What can I learn from a week long residency?: My experiment in NYC.
One of my commitments to myself this year is to conduct more personal experiments to explore my possibilities, capabilities, and adaptability.
I often say, “I can work anywhere” and “the world is my office,” but the truth is that popping open a laptop in an airport lounge isn’t quite the same thing.
Curious to see if a week-long residency in New York City would be different, I decided to try it.
To me, a residency is quite different from a business trip. Rather than flying in, attending a few meetings, and rushing back to the airport, a residency allows for temporary immersion into the daily life of a place, fostering a deeper connection with the city and community. It’s an experience rarely achieved on a typical business trip.
I put a lot of thought into this week-long residency (I’m a list maker and planner!). It required packing the right things and prioritizing key activities.
It’s only Thursday, but I’ve covered a lot of ground. I've attended a cookout, conducted an interview for a potential new collaborator, had a few business meetings, reconnected with a friend, had dinner with family, attended a board meeting, and got a haircut. In the time that remains, I will spend cherished time with my son, visit the Harlem Renaissance exhibit at the Met, and cheer a dear friend participating in a triathlon.
Here’s what the experiment has taught me:
Staying with a friend is far better than a hotel. When they stock the fridge, clear a section in the closet, and insist you are welcome and family, they are top-tier! It’s as close to home as anything, and I am so grateful.
I’ve learned that I can operate fairly well on my iPad instead of a laptop. I might even have the courage to leave the heavier device behind next time.
Bad habits travel with you. On this trip, I have still struggled to make time for breakfast beyond coffee and lunch if it’s not a meeting. UGH!
It’s Hotter Than July (that’s a Stevie Wonder reference!) and hotter than I remember growing up. But complaining about the summer heat is like saying water is too wet. Get over it.
Brooklyn and Manhattan are still miles and worlds apart. Long Island and Staten Island may as well be a different universe.
As a native New Yorker, my limited time and schedule won’t allow me to connect with as many family and friends as my heart desires. You can’t see everyone, and that has to be okay. I give myself grace on that and hope that my loves do too.
Interestingly, the prevalence of remote work has grown significantly, with 13% of full-time US employees now fully remote and 26% in a hybrid model (1). However, it's not always what it's cracked up to be; many face challenges such as difficulty unplugging after work, loneliness, and communication barriers. (2,3). My experiment is part of understanding if I can overcome these challenges and find a productive and enjoyable balance.
The fact remains, I’m a bit of a homebody, and this week was a good personal stretch for me. In the future, I may experiment with a two-week residency or try a month-long residency in another country.
Pushing boundaries and stepping out of our comfort zones is essential for personal and professional growth.
What do you think? Have you done or would you consider a residency as I described? If so, where? And where should I explore next?
#GiantSteps #WorkAnywhere #PersonalGrowth #NYCAdventures #FutureOfWork
Sources
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023 Results
Communication in the Workplace: Need-to-Know Stats for 2024
Remote Work Statistics and Trends: What You Need to Know in 2024