Guidelines for Working Remotely From a Coffee Shop

As a work-from-home mom, do you too often spend your work day multitasking between childcare, completing tasks for your job – and more housework than you could do in a week? Do you constantly feel like you’re walking a tightrope with too much to do, and all of it in your face all the time? Have you considered making an escape and working remotely from a coffee shop every now and then?

 Maybe you’ve got a once in a blue moon day off from kid-wrangling. If your partner has taken the kids out for a few hours, or your little one is at daycare, you can enjoy your freedom – away from home.

Why would you want to do that when you went through the effort to work from home?

Well, if you’re feeling stuck or having trouble focusing, the coffee shop effect could be your salvation. It turns out that the noise, or “stochastic resonance” of a coffee shop is excellent for getting things done. Even better, it can help you see things from new perspectives. And that’s just what you need when you’re stuck.

But what rules do you need to know before you head to your local java joint for a few hours’ work? Read on to find out!

Choose Your Spot Wisely

Not all coffee places welcome remote work. Finding the right coffee shop to work from can make all the difference. You’ll want to find one that allows laptops, has ample outlets, lets you sit and relax, and is close enough to home. If you plan to eat, look for one with food beyond sweets. For example, my favorite local independent coffee shop serves soups, bagel sandwiches, and the crispiest garden salad I have ever tasted. 

When you’re working remotely from a coffee shop, search for a friendly, welcoming place that makes you feel comfortable. Maybe try a few until you find the right fit for you.

Once you’ve picked your coffee shop “home office,” it’s important to find the best place to sit. Good seats are usually in quieter areas with a nearby outlet for charging your laptop. There will be enough space to spread out your work materials. 

Try to avoid seats right next to the door or register. Those areas are filled with noise and distraction. The goal is to get away from the distractions home presents, so seek out those quiet areas that let you focus.

Pay Attention

Work-from-home moms are often masters of time management, especially when young children are home while you’re working. And if you’re working outside the house, there may be even more distractions trying to drag you away from the projects you left home to do. 

It can be tempting to people-watch or strike up a conversation with the person next to you. If you remember that this is still your work time, it will be easier to resist. Try setting specific goals and deadlines for yourself to stay motivated and focused. You can use a productivity app like Pomodoro or keep a to-do list to help you stay on task.

Remember Respect

When you find the just-right coffee shop for your remote work, you’ll want to be welcomed back again and again. That’s easier if you use your best coffee shop manners. Remember that you’re in a public space. Be mindful of your phone alerts, loud conversation or music without headphones. Also, make sure to purchase enough to make up for the time you use a table, and consider tipping very well to assure the staff are happy to see you – every time.

Protect Your Data

Using public Wi-Fi can risk your personal data. But it can also endanger your clients’ – and that can be the end of your work-from-home career. So there are some steps you should take to keep your data safe while on one! The main thing you’ll want to do is use a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your internet connection, which keeps any sensitive information you may be working with secure. That’s better for you, and for the people you serve in your business.

Take a Break (Or Two!)

If you came to work from a coffee shop to escape some of the endless responsibilities of being a work-from-home parent, give yourself space to relax. If you try to fill every second of your time away, you could come home stressed and exhausted.

So if you plan on working remotely from a coffee shop for more than a couple of hours at a stretch, take some breaks. Take a bit of a walk, use the restroom (but don’t leave your work materials unattended!), stretch, or have a conversation. Make sure to give yourself some time for you in the course of your session.

The odds are good you’ll get more done, and you’ll return home rejuvenated and eager to return home to your family.

Conclusion: Not Just for Coffee Breaks Anymore

Working remotely from a coffee shop can be a great change of pace for work-from-home moms. If you pay attention to these factors, you can make the most of your time there. 

It can be a real treat to escape the work-from-home mom zone. So take advantage of the opportunity to get stuff done while sipping a delicious artisan latte and having a snack without worrying about tiny sticky fingers in your plate!