Why you should be working from a coffee shop as a freelancer

I remember the day I quit my 9 to 5 job. The very first thing I did was hop on my computer (while laying in bed at 11 a.m. on a Monday because I could) and search online for a new desk. I had been pinning home office inspiration for months before that and I was too eager to get my office setup.

Fast forward 9 months and I’ve moved not only my home but my home office 3 times now and in all honesty, it’s just not as exciting to work from home as it once was. I guess I had my cake and I ate it too. Which is what inspired me to write this post, 3 reasons why you should work from a coffee shop as a freelancer:

1. It’s a nice break from home

The most obvious answer here but it’s true! Plus, I’ve found that a change of environment can help stimulate creativity. Routine is the enemy of creativity so switching up your normal routine like working from your home office can be very beneficial not only for your sanity but also your productivity.

2. it’s a way to make new connections (and maybe even clients)

Meeting new people is a great way to foster new ideas or get a new perspective. Often times I’m not even the first person to start a conversation when working at a cafe but the people I end up meeting through casual conversation always teach me something new. It’s quite inspiring.

You might even get lucky and find a new client, in fact, it happened to me just today! While meeting with a regular client of mine at the Starbucks right around the corner from my house, our consultation was interrupted because some guy sitting next us had been listening in on our conversation and was so impressed with what I had to say to my current client, he reached out to grab my business card and we’ve since connected. BOOM.

Moments like this do not just happen while sitting and working from home.

3. it’s less distracting

I used to think that working from a public space would be a distraction to me. However, I’ve found out quite the opposite. At home it’s so easy to be distracted by almost anything; your dog, the dishes by the sink, your couch that looks so ever-comfy with the Netflix remote waving, hello. It’s taken a lot of mastery for me to be able to still be productive from home and although it might sound counter-intuitive, working from a coffee shop has it’s advantages.

For the most part, coffee shops are filled with freelancers or remote workers that are also going somewhere be productive. With everyone else around you honed in on their computer screens, it’s pretty motivating to have to sit there and do the same. Distractions are another creativity killer and at a coffee shop your chances of distraction are less likely.

Some tips to remember on your coffee shop adventures:

• Always buy something — Keep in mind, you are already getting free wi-fi & a space to work. A few dollars for a drink is just common courtesy.
• Choose your seat wisely — Find a place you’ll be comfortable and won’t have to keep moving around. I like to find a table away from the door (in case there is a breeze) but near a power outlet.
• Bring your headphones — In case you end up sitting outside where there is construction or there are distracting noises or people, a good pair of headphones can help tune in all out
• Have a plan for work — It’s important to know what you want to accomplish before leaving your house. I like making a checklist of my must-do’s and to-do’s so I can be as efficient with my time as possible.

I’d love for any my readers who are also freelancers or small business owners to share any tips you have for working from home or at a coffee shop by commenting below.