Cubicle

I've heard derogatory terms for office workers: "office drones," "Dilberts," "cubicle jockeys." But working in an office can be a cushy job. There's always a place to sit, it's air-conditioned and you get free coffee. Maybe it's my upbringing in the world of academe; I've always been comfortable in offices.

When I worked in an office I used my breaks and lunch hours to write. During one job I wrote a screenplay and a couple of TV scripts on the office computer. My boss was fine with it as long as it wasn't on company time. (I admit she wasn't the usual boss.)

I prefer the freelance life, but it's no coincidence that I've created an office for myself in my home. Besides writing and photography projects I keep our books and files. I've always enjoyed managing details, probably because I'm good at organizing. Who doesn't like doing things they're good at?

I especially like offices in older buildings, preferring seasoned wood to sleek chrome. If one must work in an office outside one's home, I say let it be in Old Town.