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I've never tried working from a coffee shop but it seems people do. How does that work out financially? I imagine they aren't too pleased if you just buy a cof

by jiggy2011 13y ago

I've never tried working from a coffee shop but it seems people do. How does that work out financially? I imagine they aren't too pleased if you just buy a coffee and then occupy space for 5 hours. But I don't really want to spend a fortune on excessive caffeine consumption and $5 bagels.

minimax 13y ago
I have never worked a whole day from a coffee shop, but I do like to spend an hour or two after lunch in one of the several coffee shops in my neighborhood. I'll order a coffee and maybe a sparkling water. I find the change of scenery helps get my focus back, especially if I'm having trouble concentrating that day.
DavidHogue 13y ago
I did it for a few months while moving to a new city before I had my own place. It wasn't too bad. I'd buy a basic coffee (and sometimes a cheap bagel) and find a corner to setup in. At lunch, I'd pack up and find something to eat, then head to a different place and buy a coffee. Sometimes I'd go to the library instead. It wasn't any more expensive than going out with coworkers for lunch every day... Most businesses did't seem to mind people hanging out, makes the place look busier I guess. I figure as long as there are other empty seats I'm not in anyone's way. That said, if I did it again I'd probably tip a lot more than I had been tipping.
- 1337biz 13y ago
  This is pretty much exactly the way I do it. Best places are usually the big chains with low wage workers who do not care the slightest how many hours you are hanging around there. I have about 4-5 shops within walking distance and rotate them around. In half of them they already discount my drinks and greet me like an old friend.
- nikster 13y ago
  I was working in coffee shops for 2 years and thats what I did. As for getting stuff done, if you find a coffee shop where people are working / studying, its great. I have worked remotely from SE Asia for the past 8 years; Id go to visit clients in the USA two times a year and they would give me a cubicle in Palo Alto. I really enjoyed the company of my co workers, all great folks and it was great to see them face to face after IM ing them for 6 months. But to get actual work done, Id go outside and sit in a Coffee Shop... The article is spot on about the downsides of working remotely - the biggest issues are routine, discipline, and communication. What it does not mention are the downsides of working in the office: - Distractions by chatting with friends - Distractions by meetings - Lack of discipline because they pay you to warm your chair for 8 hours. If i am in the office, its work time - obviously. When I work remotely the only way to prove I was actually working is getting shit done.
- celwell 13y ago
  I've coded in coffee shops for a few years. I usually spend the first half of the day at one and then switch at lunch. It can get expensive, but I usually justify it by telling myself I'm earning money (not completely logical).
BCM43 13y ago
I have yet to find a coffee shop with solid enough Internet for my needs. From talking to people I know in management at coffee shops, the reason for this is that the don't want people sitting there all day working. This may be different at different coffee shops though.
- jabits 13y ago
  If you work remote, you ''really'' need your own hotspot. It is well worth the extra $30/month.
- nikster 13y ago
  BYOI
benjamincburns 13y ago
I think if you work a whole day in a coffee shop, you're kind of a jerk. I occasionally go to a coffee shop to work for an hour or so. Many times it's been the most focused hour I had that week. The biggest thing is to remember that you're in a place of business. If you're going to take their space, buy something, tip well, and be courteous to the people around you.
- nikster 13y ago
  THANK YOU A netiquette for coffee shops, I wholeheartedly agree. I work at coffee shops a lot; I keep sitting there when I can see there are plenty of empty tables - that means my sitting there is a net positive for the Cafe: I might consume more, and often do. And having customers is better than having none, it attracts other people. If I see that many customers are coming and that I might actually block people from getting a table, I leave. Only exceptions is Starbucks because its a huge chain and they have always had an official sit as long as you want policy which has worked out very well for them. I am not sure about the actual business trade off but I often end up at Starbucks because I know I can sit there as long as I want - this business might otherwise have gone to independents. I realize though that what works for a large chain might not work for the coffee shop on the corner.
  - babby 13y ago
    I realize this is awful 4chan of me; but that seems rather beta of you, in that you're essentially swayed by the flow of traffic of the establishment, in a scenario where you're supposed to be getting shit done. You make it sound like you're only privileged to be there when it's convenient for the coffee shop owners, and that seems to me like a tense place to exist. On the other hand I can relate to the concept of doing good by those whom you rely on, a symbiotic relationship and what not. That's a very pro-society thing and I suppose that's respectable.
    - jiggy2011 13y ago
