Mar 01 2008
Lack of a Work Space is Killing My Productivity
I’m still amazed each day at how well the internet works here in rural Bangladesh. Power up my computer, plug in my phone and away I go. In theory.
In reality, working here is quite difficult partly because the power goes out for several hours each night and flying bugs attack my computer screen leaving rather offputting smears across the screen when I smoosh them. The main problem, though, is that I haven’t been able to find a work space that suits me.
There’s a recent post over on Working Nomad that talks about being able to work better with people around. I’m the opposite as I tend to get distracted pretty easily when interesting people are around and find myself preferring to join in on conversations rather than sit in front of my computer typing madly. The place I’m staying at the moment houses about 25 volunteers in a relatively small space so finding a quiet space to work is pretty much impossible.
Even worse for me though is the lack of comfortable places to set all my stuff up. There aren’t really many tables around and the ones they do have are all really low to the ground and awkward. I’ve either got to hunch over in a ridiculous position or sit on a cold, concrete floor to be at the same level as the table.
The uncomfortable setup is more of a hindrance because I really like to work in long spurts and being forced to contort into some bizarre position will just leave me sore and fed up after an hour or so.
Crap, the power has just gone out again and I have bug guts all over my screen from squashing mosquitos so I think I’ll call it a night. Another unproductive night… damn.
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I've been travelling since January 2008 living off earnings from the web. Follow me as I bum around Asia and beyond, getting up to mischief and working online as I go. 
That has to be pretty frustrating for you, but at least you are having some great experiences in the process. You’ll probably go through many phases during your travels having and not having productive places to work. It’s just part of the adventure
I am staying in a room now with a proper desk, cable tv, fridge, aircon and wifi for 500 baht a night. Problem is I havent felt like doing much work since I got here.
When I first moved to France I had the same problem. I was staying with a friend and he had NO comfortable furniture in his house. I managed to get things done after a while but it was hard to get myself started because I kept thinking, the chair is uncomfortable, the desk is too high, the wine too close, etc. Since you seem more motivated than me I am sure you will manage something. I really enjoy coming here to see what you are up to.
Did you guys have any luck setting up paypal payments for charities? How long are you planning on staying there?
I’m thinking of leaving around mid April but where to I’m not sure yet. I’ve asked the main guy in charge about Paypal and he said he would get onto it but so far no dice. Kinda sucks because I have a few people lined up to donate but what can ya do?
So what’s happening in Bangladesh these days?