I can't think of many reasons to work out a coffee shop instead of a public library.<p>Unless the coffee shop is dead, they don't want you there.<p>The library on the other hand is funded in part by utilization, and very much does want you there.<p>The library is quiet, is designed to provide work spaces, far larger, and generally very pleasant to be in. And it's <i>free</i>.<p>The coffee shop is loud, is certainly not ergonomic, cramped, and often jarring.<p>Also, I don't know what the word is for an ostensible who brings their own lunch daily to an establishment that serves any kind of food, but I'm sure there must be a word for it.
Sheesh.
Can someone explain to me the fascination with working from coffee shops anyway?<p>You put up without power/internet guarantees and an expectation to spend money for what? The comfort of working hunched over a laptop at a strange table and the convenience of commuting to work even though you don't have an office you have to go to?<p>Is it a thing where you have better self control at a computer if you're not at home?
I went through the same experience when I was doing my startup. The biggest problem I found was going to the washroom. I was always afraid someone would highjack my stuff so every time I went to the washroom, I had to pack everything up and bring it with me. This was pretty annoying. Also, if the coffeeshop is busy, good luck finding a clean toilet to sit on.
I work out of a nearby coffee shop in Ottawa in a very small community/neighbourhood.<p>it's low traffic, and I'm on first name basis with everybody that works there. it's fantastic, and beats working in a real office.<p>the wifi is unlimited, there's plenty of power outlets, and occasionally on really long days, I'll have two meals there (which makes up for those crunchtime days where I'm doing nothing but drinking coffee).<p>and they're open till midnight, and serve beer for ballmer peak days.<p>the real key is to just work out of a coffee shop 2ish times a week and a homeoffice the rest of the time. you split your costs and you're not always there.
Good advice, although from my experience (in San Francisco), getting to know the staff is the easiest way to ensure a free -> cheap working environment. Local places with a lot of people means you can get away with 1 - 2 cups of coffee for the day, which will run you $4 - $7 depending on how swank the place is.<p>Also, buy a couple of $5 power strips and leave them at the places you frequent. Give something back to the community that's supporting you (whether they know it or not).
I've found it helps if you try and go places when they are least busy. Coffee shops seem to have different down times depending on location, customer base, etc. My favorite spot is always crowded from sunrise until about 3pm and then totally dead for the rest of the day. Less noise, distraction, and guilt for taking a table when there is nobody in the place.<p>I also recently discovered the public library as a great place to work. Of course this will vary from city to city, but mine is clean, quiet, good lighting, comfortable work areas, cheap parking, and free wifi. Also, they have a great music collection to borrow from.
For those who don't like the hustle and bustle of coffee shops, may I suggest university libraries?<p>They're quiet, generally unattended by the local undergrads, and the wifi is generally very consistently available (even if there is a registration process to make sure your machine fits school security standards). Plenty of power, too.<p>On the downside, there's no cheap coffee nearby and sometimes it isn't allowed at all. The same may go for parking.<p>Still, if uninterrupted peace and quiet is what you need for productivity, they may be a solid option.
Seems like a waste to me, especially since he's in the same city (DC). I am down at Affinity Lab (coworking space) and it only costs $325/month compared to his 1000$/month on coffee. Plus the internet works, you get to know a bunch of people, has more facilities than a coffee shop and it's definitely comfortable enough to leave your stuff. I've left my stuff for hours unattended and never worried about it.
I hate working in coffeeshops or shared offices.<p>Not being able to leave your stuff when you go to the bathroom is a big fail, but even worse, not being able to take phone calls in a low stress environment while sitting at your desk. Being able to look things up. Also, it's not really a great environment for having confidential discussions in general, especially in Silicon Valley -- I've had meetings where the VC picked a coffeeshop to meet, and 2-3 other companies were having meetings in the same space.<p>A private office in a setting with coworkers is ideal, but failing that, a dedicated home office is the next best alternative.
Another option is to just pay for coworking. You still get to work with strangers (but now strangers who are paying to be in a productive environment), can often drink coffee (perhaps included as part of the coworking fees), should have consistent wifi and plenty of power outlets, and don't have to worry about getting kicked out to make room for other customers.
For any of you Washington DCists - following up on demand, I just published The DC Founders list of Top 10 Coffee Shops for Entrepreneurs in Washington DC - <a href="http://dcfounders.com/top-10-coffee-shops-in-washington-dc/" rel="nofollow">http://dcfounders.com/top-10-coffee-shops-in-washington-dc/</a> . Let me know if you have some others. Enjoy!