Freelance Apple

Do you work from home? Many freelancers do and despite its advantages, there are disadvantages. A new atmosphere may help your creative juices to flow and help you to network outside that box office room of yours. Below I have mentioned four potential alternative places of work. So break away from the mouldy chair you’ve sat on for years on end and get out!

1. Café

Just imagine the pleasant odour of coffee while you sit working and sipping your coffee from time to time. The noise of general chit-chat but especially that of an executive at the table opposite you trying to court a young secretary by buying her everything she may want to her gentle replies and soft hands against his thigh. Yes, cafe’s can be extremely distracting for me!

Of course, depending on the person you are a café may distract or help you concentrate. I would try a Wi-Fi enabled cafe and see what you make of it. It’s the most obvious substitute workspace and may just work for you as it does for many freelancers.

I would like to raise an ethical issue. I have read that Starbucks are indulging in many unethical activities, not least that they are wasting bucketfuls of water in countries where there is drought. I would warn you from assisting such reckless behaviour.

2. Library

Personally, libraries were interesting until I stopped going to the kids section to colour in papers at the tender age of 17 (as you can tell I worked damn hard during my A-levels). Libraries are, however, excellent studying environments for culprits of super procrastination. There is no way that anyone is going to sit in a silent library surrounded by books on law and not freelance! I would seriously recommend a library despite its dull and boring image. At the end of the day, the atmosphere will entice you to work, and work well.

3. Parks

If you live or work near a park which has Wi-Fi, this is the absolute best place to work (although a rarity). If you do not have Wi-Fi, I would recommend doing as much work offline as possible in the park or getting mobile broadband. Going to the park is especially great with kids, and can be a great outing with them whilst still getting some work done.

I have tried this workspace on a fine summers morn I sat on a bench near a flower bed as a squirrel ran by, as the sun shone on my face and I began to type and I…SNEEZED! Watch out if you have hay-fever like me!

4. Holiday/Adventure

I understand that this is perhaps the most expensive substitute workspace, but it can have some serious advantages. If your partner has been bugging you for a holiday, I would recommend that you take them, but also that you take your work with you! It wouldn’t necessarily be a “holiday” per se, more of a ‘holiworkday’. Work during a few hours of day and then have fun during the later hours.

The great thing about freelancing, you can virtually complete your work anywhere in the World that has an Internet connection, all you need is your trusty laptop, and you’re off.

Conclusion

It can be great to get away from your normal surroundings. It can have positive affects on your health, work life, family life and social life. Do you have any substitute workspaces which you enjoy? Share your experiences with us below.

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