Guide to Working from a Coffee Shop

 

Spring is here and I am ready to end my hibernation and spend as much time outside as possible, which also includes working hours. As a freelance content creator I usually work from the confines of my home. However, getting out and working from a coffee shop is a good way to break the monotony of the daily life. Below are some of the tips to ethically work out of a coffee shop:

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1. Find a cafe that is conducive to working.

Contrary to popular belief, not all coffee shops are laptop-friendly. They don’t all have Wi-Fi or outlets. And they’re certainly not all quiet. Look online and ask friends for recommendations if you’re not sure where to begin. Try a few out.

2. Spend some money there.

If you plan on working there for two to four hours, $10 is a good amount to spend. If you’re planning on putting in a full eight hours, you might want to order something more substantial, such as a lunch item, and maybe even several cups of coffee or tea. While there may be no specific rule in some coffee shops, it’s best to look around to see what others are doing and ask some of your telecommuting friends for their input as well.

3. Follow the etiquette.

There is definitely a culture around working in a cafe and it should be followed and respected. Here are a few tips.

• Don’t take more space than you need. Keep your belongings compact and close to you. 
• Don’t talk on your phone at the table. This may come across as obvious, but it happens all the time, and it’s inconsiderate to both remote workers and people who are simply there to relax.
• Similarly, use your headphones and turn off all sounds on your computer and phone.

4. Take breaks.

If you’re used to working at home, you might notice that when you work outside you may not get up as often. Whether it’s to get a snack or fresh glass of water, or to do a couple of desk stretches, it is very important to continue your regimen of taking regular breaks. Take a couple moments to get a refill on your water, to order a new drink, to just take a lap around the cafe or the building, or to do some light stretching at your table.

5. Don’t overstay your welcome.

In some cafes you might be able to find a table in the corner and hide out for most of the day. Each one is unique and has its own set of rules and culture. If you can’t get a read on the cafe, it’s best to just ask the barista if they have any limits on how long you can work there. If you notice the cafe brimming with people and you’ve been there for five hours and only purchased one drink, it might be time to move on and give someone else a chance at your seat! Use your best judgment.

Do you work from home? Or a cafe? Do you have any tips you would like to add? Please leave them in the comments below. 

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Styling The Diana Attaché in today's outfit post - Spring in a bag: The Diana Attaché is named after the Roman goddess of the the hunt Diana, which Wonder Woman seems to take after as well. The playful fish motifs on the front are expertly hand embroidered. The full grain leather is naturally pebbled. It fits a laptop, books, and other daily on-the-go necessities. It is a stylish bag for working women which can be styled with or without the straps. How would you style it?

Location - Bethesda, Maryland

Tunic - FabIndia // Better

Jeans - Lucky Brand // Similar

Duster - All Saints // Another Option
Shoes - Steve Madden // Same

Earrings - Lou Lou Girls // Similar

Bag - c/o Lidia May // Same