There’s a certain luxury in working from home. People who telecommute are often at liberty to devise their own schedules and work from the comfort of the living room couch. While there’s something to be said for meeting deadlines in pajamas, though, there’s also the other side of the coin to consider. For some, working in the same environment where you sleep, eat, play with the kids, and watch television can be distracting. Seeking out the best office alternative is an easy way to resolve the conflicts that might otherwise affect your productivity and get in the way of your success. Here are a few options to keep in mind.
Co-working Spaces
The co-working space is representative of a new era in teleworking. It’s a unified spot where independent professionals of all kinds work in a shared environment. Entry is typically limited to those who purchase memberships — and once you’re inside, you might be overwhelmed by how inviting and engaging the settings actually are. Not your traditional office spaces, these properties are designed to stimulate conversation and collaboration but also provide solo workers with the space they need to handle their work efficiently. The best co-working spaces are equipped with high-speed internet access, parking, conference rooms, mailing services, notaries, private offices, printing and scanning devices, and even free snacks and drinks. With so many co-working spaces popping up all over the country, you might consider this the best office alternative of all — and it will help you stave off the potential isolation that you might otherwise feel working at home on your own for hours each day.
Coffee Shops
If you want to keep it simple, head straight to your nearest coffee shop for a prime seat in a location that’s just quiet enough for you to concentrate. That’s key — you don’t want to position yourself too close to the constantly-jangling front door, nor do you want to be so near the barista that you find you’re more interested in what everyone is ordering than what’s on your computer screen. All the better if you can find a coffee shop that’s a little larger so that you have some seating options. Another option is to avoid the popular chain and find a neighborhood location that’s more intimate and work-friendly. The beauty of working in a café is that you have consistent access to tasty snacks and beverages, plus free Wi-Fi all day long.
Grocery Cafes
This newer trend provides an opportunity for those who want to forgo the traditional coffee shop in favor of something similar but a little less crowded. Enter the grocery café, which may be busy during lunchtime as people weave in and out to grab their midday meal. But on the whole, you’re likely to enjoy a little more peace when you’re working at a grocery store. Some have full restaurants, while others have peaceful cafés that are segregated from the rest of the store. Most offer complimentary internet access, and if you need to get up and stretch your legs, you have a full store to wander around in during your break.
Local Bars
A bar, you might wonder? Is that really the safest place to work? Believe it or not, it’s actually a great choice if you wish to eschew the coffee shop scene and don’t have a grocery café anywhere in your vicinity. A neighborhood bar is one of the best office alternatives simply because it offers genuine peace and quiet during the day. Most offer free Wi-Fi, and you don’t have to commit to downing cup after cup of coffee. At a bar, you’ve got options: sodas, sparkling waters, maybe even a mocktail (if the bartender is up to the task). And if you’re someone who favors a bit more lively ambiance, you can enjoy that at a bar as it gets closer to the evening. People begin to stream inside, and when you’ve met all your deadlines and are ready to wrap up for the day, you can treat yourself to a drink or take your favorite bar snack home for the evening.
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I love going to Dunn Brothers because it has great coffee and food but then it makes my free WiFi a bit costly as I get hungry and smell great food so I have to limit myself to a few visits a month. The local library is great. It is quiet, has fast free WiFi, and I can take in my own drinks and snacks as long as I sit in a study room which is even better because then I shut a door and have no distraction at all.