Quiet Time
I’ve always enjoyed working late (and anyone I’ve worked with will know I’ve never liked working early, or even on time…) But sat in the office, after everyone’s gone home (which can be gone eight or nine sometimes here) the place is quiet. The world outside is dark and peaceful and I can buckle down to some work.
Of course, I realise that at least 40% of my time will be spent sharpening my pencils, or answering emails from six weeks ago as I frantically displace rather than do any productive work. I’m happy to take that loss though, because I know that I gain on not have the phone ring, or colleagues asking for a quick word, or coffee to make, or lunch to buy. In the end I’m probably about as efficient as in the day time, but tonight I can stay as long as I like, I’m not missing any rides (not at 10pm at least) and I can work until the efficiency drops from 60% to a less worthwhile 20% and then I can go home, sleep and do it all over again…
Just as night riding gives you a feeling of owning the night, while other citizens of town watch their TVs, so night-working gives me the slightest of feeling of calm amid the deadline chaos…