      On private property you are always privileged to be there and the owner can ask you to leave at any point for any reason. If you act considerately and don't cause problems (like occupying space when you are not spending) then this is less likely to happen, so there is certainly a degree of self interest.
Sukotto 13y ago
I've done the coffee shop thing and don't like it. The tables are small, the other people are loud and distracting, the music is often really annoying, and I end up drinking too much coffee. I much prefer working from a quiet corner of the public library. The tables are larger (or you can get a private study carrel if you really need to focus), it's quiet, and I can browse the shelves when I need a break. As an added bonus, the wifi connection is often better (fewer people sharing)
codereflection 13y ago
I did this for two years. The key is to switch it up. I'm lucky enough that there are many different coffee shops in my area that I can go to. The general rule of thumb, if you're planning on spending multiple hours in a single place, is to buy a little something each 1 to 2 hours. I've seen many, many people buy a single tall coffee, nothing else, and then sit in the coffee shop for 4+ hours. These people are jerks.
- sockgrant 13y ago
  If the coffee shop is full and they are inhibiting other paying customers, they are jerks. If they are disturbing the network, they are jerks. But what if there's plenty of seating, and they're working off of their own internet? Are they still jerks?
  - codereflection 13y ago
    There's always exceptions.
corford 13y ago
The thing I've never understood is how people apparently manage to stay productive. There's no way I'd be able to get anything done sitting in a booth of a busy coffee shop, tapping away on a laptop and fighting with the congested wifi. Definitely prefer working from home with my three monitors, comfy chair and DSL line. I'm not a big coffee drinker though so maybe that's it...
- andyjdavis 13y ago
  Its just a matter of practice and maybe a little natural aptitude. I frequently work in coffee shops, restaurants and bars. Once I have headphones on and music playing that's a signal to my brain that its time to concentrate. It also helps to choose your seat so that you wont have people brushing past you.
nthj 13y ago
If any of you guys are in Austin, check out 1405 E. 7th. ("Vintage Heart"). Fairly large space, some stand-up desks with optional bar stools, lots of outlets, and pretty solid wifi. Also a lot of the tech crowd hangs out there already, so it's practically a free co-working hub. And there's always at least a few tables open so I never feel rushed out.
technomancy 13y ago
I think this depends on the culture of the city. In Seattle every coffee shop is full of people just working on their own. If you buy a cup of coffee, no one bats an eye if you stay all morning. If you head out to get lunch and then come back without buying another cup obviously that's pretty tacky, but all AM or all afternoon is normal.
bconway 13y ago
Let me suggest an alternative that seldomly gets mentioned: the public library. It's free, it's quiet, the Internet is fast and not frequently used, the chairs are sometimes comfortable, and they love it when people hang around all day (these are all assumptions of a US base). Additionally, many newer libraries have big meeting rooms with whiteboards and other materials that are free for use. Capped drinks are usually allowed, and sometimes food (don't make a mess!) It's by far my favorite "coffee shop." Your tax dollars at work.
- dhimes 13y ago
  Second the library. It's a great place to work.
dorian-graph 13y ago
As bconway said, public libraries are fantastic—and I'm speaking from Australia. Also, coworking places. There's websites like https://www.desktimeapp.com/ https://www.desktimeapp.com/ for finding ones.
andyjdavis 13y ago
It varies hugely depending on where in the world you are, your attitude and the attitude of the staff. I'm from Australia but spend most of my life moving around in Asia. In Australia coffee shops rarely provide wifi. We've never been moved on but there's only so much you can do without a net connection. In most of south east Asia in particular they're generally not phased by you sitting there for hours and hours. We avoid anywhere super busy which probably helps. My wife and I will buy something periodically because we get hungry but the cost is usually minimal. A breakfast each, two fruit shakes mid morning, 2 lunches. Total cost usually less than $15. As we're quite smiley friendly people and my wife is a woman, duh, and people often feel more comfortable talking to a woman we've wound up forming a bit of a relationship with the staff at some places. We've had the occasional free drink or snack, had staff worried about our welfare because we didn't show up one day, had staff taking it upon themselves to provide us with an extension cord so we could recharge our stuff while sitting at a table with a nice view, hugs all round when we drop in to say that we're leaving town. We've had masses of positive experiences and I can't really think of when we've encountered anything more negative than an unreliable net connection.

minimax 13y ago

I have never worked a whole day from a coffee shop, but I do like to spend an hour or two after lunch in one of the several coffee shops in my neighborhood. I'll order a coffee and maybe a sparkling water. I find the change of scenery helps get my focus back, especially if I'm having trouble concentrating that day.

