Coworking spaces vs coffee shops - which actually helped me focus more?

I spent 6 months bouncing between coffee shops in Lisbon and then 6 months at a proper coworking space in Bali. In Lisbon, I got through 3 client projects but kept getting distracted by the noise and hunting for outlets. In Bali, I finished 7 projects but felt kinda isolated sitting in a quiet room with strangers. The coffee shops gave me more energy but my output was lower by about 40%. The coworking space boosted my productivity but killed my creativity for brainstorming. Which setup works better for you guys when you're trying to balance focus with feeling inspired?

3 comments

3 Comments

sam_cooper1d ago

That 40% drop in output is wild. I honestly didn't think the difference could be that big between the two setups. Your data points make a pretty strong case for coworking spaces if pure productivity is the goal.

mitchell.avery1d ago

My buddy swore by coffee shops until he spilled a latte on his laptop. Back to square one.

webb.hannah2d ago

The whole "output was lower by about 40%" thing really hit home for me. I had the exact same issue trying to write reports in coffee shops, the buzz was nice but I'd get nothing done compared to a quiet space. Have you tried splitting your week like doing brainstorming sessions in a cafe and then grinding out the work from home or a library? That way you get the energy boost when you need ideas but also the focus to actually finish stuff. Also getting a portable power bank was a game changer for coffee shop days, no more hunting for outlets.