Have you experienced staring at a computer screen for hours because you’ve run into worker’s block? How about feeling drowsy and absentminded from seeing the same scenery over and again? Sadly, these situations are common even if you are a virtual professional.
Sometimes, all you need is a change of air to boost your productivity and get you ready to tackle that huge project.
One of the best things about remote working is the flexibility. When you’re sick and tired of your home setup, you can easily pack up and work somewhere else. This variety allows you to break up your week and enjoy some socializing.
There are plenty of awesome places to bring your work to, and they’re not limited to overcrowded coffee shops either.
Consider These 9 Alternatives to Your Typical Cafes
Libraries
These are ideal spots for getting serious work done, especially if your job doesn’t involve making phone calls. By signing up as a library member, you get to support your community and enjoy free internet connectivity among other amenities.
If public libraries are too rowdy for your tastes, look up privately-owned facilities open to the public or neighborhood reading centers. You’ll have to pay a small fee for the upkeep but it’ll still be less than paying for a coworking space.
Malls
While they’re packed with people, they serve as good locations for working online, as long as you get over the noise and distractions. The topmost floors are often reserved for food courts, giving you a choice of chairs and chow.
Free parking, if available, is a huge plus. Bigger chain stores offer free Wi-Fi too, although the speed leaves much to be desired during peak hours. Just practice discipline to avoid browsing shops when you should be finishing tasks.
Hotel Lobbies
The lounges near hotel entrances or front desks are normally open to the public, unless otherwise specified. These areas tend to be empty in the middle of the day when patrons are out exploring. However, they become busy during typical check-in and check-out times and in the evenings.
Most hotel lobbies provide refreshments and snacks but may ask for a room number for billing. Don’t worry; they’ll still serve you despite not being a guest. Ordering a drink or snack makes it less awkward to ask for the password anyway.
Bars or Pubs
Granted, these places get noisy at night but they’re deserted in the afternoons. They offer the same benefits as a coffee shop minus the hordes of remote workers at that. They don’t always have the best lighting or seating for typing though.
Usually, bars or pubs open at 2 pm but a few operate as bistros in the morning. Their menus include proper meals instead of just sandwiches or pastries in this case. This means you’ll have more time to concentrate on your tasks. Plus you won’t have to go anywhere else to eat.
Coworking Spaces
There are numerous pros to joining a coworking space as we’ve covered in this previous article. They include being able to get out of the house, saving money on equipment, skipping cleanups, having access to useful amenities, and socializing with other professionals.
Still and all, the monthly fees for a dedicated desk are expensive. We don’t recommend them for virtual workers who are just starting out or for those who are planning to work outside only occasionally. Note that some clients may offer to pay for the space.
College Campuses
If you’re a working student, you have the benefit of using school facilities as work spaces. There’s the university library with good Wi-Fi and a quiet environment. There are study nooks in the courtyards with beautiful scenery and fresh air as well.
You might run into trouble about getting on campus and accessing the secured networks if you’re not a student, however. Enrolling in a short course is an option yet it may be easier to find a school that allows the public in their cafeteria or canteen.
Gyms or Sports Clubs
Lots of fitness centers have their own restaurants or salad bars that make prime spots for sitting down with a laptop. So, put your existing gym membership to use for working too! Most upscale places offer speedy Wi-Fi without charging you extra.
You will be able to log on right after washing up from gym, which may convince you to work out more. You’ll have more chances to socialize with other members too, since you won’t be strapped for time looking for a workspace.
Public Parks
Many local governments are deploying free internet connectivity in public spaces these days. An initiative by Nicaraguan authorities, for instance, has provided free Wi-Fi in almost any park in most towns and cities. This service is available in San Juan del Sur, Esteli, Jinotepe, Managua, and so on.
The Philippines is also rolling out the Free Public Internet Access Program which involves installing thousands of free public Wi-Fi hotspots across the country. Half of the live sites will be installed in public parks and plazas in addition to public offices and transport terminals.
Others’ Homes
Nothing beats the comfort of an actual home. If you’ve grown bored of your own house, try working from another. If you have good friends who are also working remotely, schedules dates when you’ll be working in each other’s homes as a group in rotation.
If you don’t have anyone close enough to do this with, consider booking a stay at a nearby Airbnb. Think of it as having a staycation except you’ll be working most of the time. Perhaps you might also house-sit or pet-sit for a relative in the next town over.
Working from Home
As numerous as your choices might be, you can’t work outside all the time unless your budget is unlimited. Staying in your own house to work costs less than going anywhere else because you don’t have to pay for commute and can cook your own meals.
Creating the perfect home office helps control the urge to bring your work outside. A pricey initial investment will be involved but you’ll find yourself saving more in the long run. You’ll have greater control of your environment as well.
Hence, don’t discount actually working from home just yet.
How to Start Working Remotely
Regardless where you decide to do your remote working, you must first find a job you want to do. We at Remote Workmate can help you with that. We’re connected to top clients all over the globe who are looking for professionals like you.
Check our careers page for the latest job openings and apply!