DavidHogue 13y ago

I did it for a few months while moving to a new city before I had my own place. It wasn't too bad. I'd buy a basic coffee (and sometimes a cheap bagel) and find a corner to setup in. At lunch, I'd pack up and find something to eat, then head to a different place and buy a coffee. Sometimes I'd go to the library instead. It wasn't any more expensive than going out with coworkers for lunch every day... Most businesses did't seem to mind people hanging out, makes the place look busier I guess. I figure as long as there are other empty seats I'm not in anyone's way. That said, if I did it again I'd probably tip a lot more than I had been tipping.

1337biz 13y ago
This is pretty much exactly the way I do it. Best places are usually the big chains with low wage workers who do not care the slightest how many hours you are hanging around there. I have about 4-5 shops within walking distance and rotate them around. In half of them they already discount my drinks and greet me like an old friend.
nikster 13y ago
I was working in coffee shops for 2 years and thats what I did. As for getting stuff done, if you find a coffee shop where people are working / studying, its great. I have worked remotely from SE Asia for the past 8 years; Id go to visit clients in the USA two times a year and they would give me a cubicle in Palo Alto. I really enjoyed the company of my co workers, all great folks and it was great to see them face to face after IM ing them for 6 months. But to get actual work done, Id go outside and sit in a Coffee Shop... The article is spot on about the downsides of working remotely - the biggest issues are routine, discipline, and communication. What it does not mention are the downsides of working in the office: - Distractions by chatting with friends - Distractions by meetings - Lack of discipline because they pay you to warm your chair for 8 hours. If i am in the office, its work time - obviously. When I work remotely the only way to prove I was actually working is getting shit done.
celwell 13y ago
I've coded in coffee shops for a few years. I usually spend the first half of the day at one and then switch at lunch. It can get expensive, but I usually justify it by telling myself I'm earning money (not completely logical).

BCM43 13y ago

I have yet to find a coffee shop with solid enough Internet for my needs. From talking to people I know in management at coffee shops, the reason for this is that the don't want people sitting there all day working. This may be different at different coffee shops though.

jabits 13y ago
If you work remote, you ''really'' need your own hotspot. It is well worth the extra $30/month.
nikster 13y ago
BYOI

benjamincburns 13y ago

I think if you work a whole day in a coffee shop, you're kind of a jerk. I occasionally go to a coffee shop to work for an hour or so. Many times it's been the most focused hour I had that week. The biggest thing is to remember that you're in a place of business. If you're going to take their space, buy something, tip well, and be courteous to the people around you.

nikster 13y ago
THANK YOU A netiquette for coffee shops, I wholeheartedly agree. I work at coffee shops a lot; I keep sitting there when I can see there are plenty of empty tables - that means my sitting there is a net positive for the Cafe: I might consume more, and often do. And having customers is better than having none, it attracts other people. If I see that many customers are coming and that I might actually block people from getting a table, I leave. Only exceptions is Starbucks because its a huge chain and they have always had an official sit as long as you want policy which has worked out very well for them. I am not sure about the actual business trade off but I often end up at Starbucks because I know I can sit there as long as I want - this business might otherwise have gone to independents. I realize though that what works for a large chain might not work for the coffee shop on the corner.
- babby 13y ago
  I realize this is awful 4chan of me; but that seems rather beta of you, in that you're essentially swayed by the flow of traffic of the establishment, in a scenario where you're supposed to be getting shit done. You make it sound like you're only privileged to be there when it's convenient for the coffee shop owners, and that seems to me like a tense place to exist. On the other hand I can relate to the concept of doing good by those whom you rely on, a symbiotic relationship and what not. That's a very pro-society thing and I suppose that's respectable.
  - jiggy2011 13y ago
    On private property you are always privileged to be there and the owner can ask you to leave at any point for any reason. If you act considerately and don't cause problems (like occupying space when you are not spending) then this is less likely to happen, so there is certainly a degree of self interest.

