Mid 2018 I got fed up with my corporate job.
For three years I had been cycling five days a week on the same road, going to the same building, sitting at the same “flex desk” (we all know flexible work spots at an office are a myth). So I decided to quit my job and become a freelance marketeer.
But now instead of going to the corporate office, I would either be at the client’s office or at home. Which was not all that much better. It got me to think that there are so many places out there that could function as an office. Because what I look for in an office environment is basically five things:
- Offer a vibrant atmosphere, people talking, walking
- Host like minded-people, people to interact with, inspire me
- Be close to wherever I need to be, a client’s office, my home or on the road
- Have solid facilities, proper seating, stable internet and good coffee
- Feel welcoming, meaning I shouldn’t feel obliged to keep ordering
Since then it has become my drive to gather places that meet these criteria and share them accordingly. I have been roaming around cities to work at conventional (coffee places, hotel lobbies) and unconventional places (barbershop, gym) to inspire me. I have been sent away with my laptop and have had excellent days where I could focus on getting things done more than ever before.
It made me feel like sharing my findings with other users looking for the same.
On the one hand I use my own channels (e.g. blog) to do so, but I also realize the strength of an established platform. And Google Maps has been my go-to solution.
Unfortunately to date I have seen little focus on ‘work convenience’ evaluations, but I do trust that - given the huge trend of digital nomads - this is only a matter of time.
Now I’d love to use this part of the community to learn about the needs of fellow digital nomads. What are your experiences? For yourself (do you feel comfortable walking in at any place, not just Starbucks)? But also from a hosts’ perspective (do they appreciate you as a worker)?
Have a great day!