What's in a View?

Apparently, it can make a big difference in one's outlook, in the way you value your job, and your motivation levels - I am talking of course about the view from your office. At least it seems to have made a moderate (that's an understatement!) difference for me. Let me explain. So earlier this week, I was relocated to a new office with a view of the Pacific and downtown. On a clear day, which are apparently few and far between here in Seattle, you can look out far into the distance and see the still snow covered peaks of the Cascade mountains. Suddenly, I can think more clearly - not to mention I FEEL like staying at the office longer - this might have something to do with the fact that sunset here in the summer is not till almost 9PM or later. I am even concentrating better, and if i get a sudden case of writer's block, all I need to do is turn around, look out the window and the ideas start flowing again. It has done wonders to my billing hours already!

The coolest part for me is the Seattle Water Taxis , which transport vehicles and passengers from the Seattle Piers across the bay to Harbor Island, the largest man-made island in the world when it was first completed in 1909, Bainbridge Island (a 35 minute ferry ride), B.C. etc. So, for now I will enjoy the view (I was told not to get too used to this - it is supposedly a temporary dig). What do the other consultants who have similar vistas think about their office view? If only they were in their offices long enough to savor them!

 

                        

(The view from the desk)                                          (The beautiful Pacific in the afternoon)

                                      

(notice the match-box sized cars entering the ferry)

Comments

[Jared]

Absolutley agree - it's got to be the natural light. In one place I worked, our cubicles all faced a panoramic view of the Potomac River and the Kennedy Center for the Arts. When we moved from there to an office in downtown with almost no natural light, you could see the difference in people's moods.

[Jared]

- great photos btw!

[Toby Getsch]

I often blog about perspective as a major influence on satisfaction and mood and attitude. I think a lot of those things all tie together to affect how we feel.

Way to take advantage of your surroundings and stuff that's already there!

(Disclosure: I work at ECG in the Seattle office. While I miss having Asif as an officemate on the other side of our office building, the move also puts him closer to his team. Good deal all around!)