So, let’s get out of the house!  Here are 6 alternative work spaces to explore, ranging from office-like settings to some very casual places.  Try them out, work them into your schedule periodically, and enjoy the benefits of adding variety and renewed thinking to your work day.

1.)  Co-Working Facilities

Best for – socializing and collaborating, having desk space
Downside – usage fees are common

Imagine a modern shared office with a collaborative cafe culture, and you have a co-working space.  Over the past few years, co-working facilities have been launching around the world at an increasing rate.  These managed community spaces are geared toward developers, writers and independents who want to socialize and find networking benefits.

Sometimes co-working spaces are available free of charge, but many have modest usage fees by the day, weekend or month.  For information on locations in your city, check out this global Wiki on the subject: 

http://wiki.coworking.info/

2.)  The Cafe

Best for – energizing with the buzz of activity (and caffeine, of course)
Downside – tough to find a table in busier locations

The cafe is the “traditional” alternative work space for freelancers, and has many perks in its own right.  The coffee aroma can be fantastic, and your only fees are the cost of beverages and snacks (unless you prefer Starbucks, who charges for their Wi-Fi access).  It’s also a great place to meet former co-workers for a friendly chat or brainstorming session.

My best advice on this location is to be aware of your own working style. The noise and activity might be very distracting for some personalities, or the perfect white noise for other freelancers.

3.)  The Working Vacation

Best for – Workaholics, Adventurers
Downside – cost

If you feel like you need to get away, but you can’t leave your work, take your work with you!  I’m an avid traveler, but recently have had daily responsibilities to clients and content development.  The quick solution for both needs is to bring the laptop on the road, and find a new destination with these characteristics:

• Connectivity – good cell phone service and Internet access
• A location with a mix of tranquil locales and bustling hotspots to foster relaxation, work productivity and nighttime fun
• Accessibility – easily reached by major air carriers and train lines for a low-stress travel experience

A quick example: next month I’ll be taking a long weekend to the Rocky Mountains for skiing, nightlife, and blog management.  The location is accessible (3 hour drive), the lodges offer Wi-Fi and quiet relaxation by the fireplace, and the towns are bustling with activity at night.  The key to this working vacation will be to spend half my time enjoying fun, new experiences, and the other half on maintaining productivity.

4.)  The Public Library

Best for – focusing and finishing tasks
Downside – you can’t yell at your monitor

As I type this article, I’m sitting in a Denver Public Library, wearing headphones and sipping a coffee.  Yes the scene is quiet and slightly sterile, but I need to reduce distractions so I can crank out a few articles today.  At home, I’ve been finding excuses to avoid writing for a couple days now – laundry needs to be cleaned, Netflix movies to watch, yard work, etc.

So, this is my pseudo-punishment for procrastinating today – no cafe, no co-working, all business.  Maybe I can find a great book to read when I’m finished, and all will be good again.

5.)  WiFi-enabled Public Parks

Best for – fresh air inspiration, writing, brainstorming, creativity
Downside – bad weather

When I lived in New York a few years ago and worked for “the man”, catching up on email in Bryant Park was my favorite lunch escape.  With laptop and deli sandwich in hand, I’d walk around the park and find an open place to sit.  Somehow the sights and sounds of the city would invigorate me for the rest of the work day.

Maybe your city or town doesn’t offer Wi-Fi in public spaces. Take a walk through the park anyways! You can always work on offline tasks, or contemplate your business strategy or latest article topic.

6.) The Public House (a.k.a., the Reward)

Best for – indoor creative inspiration, buzz
Downside – potential for laptop damage (spills, sticky tables)

Every once in a while you should treat yourself to a light working day, so why not find a table at a nice pub? Maybe you just earned a new gig, had a super-productive week, or finished another big project.  Reward yourself with a pint and some pub grub!  Luckily my neighborhood has a few nice pub & eatery’s that offer free Wi-Fi access, and I can easily find a table during the weekdays.

OK, so the pub isn’t for everyone – but you see the point that I’m really trying to make.  As freelancers, we don’t have bosses to congratulate or motivate us.  So, take it upon yourself to recognize and reward good performance and milestones achieved.  You deserve it!

Dénouement

These six alternative work spaces can fit a range of personality-types and moods. I hope you try them out to spice up your freelancing lifestyle, reward yourself, and boost your mental well-being.

Do you have a favorite or unique alternative work space you’d like to share?  Let us know via the comments section below.

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