Ah, remote work. At first, working from home might seem like a dream. You can lounge in your pajamas while collecting a paycheck! Then you realize that staying in your house all day, every day, isn’t quite as wonderful as you thought. If you’ve been feeling like the vibe has shifted from “work from home” to “live at work,” then it’s time to make a change.
The stereotypical place to work remotely is at a coffee shop. There’s free Wi-Fi, outlets to charge your devices, and—of course—coffee. But your local Starbucks is hardly the only game in town.
Read More: How to Stay Inspired When Working From Home
A Few Words on Etiquette
As an increasing number of former office workers switch to remote employment, it’s more important than ever to master the etiquette of outsourcing your home office. Eater warns of dire consequences for “laptop squatters” and other rude remote workers that ruin the coffee shop vibe for everyone.
Generally speaking, you can get away for staying longer at larger establishments with plenty of seating. Don’t bring more than you need for a few hours of work and avoid the temptation to spread your stuff over more than one table. It’s a good idea to have a single backpack or messenger back to hold all of your work gear so that you can take it to the bathroom with you rather than begging a stranger to “watch your stuff.”
Remember to bring chargers for your phone and laptop but top up your batteries before you head out of the house just in case you can’t get a prime spot next to an outlet. Always bring headphones if you plan to listen to music or watch videos and never take calls or attend a Zoom meeting where you need to participate.
Eater also recommends making a purchase of at least $5 (plus tip) every hour and a half if you’re working at a cafe. Think of it as the cost of renting your temporary desk for the day.
Indie Coffee Shop
Rather than plunking yourself down in a Starbucks, consider patronizing your local indie café instead. Keep looking for one that matches your vibe. Where I live, you can’t go more than a couple of blocks without coming across an independent coffee shop.
When you find one that you like and figure out your regular order, you’ll feel like you’ve found a home away from home. You might also see the same people working remotely there, giving you a taste of the office without being stuck at a desk all day.
Grocery Store Café or Bar
In my neck of the woods, Harris Teeter grocery stores have very nice dining areas where you can enjoy food from the salad bar or hot bars along with a draft beer or glass of wine. You’re not likely to have to compete with other workers for prime seating. Plus, you’ll have access to pretty much every type of snack and drink that you could want, often at lower prices than cafes or restaurants.
If you can stand the curiosity of other shoppers, you might find that the local grocery store is your new favorite place to work.
Local Library
Want to work all day in a place with free wi-fi and air conditioning, where no one will hassle you to buy anything? Well, let me tell you about a little place called your local library.
Libraries are the perfect place to work remotely without having to pay a dime. Technically, you’ve already paid for the service with your taxes, so why not take advantage of the library?
Most libraries offer a variety of seating options, from comfy chairs to tables to private study carrels. If you’re not sure where you want to sit, just ask the staff. Library employees love to answer questions! The downside is that you won’t be able to bring snacks or drinks other than water. You may also find that the library is a little rowdier than you expected, especially if you’re in a busy branch or seated near the children’s section.
Park Shelter
Working at a park shelter is an offbeat choice, but hear me out. What if you could get your work done and enjoy a little fresh air and sunshine?
Many parks, including both local municipal parks and state or national parks, offer picnic shelters that you can use without a reservation. Although you’re unlikely to have access to free wi-fi at a public park, you can make up for it by doing offline work or turning your phone into a mobile hotspot.
Before you decide to head out for the great outdoors, make a few preparations:
- Check the weather to ensure it won’t be miserable.
- Make a plan for bathroom breaks.
- Fully charge your devices
- Withdraw cash for entrance to state or national parks or buy a pass
- Pack water, snacks, and bug spray, if needed
Bookstore
Bookstores offer many of the perks of libraries without some of the biggest drawbacks. Many bookstores have cafes where you can order drinks and snacks, while most libraries ban anything other than bottled water. Bookstores can be noisier than libraries, which might be a good thing if you need a little stimulation to stay focused. You may also find that the bookstore has more comfortable seating than your local library.
Working at a bookstore follows the same rules as working at a coffee shop. Be polite, order something every hour or so, and don’t make a mess. You might find that the staff is a little less welcoming of remote workers, so look for other folks on laptops before you set up camp.
Internet Café
In the days before smartphones, internet cafes were one of the only ways to get online if you were away from your home computer. I had assumed that internet cafes had disappeared from the US, but it turns out I was wrong! A quick Google search revealed that there are a dozen of them still in operation near me. Who knew?
Internet cafes—also called cyber cafes—are still fairly popular in parts of the world where home high-speed internet is not widely available. That makes them a great option for expats and travelers who are taking advantage of remote work to see more of the world. Closer to home, an internet café might be a fun alternative to a coffee shop. Check the café’s calendar to make sure that there aren’t any community events in the space before you stop by.
Microbrewery
I don’t know about you, but where I live, there are so many microbreweries—and more are popping up every day. Most of them have a fun, industrial-chic aesthetic with tons of seating, upbeat music, and, of course, plenty of beverages on tap.
Now, there’s an obvious issue with working at a microbrewery. Drinking on the clock is generally frowned upon, and I won’t recommend that you nurse a brew while you work. However, if you hang out at a brewery that serves food and non-alcoholic beverages, you can enjoy a productive afternoon before starting your happy hour immediately after clocking out.
Your Alma Mater
Do you live in the town where you went to college? Many schools allow alumni to visit campus and use the facilities, so check in with your alumni association to learn about your options. If you have fond memories of your college’s library, then you might find it pleasantly nostalgic to work there again as an adult.
If you decide to try working on campus, remember that you’re not a student anymore. I’m not saying you can’t socialize by the snack machine, but, in the words of every reality show villain, you’re not there to make friends.
Coworking Space
The most expensive—yet perhaps most appealing—option for remote work outside the home is a coworking space. These spots got something of a bad rap following the crash and burn of WeWork—yes, the one from the limited series starring Jared Leto and Anne Hathaway.
But don’t let that scare you off. Coworking spaces often pop up in urban areas with plenty of freelancers and remote workers. They tend to cater to Millennials and Gen Zers with the décor and perks offered. One of the coworking spaces near me has free cold brew coffee and craft beer on tap, plus access to a pool, gym, and lounge thanks to a partnership with the lofts in the same building.
Coworking spaces usually have a few different tiers of membership. You may be able to get a day pass to try things out or a limited membership without an assigned desk. Many places also let you rent a desk, which you can outfit with your computer, favorite desk chair, and knickknacks. There may also be meetings rooms or phone cubicles that you can reserve.
The drawback is that coworking spaces can be expensive. If you’re self-employed, you may be able to claim the fees as a business expense. But if you’re a full-time remote employee, you’ll likely have to pay out of pocket for the privilege. I’d recommend trying out a coworking space for a day or week to see if you enjoy the vibe.
