virtual” office and advise other clients on technology solutions.

But when I’m there, I realize how lucky I am. My normal daily commute is across the floor. My work clothes are the denim dresses I throw on after a quick shower and running a brush through my hair. Yes, many days I even work barefoot (gasp!) or in sandals or tennis shoes. I still object to the “bunny slippers” cliche for most home office inhabitants. I used to think that I needed to dress like I did for regular office work to feel “professional” enough to project that over the phone and in e-mail. That was when I was still struggling for clients. I was still proving myself TO myself.

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