The Pros and Cons of Working from a Coffeehouse

Some people swear by the soothing power of the whir of coffee makers, the cadence of background alternative music, and the soft noise of conversations when trying to finish writing a paper, finding  inspiration for their next novel, or working on a freelance project. But the coffeehouse work life isn’t for everyone. Here are some coffeehouse pros and cons for you to think about before you grab your laptop and head out.

PRO:  By removing yourself from your home environment, you can create a more focused area for yourself, free of the distractions and routines that are available to you at home. For example, it’s much more difficult to lay back and watch television on your couch if you’re not on or near your couch.

CON:  Other people can be distracting, whether it’s them bumping into your table or having loud, distracting, and strangely interesting conversations near you. Depending on your work style, the hustle and bustle of a coffeehouse may not be conducive to productivity.

PRO:  More stimulation = more creative inspiration. If you’re working on a creative project and are getting stuck, the chance to people-watch can help you garner new ideas and give you the push you need in your project.

CON:  Spotty Wi-Fi connection. Dependent on your coffeehouse of choice, the day of the week, and the time of day, you may be faced with a slow Internet connection, hindering your productivity and endangering your deadline.

PRO:  Meeting in a public space for group projects can be a lot more comfortable than meeting in a home setting, especially if you are not on close terms with your team or partner. A coffeehouse offers a neutral location within which to complete your project.

CON:  Fewer available wall outlets. If your project and work don’t require a computer, this isn’t a factor, but if you’re planning on writing a paper for several hours and don’t have the ability to charge your laptop battery, you’re out of luck.

Author Bio: Brittany Spear is a recent college graduate on a continuous search for meaning, fun, and adventure in her jobs and her life. In her spare time, she enjoys writing fiction and planning her next travel adventure. She currently works for a wilderness residential program, delving into life far outside of the office while cutting down trees and helping teenagers handle their emotional and behavioral problems.