Coworking spaces killed my productivity but nobody wants to admit it

I spent 3 months hopping between trendy coworking spots in Medellin and Chiang Mai and got less done than I did working from a noisy cafe. The constant networking and free beer turned every work session into a social event. Has anyone else found a quiet library or rented room works better for actual focus?

3 comments

3 Comments

emma_jones6d ago

Right there with you honestly... I tried one of those places in Berlin for a month and felt like I was at a party more than a workspace. The constant interruptions for casual chats and beer o'clock just wrecked my flow completely. Ended up renting a tiny room from an old lady who kept it dead silent, best decision I ever made. Quiet spaces just hit different when you actually need to get stuff done.

kimr916d agoMost Upvoted

Tell me about it... I walked into one of those places and felt like I accidentally crashed someone's house party. Portable bar in the corner, kombucha on tap, some guy trying to sell me on his startup while I'm just trying to focus on my spreadsheet. Ended up working from my truck for a week straight just to get some actual quiet. At least in a truck nobody asks you to join their ping pong tournament at 10am. The old lady move was genius though, respect for that.

webb.hannah6d ago

Walked right into that trap too @kimr91 - I showed up with my laptop and noise canceling headphones and some dude with a man bun tried to sell me a share of his vegan jerky company before I even found a seat. Legit had to climb out a bathroom window one time to avoid a forced group meditation session at noon. Your truck strategy is honestly BRILLIANT - no kombucha, no networking, just you and a parking lot. Might have to invest in a minivan myself just to get some peace and quiet.