My Search For The Perfect Concentration Environment
I have always dreamt about the nomadic lifestyle, moving from beach to city and taking my work along with me. I don’t think I’m alone in this as many people dream of total flexibility.
I’ve recently been teaching myself illustrator through an awesome Udemy course. I’m yet to decide weather graphic design and illustration is something I want to pursue or weather its just a hobby I enjoy. Nevertheless, I live in a pretty busy house so concentration is low and distractions are through the roof. Throughout the course I have been looking to find a space to get stuck into learning and practicing properly.
I have hopped between our kitchen table, local cafes, the library, a mates house and work. After spending some time in these locations, trying to learn, I thought I would share my thoughts with you.
The kitchen table
I opened my macbook, made a brew and put my headphones on (this is a running theme in most locations). The kitchen table, otherwise known as ‘the place to dump unnecessary inanimate objects or washing’ wasn’t working for me. Don’t get me wrong it has it’s benefits but I was so unproductive it was hardly worth my laptops battery power.
Positives — Its free, You don’t have to travel
Negatives — Too many distractions, Lonely, Dull
Local cafes
I was most looking forward to being ‘that digital nomad’ in the local coffee shop. I love the idea of finding hidden gems, grabbing a drink, perching myself next to a like-minded individual and being uber productive. However I didn’t take into account buying every coffee and the obligatory slice of cake.
Positives — Good tea/coffee, Lots of locations to choose from, Interesting people
Negatives — Lack of plug sockets, Noisy, People watching distractions, Pricey drinks
The Library
Moving on, my friends rave about how amazing the library is for working, they’re all at uni so have plenty to be getting on with. Our local library provides free desks, wifi and plugs in a quiet zone for everyone to use. Now I am no good with silence, I get really awkward and feel like I cannot make even the tiniest of sounds let alone trust myself to remember to plug my headphones in before playing music.
Positives — Its free, Its easy to get into ‘work mode’
Negatives — It’s always busy, It’s awkwardly silent
A Mates House
After trialing all of the above spaces I spoke to a mate who doesn’t do too much in his home other than watch horror films. I decided to use his front room as a place to learn. It was great as it’s a place with minimal distractions (I hate horror films so I wouldn’t be distracted by those) until he missed a wifi payment and the internet was no longer (the Udemy course is online).
Positives — Minimal distraction, Not lonely, Free
Negatives — Unreliable source of wifi, Not always available
Work, AKA The Generator
Finally I bit the bullet and decided to stay on after work one evening and try out our coworking office for size. I mean, I’d be stupid not to make use of the resources I have right in front of me wouldn’t I? I made myself comfortable in the social space and was surprisingly productive.
Positives — Easy to focus, All the necessary work facilities, Wide range of desks/seats/pulgs to choose from
Negatives — No change of scenery from my 9–5, Work distractions
So although I may not have found my perfect work space yet, I am pretty happy hopping between the options I currently have, they are able to accommodate my ever-changing moods and give me space to do what I want to do. Who knows, maybe one day in the future I will be a digital nomad and I’l be sharing my favourite spaces to work around the globe. Watch this space!
Do you have any particular spaces you enjoy working in? Let me know in the comments or email tamzin@the-generator.org
