Warning: I tried working from a cafe in Lisbon for a month versus a proper co-working space, and the difference in my focus and output was huge.

After tracking my hours, I was 40% more productive at the co-working spot because of reliable power, no pressure to keep buying coffee, and actually having conversations with other nomads about VPNs and local SIM cards, not just tourists asking for directions.

4 comments

4 Comments

lily_henderson3mo ago

How much did the cafe noise mess with your focus? I can't get anything done with all that background chatter, so a quiet space makes total sense. That 40% jump is seriously impressive.

johnkelly3mo ago

Ever try noise cancelling headphones with some chill music?

the_max3mo ago

That 40% jump sounds like one of those self help stats people throw around. I've tried working in cafes and yeah the noise is annoying, but it's not like a silent room suddenly makes you a genius. Most of the time focus is about just starting the work, not finding the perfect place.

laura_wilson16d ago

@lily_henderson yeah the noise totally messes with her too. My friend Sarah tried the cafe thing for a week and ended up spending like $50 on lattes just to keep a seat, then gave up and went back to her apartment.