It’s been just over three months since I dove into the deep end of self-employment and I’m having a blast so far. So much so, that I thought Wednesday was Friday – either I accomplished enough work in 3 workdays to make my body think it was Friday or I’ve been so buried by projects I haven’t noticed what day it is on the calendar. Either way, I’m really excited about what sixty4media has been doing; we have clients across North America, my freelance writing is going strong, and I’ve had the time to speak at events like Ideas on Tap and plan the successful Food Bank food drive we just had at Third Tuesday.
The only snag I’ve encountered is the need for a meeting place when I collaborate with clients or do interviews. Since I work out of the home I suppose I could enlist the services of Workspace (I hear they have amazing coffee) or The Network Hub, however I have just been heading to coffee shops for this purpose.
A few weeks ago I hit four seperate coffee shops across town (for four different meetings/interviews), and seeing as how I make sure to purchase something at every location, I was pretty buzzed on coffee (or peanut butter cookies) by the time the afternoon rolled around – I recommend switching to water on days like those.
So what do I look for when I want to pick a coffee shop? The most important item is wifi, and the most extensive listing of internet-juiced venues around can be found on this site. You can also check the FreeTheNet map and browse by neighbourhood downtown.
Next, they need to have a good atmosphere; perhaps some couches or loungers along with tables and chairs that offer enough of a buffer between you and the other patrons. Also be sure to find a spot away from the barista as bubbling steamy coffee-making noises can be rather loud at times.
Note to coffee shops, if you’re going to offer and advertise free wifi, please make sure you have enough power outlets as well (I know my friend Raul would appreciate that one).
Working with friends occasionally is also highly recommended (especially if you miss having an office crew). I know, it sounds terribly geeky but if I meet up with a friend in a coffee shop we not only get to have a treat and catch up, we can also plug in and work on our various projects. It allows for instant feedback or help should we need any problem solving or comments about a new post or idea.
A few spots that I can recommend downtown (that may also have other stores around the Lower Mainland) include Waves, Blenz, and Raging Bean in Yaletown. Take 5 Cafes also have wifi, and if you need a full breakfast or lunch on the go, there’s always Cactus Club or The Templeton on Granville as well.
It’s only been just over a year since I started blogging remotely (on my lunch break while working a 9-5 job). Now that I’m free to be wherever I want, whenever I want, I actually do miss office camaraderie and in all honesty (in some strange way) I actually love cubicles. But being able to wake up early, head to the gym, come home, put on a pot of coffee and accomplish a ton of work before 9am is still pretty awesome.
I love being my own boss although I think the only drawback is that I can get burnt out easily since my projects, events, and commitments could have me out several evenings a week – on top of the work I do all day. Mandatory down-time is recommended, which is why you may notice me blogging less over the weekends on my personal site.
As sixty4media grows, I look forward to meeting more people, getting out and about, and expanding our operation. Until that time I’m enjoying all the city has to offer a young business like us, especially great remote working spaces (and coffee).
Thumbs-up on the power outlets issue. Waves and Take 5 are great on that score, while Blenz and the mermaid vary from location to location between so-so and hope-you-charged-before-you-came.
Over in Kits, there’s a great cafe called the Wired Monk. Great food, very comfortable, nice atmosphere, free reliable WiFi… and no outlets. I went once. Haven’t gone back.
Or you could try decaf coffee
@ Rob, I think there’s a Wired Monk in Clayton Heights as well – I found it while searching for some nice Surrey coffee shops.
@ Stephen, that is definitely an option. Although I am also discovering all the delicious baked goods each shop creates as well. I’m now a big fan of the “Breakfast Cookie” from Delaney’s in Lynn Valley.
Great post, Rebecca! It’s particularly relevant because – let’s face it – we (and particularly the Vancouver tech community, as well as the academic and writing communities) really need these types of working coffee shops.
I will swear by Waves on Broadway and Spruce, which not only has great lighting and very long tables to study, but also plenty of electrical outlets (and a sound wifi!)
🙂
Interesting post – thanks for sharing.
Sounds like you decided to jump into your own biz vs. being forced into it. I imagine you have noticed this unemployment problem (certainly an issue here in the states). I’m in this situation and at the moment have a contract which is great. Who knows how long it will last.
I was wondering if you bothered with the whole biz plan thing and if you already had clients when you made the jump.
If you already posted on this stuff, I’d be glad to come back and read more.
Great post thanks for sharing your favourite workspaces. I liked you mentioning “Mandatory down-time” as that sounds like a great solution to the otherwise work-a-holic type settings I find myself in. Thanks again for sharing.
Nik
Enjoyed your post on the perils and pleasures of self employment, Rebecca. What I’ve found in my 14 (!) years is it doesn’t take discipline to start work each day – as many people suggest – but to stop!
Pingback: Best places to meet in Vancouver | elbowruminations | Graphic Design Trends, Tips and Reviews
Hi Rebecca
It is always nice and great idea to work for yourself,conqrtulation and wish you all the best in future.i just want to let you know we have to gave a waves coffee house credit to make some one like blenz coffee to bring wifi and also other smaller coffee shop ,you should try waves milk mocha it is the best in town
all the best