The Coffee Shop - An Office Away From Home

by Traci Anderson | More from this Blogger

08 Feb 2007 10:04 PM

I am sitting at the coffee shop as I write this frantically typing away on my laptop. I've quite literally "set up shop" here again like I do every Thursday. It is my office away from home.

If you are a big fan of the classic television show, "Cheers" you'll fondly remember how everyone shouted, "Norm!" when he walked into the bar. That's how I feel at my favorite coffee joint. "Hi Traci...are you having the usual today?" I am still trying to come up with a few witty responses like Norm always did.

Here's one of my favorite Norm'isms...

Coach: Can I draw you a beer, Norm?

Norm : No, I know what one looks like. Just pour me one.

Sorry, I digress. Clearly, I love my second office. Therefore, I don't want to overstay my welcome. I did a little research on coffee shop office etiquette and found out that there are a few things you should keep in mind if you want to be a good "free wi-fi" user.

Tip more than you usually would. Think about it. If you are working at a coffee shop, odds are you will likely be there two hours or more. The average restaurant visit is one hour. Therefore, try to tip twice as much as you normally would especially if your stay is twice as long.

Don't take up too much space. Last Thursday when I went to my office away from home, I noticed a young man that had a pile of paperwork, his laptop, his drink, pens, receipts and other office "stuff" spread out on a table built for six. (I was actually quite surprised that he hadn't hauled in a printer and copier too). The place was swamped with customers and several people were waiting to sit down. It was rudeness at it's finest. Needless to say, I think a good rule of thumb would be to leave the complex tasks at home so you can take up less space and be a better customer (and human being, for that matter).

For every hour you stay, order another drink. Even if you are not thirsty, you are taking up space and costing the coffee-house money. While there isn't a "two drink-minimum" you'll want to make sure that the coffee shop actually makes money from your visit.

Do you have an office away from home? Tell us about it in the comments section. In the meantime, enjoy these related articles.

Tipping: The Key Word is Discretionary Starbucks Treats

Learn more about Traci Anderson

Traci is a work-at-home-mom (WAHM) from beautiful Big Sky Country (Montana). She spends most of her time trying to keep up with two extremely energetic (but hysterical) Irish twins.

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