Where do I start? I am self-employed but I won't go into that - if you want to know more about that, here's my "Introduce Yourself" post: https://steemit.com/introduceyourself/@drrobertmuller/dr-robert-muller-s-introduce-yourself-post.

Instead, I want to talk about the value of having "a second office". You see, as I said, I am self-employed, so I work from home, which gives me great flexibility ... and I love it!!!  After 21 years in academia, I now have the autonomy I was looking for in the university system - at home. But not only at home, also in my second office. Here's a picture of my second office:

![images_3_500x375.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmfC8gzyuKM7w8yAib9UUkdknwY4Av85USz4JdH45DYdGP/images_3_500x375.jpg)
(image: aussietrailwalker.com)

I live within a 10 minute drive of Belair National Park, in the Adelaide Hills of South Australia, where this picture was taken. Here, we are a long way from the terrorist threats, a long way from the hustle and bustle of city life (despite being a 20 minute drive from the CBD), and in what I call a paradise. 

Every lunchtime, I take a break and go for a walk in this beautiful place, taking time out, resting and regenerating, and having something to eat. I see lots of wild animals, such as emus, kangaroos, kookaburras, koalas, sulphur-crested cockatoos, and even the occasional snake! 

![kangaroos_rylee_500x375.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmTWSJdAEMQ578HWgXr9YMH1mcokXgVytuvqAZEDxcFcZe/kangaroos_rylee_500x375.jpg)
(image: colourandcontrast.woprdpress.com)

On other days, I take my laptop, pick a beautiful place next to the lake, or on of the ridgetops, and just write - let it all flow. And people wonder why I am so productive. I live in paradise, I operate my own business, and I have a perfect second office!