Pros and Cons of Working From A Brewery Or Cafe
A digital nomad is an adventurer, a traveler, and an explorer. They are remote workers who work anywhere from the other side of town to the other side of the world. They often work from coffee shops, breweries, libraries, or even National Parks.
Are you working a remote or hybrid job and are considering working from a new locale over the lunch hours? Learn about the pros and cons of working from a brewery or cafe.
Working from Crater Lake.
Pros
Tatchos at Fat Pants Brewing Co.
Productivity - There is a phenomenon known as "coffee shop effect," which legitimized by a neuropsychology researcher at Edith Cowan University. The idea is that there is an ideal level of background noise to optimize a person’s focus level. According to his research, background noise, which he terms stochastic resonance, has the effects of stimulating sensory signals in the brain, which enhances mood, heightens your senses, and boosts perception and decision making. It also can help the brain refresh and reset allowing a person to see things from different perspectives.
Socializing/networking - Whether you’re meeting up for lunch with coworkers or striking up a conversation with complete strangers, working in a brewery or cafe is a good way to combat loneliness, connect with folks in your community, and maybe even do a little networking with like-minded individuals.
Good food/drink - This one speaks for itself. Getting out and trying a new food or beverage is thrilling, especially if it ends up being delicious. Tasting a nostalgic favorite is comforting and warming. Whether you’re imbibing in something new or old, a little pick-me-up in the middle of the day is one of life’s little joys.
Creativity/Inspiration - Spending time in a new environment can spark creativity. Whether it’s clang of dishes, the low roar of conversation, interesting folks, or a folksy painting from a local artist hung on the wall, there are always new sights and sounds to experience. Drawing inspiration from a change of pace can breathe new insights into a stale project or help craft a unique solution to a problem that’s got you stuck.
Motivation/Getting Dressed And Out The Door - It’s been somewhat of a catchphrase with remote workers over the past couple of years that ‘most days it’s difficult to put on pants in the morning,’ and if the rise of althlesure sales is any indicator, one can’t say that’s completely off the mark. Adding structure and routine to your day by getting dressed and out the door is good for increasing motivation.
CONS
Distracting - While working in a brewery or cafe can help with focus and productivity, if you go at a particularly busy time, it can get a little too loud and distracting to focus. Try to figure out when the establishment tends to be busy and plan to go during a less busy time. Luckily, Fat Pants is open as soon as 11:00am, providing ample time to get in before the crowd
Unstable Wi-Fi - While some places have excellent wi-fi, that isn’t always a guarantee. The wi-fi connection can be slow or intermittent. As you explore different venues, take a mental note of which places provide quality wi-fi so that you can be sure to return to these. At Fat Pants, we have strong and free wifi available for all patrons.
Costs Money - You get what you pay for. Working from a brewery or cafe can provide a pleasant atmosphere to work in, however most places will expect you to purchase food or beverages. At Fat Pants, we have happy hour from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, along with rotating lunch specials, as well as a wide variety of products which gives digital nomads some options for price flexibility.
Logistical Difficulties - You may run into logistical issues what to do with your laptop if you need to get up to use the bathroom or if you are sitting close enough to an outlet to charge your device. A little advance planning can go a long way in working around these issues such as knowing which seats are near outlets, making sure your device is at full charge before coming, going to the bathroom before getting in line at the register, or asking a friendly table neighbor to watch your stuff while you visit the facilities. Additionally, Fat Pants Brewing Co. has a campus that is much larger than most coffee shops, and as such has a lot of outlets and table space to use in the morning/afternoon.
Fat Pants Is A Great Venue For Digital Nomads
Did you know that Fat Pants opens at 11 AM, and they have a full kitchen that serves lunch? Settle down on one of our cozy couches, settle in with your laptop, and treat yourself to a burger or a lunchtime beer. The lunch vibe at Fat Pants is a little different than our evening atmosphere. It’s more low-key and relaxed as compared to lively and vibrant evenings, making it a perfect place to get some inspiration and a change of pace in your work day. Stop on by for some friendly conversation, some good food, and a fun new “office.”