Image via Complex Original
Sometimes, working in an office can wear down even the staunchest of white-collar types. If we just described you, a change of environment can be exactly what you need to refresh your routine and rejuvenate your work ethic. Whether your workplace is too loud, too stressful, or it’s just too damn nice outside, here are 10 Places You Should Work Today Other Than Your Office.
Co-Working Space
Co-working spaces are perfect for those who work remotely but want somewhere to go for the 9-to-5 work day, and want to be around a social community of coworkers. The creative industry, especially, has a huge number of freelancers that could benefit from the professional environment of a co-working space; it eliminates the often-inescapable distractions of working from home. Check out a list of some of the top ones in America here.
Poolside
Take a much-needed break from the monotony of fluorescent lights and your stressed-out coworkers and, instead, get some work done by the pool. Kick off your shoes, inhale some chlorine fumes, and let the Vitamin D get your creative juices flowing. You may not get as much work done, but the quality of your work will probably improve.
Get a Room on LiquidSpace
Have an important meeting or training session planned, but all of the rooms in your office are booked? LiquidSpace rents out thousands of workspaces, by the hour or day, throughout an impressive list of cities. You can book anything from a single desk to an entire conference room. Prices range, but if you’re quick enough, there are a few free spaces up for grabs.
Coffee Shop
If you’re the type that feeds off of the energized buzz that goes hand-in-hand with a caffeinated environment, then a coffee shop is a great place to fuel your productivity. With free Wi-Fi, power outlets, food, and spacious seating, coffee shops are a traditional favorite workspace amongst professionals. Some businesses have even branded themselves “coffices,” shops specifically designed to accommodate the needs of remote workers.
Swanky Hotel Lobby
Tons of hotels have Wi-Fi enabled lobbies with roomy seating where you can get a solid day’s work in. There’s more legroom there than in a cramped Starbucks, and you can easily make and take calls without having to worry about the deafening roar of an espresso machine. Additionally, the bathrooms are usually gleaming. So what are you waiting for?
Airport
Airport lobbies often provide free Wi-Fi and even workrooms for traveling businessmen and businesswomen. The constantly moving travel environment can be tranquil, and when it’s time to take a break, the people watching is top-notch.
Bar
If you stop in during off-peak hours, a bar can be a surprisingly conducive place to get some work done. After all, Hemingway was notorious for finishing entire novels while barside. Bonus: all you have to do to transition to happy hour is close your laptop.
24-Hour Diner
If your work ethic tends to shift into full gear while the rest of the world is sleeping, hit up your local diner during off-peak hours for a relaxed, well-lit work environment. At 2 a.m., the waitresses won’t mind if you linger a few hours over a bottomless cup of coffee.
A Park with Wi-Fi
More and more parks in major cities are providing park-wide Wi-Fi access, including Bryant Park in NYC, many of California’s state parks, and sometimes even entire cities. Grab a blanket and get some work done in the peace of nature.
Beachside
In addition to parks, dozens of public beaches and boardwalks are now providing free Wi-Fi hotspots. Chicago, L.A., and Florida’s Clearwater Beach are just a few places in the U.S. that provide a place for you to dig your toes in the sand and plug away at an assignment. Most places have groves of picnic tables where you can work in the shade and keep your laptop sand-free.