Places to Work Remotely in Your City

For some, the term “working remotely” is synonymous with infinity pools and palm trees. The truth is, you can’t always get away whether that be due to finances or time restrictions. Working remotely in close proximity to your home requires you to get a little crafty and think of new places outside of the home where you can be productive and get some work done.

Here are a few places where you can work remotely without leaving your city that will allow you to experience a quick change of scenery:

A Rooftop Patio

If you’re fortunate enough to be experiencing warm weather (it’s currently -8° C where I am…) get out and enjoy it! Most patios nowadays have a decent wifi connection and the view can be really refreshing. Not to mention, you can work on your tan!

Starbucks

Ok, I know. We’ve all done this one a million times. But, it’s familiar, the wifi is strong and the overpriced lattes are delicious and piping hot. Plus, it can be a great place to meet other remote workers. And, if nothing else, it forces you to get dressed, attempt to look halfway decent and leave the house for once.

Mom and Pop Shops

To make things more exciting, search out hidden gems in your neighbourhood. Whether it’s that sandwich shop you’ve been meaning to try or that cupcake shoppe that just opened up around the corner. Branch out beyond the big chains and add little adventure to your trip out.

The Public Library

On top of the free wifi, you can use the library’s resources like computers, photocopiers, printers, etc. You can also go Google-less for the day and looks things up in a… what’s that word again? Book! Best of all, the library is always QUIET!

Co-Working Spaces

I’ve never actually done this one. Partly, because I’m cheap. Scratch that. Because I’m cheap. Most of the co-working spaces that I’ve looked into require you to pay a membership fee. However, tons of people use them all the time and have had great experiences doing so.

The Gym

Two things that feel incredibly rewarding – working out and being super productive. Why not combine the two! After you’re done working out, grab a quick shower, go on over to the smoothie counter for a healthy snack and then get started on your laptop.

Other People’s Homes

I have done this a handful of times. One example that comes to mind, is the Summer that my Aunt and Uncle went to England. While they were away, I periodically checked on their house which included me bringing my laptop and working out on the deck in the backyard!

No matter how you go about working outside of the home, the thing to remember is that it’s good for us to get out. We spend so much time on our own which is amazing, but we do need to get out and take advantage of the fact that as remote workers, we can really work wherever we want. And, although it doesn’t always mean sitting poolside in some foreign country, it does mean having the freedom that so many others aren’t fortunate enough to have.

A few things to remember before heading out:

• Bring. Your. Chargers. And, I mean all of them. Your phone, your laptop, the camera you’ll be downloading pictures off of, etc.
• Make sure you don’t have any meetings if you don’t want to be having them in public places.
• Block off your calendar so that no one books any new meetings with you while you’re out.
• Check to see if the place you’re going to has free wifi. Nothing kills the mood like finding out there’s no wifi after you settle in.
• Check out the parking situation before you go to make sure you have the appropriate change if needed.

Have you worked in any of these places? Is there anywhere that you’d add to the list? If so, share the knowledge and let others know in the comments!