13 remote work locales to try

If the repetitive daily grind of the pandemic is wearing you out, why not try spicing up your routine?

Consider shifting your workday to get a fresh perspective:

1. Co-working space

Co-working spaces not only provide a dedicated workspace, they also come equipped with office amenities like printers and meeting rooms. Many also offer networking events, healthy snacks and private phone booths.

The biggest drawback is the cost. According to DeskMag, the average monthly price for a dedicated desk in the U.S. is $387.

2. Desk rental

If a co-working space is out of your price range, you might want to go with a short-term “hot desk” option.

Besides being less expensive, desk rentals typically include all of the amenities that a co-working space would offer. If you’re interested, check out sites such as Desks Near Me, Deskcamping, Peerspace, or ShareDesk.

You could also talk to local business owners to see if they’re willing to rent out an unused desk to you.

3. Coffee shop

So long as your local roaster is COVID-safe, why not? If you’re concerned about distractions, don’t be. Research shows that noise can boost your performance and productivity.

4. Library

If you lean heavily on Zoom, this option might not be for you. But if you need to get a lot of writing or editing done, your local library can’t be beat.

5. Hotel

When she needed to write in peace and quiet, Maya Angelou rented a hotel room in her hometown. You could at least make use of the lobby and pretend you’re in Paris on a business trip, right?

6. Public park

Numerous studies have confirmed that natural scenery improves your mood and productivity.

What if your public park doesn’t have WiFi? No problem. Either invest in a WiFi hotspot, or use your smartphone as a mobile hotspot.

7. College or university

Campuses have everything you need when you want to get work done. There are lounges, libraries, computer rooms and coffee shops at your fingertips. And, you may even get a much-needed energy boost from being surrounded by enthusiastic students.

Of course, unless you’re enrolled, you may not have access to all amenities. Though it might not be a bad idea to sign up for a course or two.

8. Museum

If you’re a member, you’ll have access to exhibits, excellent WiFi and possibly even free tea or coffee. Museums offer a quiet, inspirational setting for your workday.

9. Restaurant

An eatery might not be an ideal setting for an entire day, but it’s a nice change of pace for an hour or two. You might also try a local food court or food hall.

10. Bookstore

Most book shops have reading areas or cafes. Either would make a quiet, relaxing spot to get work done.

While you’re there, patronize these businesses by purchasing some tomes to help hone your craft.

11. Grocery store

I know. Grocery stores aren’t the sexiest of remote work alternatives. But, most modern stores have cafes or outdoor seating where you can grab a bite to eat and then sit down and get some work done.

After your work, you can do your shopping for the week. That’s killing two birds with one stone.

12. Your house of worship

According to Laura Vanderkam, this will works best “if you regularly show your face there for services.” However, “the space might be open and fairly empty during the week.” As one reader informed Laura, “I find my church parish hall is nice and quiet.”

Maybe steer clear of choir practice, but otherwise, a house of worship could offer a nice workday setting.

13. Someone else’s home

Have a friend with a nice spread? This is a nice way to catch up with a friend, break up the drudgery of COVID-19 repetition, and get your work done.

Albert Costill is a content marketer with Calendar.