Your Work Day in 5 Years

It’s one of the most over-asked “big picture” questions: Where do you see yourself in X number of years?

Last week, I came across a good read, 22 Web People in Ten Years via the twitter stream (is Twitter is the new RSS?).  Gavin Elliot’s set of mini-interviews with web workers really gets me thinking… and excuse me if I get a little deep here…

The evolution of the web – the technology, the culture – is constantly creating new opportunities for everyone.  Every year brings a new game-changing development in the web industry.  Businesses and niches branch into new ones.  Collaboration across continents is being embraced by the masses.  It really makes you question what you will be doing next month, next year, and beyond.

Freelancers, like many entrepreneurs, are obsessive planners.  But we can also be very fickle.  Our passions and inspirations can change unexpectedly, leading to new lines of work, new areas of expertise, and new collaborating partners.

Here are five questions to contemplate about what you will be doing five years from today.  I added my own responses.  Share yours and let us know what you think the future holds for your web industry.

1) Will the web still be the focal point of your business?

It’s hard imagine my work being disconnected from the web.  I expect to remain working with small businesses develop their online presence – whether that is web design, consultation, blogging, or selling web-related products.

However, one of my goals (sooner than 5 years) is to get out more.  Get away from the computer.  I mean in the professional world, meeting and networking with other web industry folks in person.  I hope this is a major part of what I do 5 years from now.

2) Will you be working solo or with others?

I love freelancing.  Love being my own boss, working from home, and setting my own hours.  But I’m not gonna lie, it can get lonely sometimes.

I have recently partnered with another freelance web worker on some projects.  It’s nice to collaborate on a joint venture, which is a refreshing change of pace for both of us.

5 years from now, I hope to be working closely with partners and co-workers, but remain detached from a 9-5 office environment.  That might mean working as part of a virtual team or in person but with flexible hours.  Hmm…

3) Will you be selling products, services, or both?

In my last post, I wrote about transitioning from serving clients to selling products.  It’s a tough jump to make, but one that seems to be popular choice.

I do hope things change for me in this area.  Designing for the web is still my passion, and will likely remain my passion 5 years from now.  But it might take the form of selling web-related products to a wider audience.  Another route might be advice/consultation, perhaps in the form of speaking and writing.

4) Will you be working more or less hours?

I am chronically busy right now, but I think that’s a problem mostly of my own making.  I take on many clients at once, and top it off with several personal projects.  What can I say?  I enjoy it.

But my hope is that 5 years from now, my work life is more organized and I leave a healthy amount of time to hang out, travel, and enjoy spending more time with those that are closest to me.

5) Where will you do most of your work?

Right now, I do most of my work on my home.  I need my main (desktop) computer for heavy design and development work.  I sometimes take out the laptop to work remotely, but I usually spend that time blogging and researching.

5 years from now, I expect to be less reliant on my home computer.  My business will evolve and expand to the point where my tasks can be handled from anywhere.  Mobile computing will be much more powerful, allowing me to get real power work done when I’m on the road or traveling abroad.

Over to you…

On October 5th, 2014, what will you be doing?