The Perfect Office away from Office

Posted January 15, 2008 By Mike Wisian |

For me, getting out of the office from time to time really helps me focus on my work and get things done. My job is pretty flexible. If I have an Internet connection and a laptop, I can work from anywhere. So, how about you? Is work piling up? Are looking for that Zen workplace that will allow you to concentrate? Here’s my suggestion:

Embrace the Coffee Shop

I’ve tried working from home, but it has distracting temptations like my bed and my couch. Since the goal is actually to be productive, I need a place that has neither of these things. I choose the Coffee Shop. Coffee shops can be the perfect mobile office. They have Internet access and an endless supply of caffeine to keep you on task. However, I’ve worked from enough java joints to know that you can’t go just anywhere and be productive. Certain criteria must be met before you plug in that power cord.

The Environment

I once settled down in this coffee shop. I opened my laptop, and before I could even begin to check my email, I heard a sound that could only be described as a cross between a Swiss yodeler and a dying cat. You guessed it – it was open mic night. As much as I can appreciate a good kitty call, it wasn’t helping my productivity. So pick a place that you know is low-key, and stay away from the social hangouts. Shops where people go to study or read are ideal, because you will get the quiet you need and an environment that encourages you to stay focused.

The Amenities

You came here to work. Do they have everything you need to get your job done? If you are like me, you need a cozy table, an even cozier chair, and an available wall outlet to plug in your laptop. You’ll be spending a good part of your day here, after all. Do you need Internet? Make sure there’s fast, free and reliable wireless Internet access available.

The Food and Drink

Since you will be here a while, you will need to sustain yourself. Make sure to pick a place that serves good food as well as good coffee. I tend to pick a place that has an in-house bakery or kitchen so I can work through breakfast and lunch. So be a good patron and buy something. Seriously, don’t be a mooch… and don’t forget to tip.

The Result

Once you find that ideal spot, you will be able to get your work done without distraction and you’ll feel rejuvenated. Sometimes a little change in environment makes all the difference.

May I Suggest…

If you live in the Austin area, here are a few coffee shops I recommend:
•    JP’s Java – 2803 San Jacinto Blvd.
•    Genuine Joe – 2001 W Anderson Ln.
•    Lava Java – 2901 Medical Arts St.
•    Thunderbird Coffee – 1401 W Koenig Ln.
•    Dominican Joe – 515 South Congress Ave.
•    Rio Rita – 1308 East 6th St.
•    Little City – 916 Congress Ave.

If you have a mobile workplace you’d like to share, feel free to comment!

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About the Author

Mike Wisian is TradeMark Media's Technology Director. He uses his XHTML, CSS and programming skills to create Web sites and rich Internet applications.

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2 Responses to “The Perfect Office away from Office”

  1. Posted January 16th, 2008 at 1:37 pm, by Scott Spinola

    Two words: Austin Java (www.austinjava.com)

    Austin Java has free wireless internet, a nice mix of indoor and outdoor seating, and, best of all, a bottomless cup of coffee! My personal favorite Austin Java location is Barton Springs (1608 Barton Springs Road) but they have others. They also have a wide selection of food items that tends toward the hippy side of life (pastries, soups, sandwiches, veggies, etc.). As a bonus, if the hippy fare on the menu at Austin Java doesn’t appeal to you, or you’re just ravenously hungry, just pop next door to Uncle Billy’s for some good ‘ol Texas barbecue.

    This is where I spend my remote work days and, as you mention in your article, I always find that the lack of office distractions helps me get much more work done.

  2. Posted January 18th, 2008 at 10:31 am, by Marshall Durrett

    My favorite coffee shop is Seattle’s Best at Windsor & Exposition, kindof mainstream and commercial but close to home nevertheless. There’s always enough of a crowd to create a blend of conversations so one annoying conversation doesn’t stand out making you want to leave. Their fast and free internet access is also a bonus.

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