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After a period of time, smoking indoors, wearing a flamboyant wide tie, and typing away on a typewriter at the office desk became socially acceptable. Norms evolve, and that’s often for the best. However, when it comes to cafe laptops, I urge society to reconsider. Don’t be the nuisance in my cafe – that’s the only place that keeps a solitary freelancer like me going, similar to the WFH Brigade.
My kitchen table, where I spend most of my working hours, is adequate. There’s a window nearby. You can make yourself a cup of tea whenever you please. You can transition to the couch, listen to your own music, take loud calls, or stand up. But variety is the spice of life, and if cafes were my only option, I’d truly be disheartened. Yes, I’m aware of coworking spaces, but they are a) filled with unpleasant individuals, and b) not within my budget. Thankfully, the calming ambient noise of distant conversations, keyboard clicks, is as close to a cafe as I can get for now.
The freedom to work from anywhere is one of the perks of being a writer, but this privilege is being misused by fellow laptop users, risking its potential revocation. Clogging up tables, engaging in hours of minimal spending, the antics of cafe owners – just buying a cup of tea and occupying space all day is clearly rude, not to mention bad for business.
It’s undeniable that a sea of laptops alters the ambiance of a place, transforming friendly hangouts to unbearable coworking spots. Consequently, our laptop-user to other patron ratio needs to be managed diligently. After years of observing this trend – even before the pandemic hit, I’ve drafted a code of conduct to maintain harmony within the cafe laptop ecosystem. And it’s essential to adhere to it, as if we continue to disrupt this balance, it might be back to the kitchen table for good.
The initial rule is to limit laptop usage in cafes to four hours and spend around £5 on two items. If you plan to occupy the space all day, you must also order at least one meal. Additionally, no Zoom calls or phone conversations are permitted under any circumstances. The objective of working with a laptop in a cafe is to blend in seamlessly, rather than disrupting the environment with endless productivity tasks. If you need to make a call, stay at home or step outside.
It goes without saying that you should choose the smallest available table. Don’t occupy a larger table when it’s just you and your laptop. Furthermore, if power outlets are visibly accessible, don’t hassle the staff to charge your devices. They are there to serve food and drinks, not to make your impromptu office setup easier. And of course, do not play loud music. It shouldn’t need to be said, but a recent encounter at a coffee shop proved otherwise. I wonder what he’s reading now. Otherwise, our refuge in local cafes is at risk.
In conclusion, be respectful, pay your dues, and don’t take advantage of the privilege of being in a cafe. Essentially: Don’t abuse the system.
Many British people abroad may wish to hide me under a rock or imagine French accents. While I feel ashamed to be grouped with them, there’s no reason why we can’t change the narrative.
Cafes not only provide a conducive work environment but also serve as a natural habitat. As historical origins suggest, they have always been a breeding ground for ideas. The vibrant, intellectual cafe setting is often what’s needed to spark creativity, while also reminding us of the presence of others (a aspect often missing in traditional office settings). It’s truly a valuable resource that shouldn’t be taken for granted. If cafes were no longer an option, and the kitchen table or coworking spaces were the only alternatives, I might have to reluctantly resort to seeking traditional employment.
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Source: www.theguardian.com