Sukotto 13y ago

I've done the coffee shop thing and don't like it. The tables are small, the other people are loud and distracting, the music is often really annoying, and I end up drinking too much coffee. I much prefer working from a quiet corner of the public library. The tables are larger (or you can get a private study carrel if you really need to focus), it's quiet, and I can browse the shelves when I need a break. As an added bonus, the wifi connection is often better (fewer people sharing)

codereflection 13y ago

I did this for two years. The key is to switch it up. I'm lucky enough that there are many different coffee shops in my area that I can go to. The general rule of thumb, if you're planning on spending multiple hours in a single place, is to buy a little something each 1 to 2 hours. I've seen many, many people buy a single tall coffee, nothing else, and then sit in the coffee shop for 4+ hours. These people are jerks.

sockgrant 13y ago
If the coffee shop is full and they are inhibiting other paying customers, they are jerks. If they are disturbing the network, they are jerks. But what if there's plenty of seating, and they're working off of their own internet? Are they still jerks?
- codereflection 13y ago
  There's always exceptions.

corford 13y ago

The thing I've never understood is how people apparently manage to stay productive. There's no way I'd be able to get anything done sitting in a booth of a busy coffee shop, tapping away on a laptop and fighting with the congested wifi. Definitely prefer working from home with my three monitors, comfy chair and DSL line. I'm not a big coffee drinker though so maybe that's it...

andyjdavis 13y ago
Its just a matter of practice and maybe a little natural aptitude. I frequently work in coffee shops, restaurants and bars. Once I have headphones on and music playing that's a signal to my brain that its time to concentrate. It also helps to choose your seat so that you wont have people brushing past you.

nthj 13y ago

If any of you guys are in Austin, check out 1405 E. 7th. ("Vintage Heart"). Fairly large space, some stand-up desks with optional bar stools, lots of outlets, and pretty solid wifi. Also a lot of the tech crowd hangs out there already, so it's practically a free co-working hub. And there's always at least a few tables open so I never feel rushed out.

technomancy 13y ago

I think this depends on the culture of the city. In Seattle every coffee shop is full of people just working on their own. If you buy a cup of coffee, no one bats an eye if you stay all morning. If you head out to get lunch and then come back without buying another cup obviously that's pretty tacky, but all AM or all afternoon is normal.

bconway 13y ago

Let me suggest an alternative that seldomly gets mentioned: the public library. It's free, it's quiet, the Internet is fast and not frequently used, the chairs are sometimes comfortable, and they love it when people hang around all day (these are all assumptions of a US base). Additionally, many newer libraries have big meeting rooms with whiteboards and other materials that are free for use. Capped drinks are usually allowed, and sometimes food (don't make a mess!) It's by far my favorite "coffee shop." Your tax dollars at work.

dhimes 13y ago
Second the library. It's a great place to work.

dorian-graph 13y ago

As bconway said, public libraries are fantastic—and I'm speaking from Australia. Also, coworking places. There's websites like https://www.desktimeapp.com/ https://www.desktimeapp.com/ for finding ones.

andyjdavis 13y ago

It varies hugely depending on where in the world you are, your attitude and the attitude of the staff. I'm from Australia but spend most of my life moving around in Asia. In Australia coffee shops rarely provide wifi. We've never been moved on but there's only so much you can do without a net connection. In most of south east Asia in particular they're generally not phased by you sitting there for hours and hours. We avoid anywhere super busy which probably helps. My wife and I will buy something periodically because we get hungry but the cost is usually minimal. A breakfast each, two fruit shakes mid morning, 2 lunches. Total cost usually less than $15. As we're quite smiley friendly people and my wife is a woman, duh, and people often feel more comfortable talking to a woman we've wound up forming a bit of a relationship with the staff at some places. We've had the occasional free drink or snack, had staff worried about our welfare because we didn't show up one day, had staff taking it upon themselves to provide us with an extension cord so we could recharge our stuff while sitting at a table with a nice view, hugs all round when we drop in to say that we're leaving town. We've had masses of positive experiences and I can't really think of when we've encountered anything more negative than an unreliable net connection.