One of the best parts about being a freelancer is the freedom to choose where you work. It’s a privilege I remind myself of often — I’m not chained to a cubicle, nor am I stuck in rush-hour traffic every morning. My commute is a short walk from my bed to my desk. But like all good things, this too comes with quirks.
At home, I have a desk set up for work — my little productivity corner with my laptop, a plant or two, and a mug of something warm. Most days, it’s perfect. But life (and living with someone) has its own way of shaking up that routine. If my partner is home and on a call, the desk transforms into his conference room, and I find myself migrating — sometimes to the sofa, sometimes even to the bed. It’s not ideal for posture, but there’s something cosy about tucking into work with a blanket and a cup of chai nearby.
Then there are days when I crave a change of scenery — a different energy. That’s when I pack my bag, grab my headphones, and head to a café. The hum of conversation, the hiss of the coffee machine, and the occasional waft of freshly baked goods make for a surprisingly productive atmosphere. Somehow, I get more done when surrounded by the gentle buzz of strangers.
Of course, working from cafés comes with its own “freelancer folklore” — the battle for a table near a plug point, the mental math of how many cappuccinos justify sitting there for three hours, and the delicate balance between people-watching and actually working. But I find the change of scene resets my brain and breaks the monotony of the home desk–sofa–bed shuffle. But when I head out to a cafe, there are a few cafes that have a good positive vibe, helping me complete quite a few on my list and sometimes just unable to focus and so end up doing very little.
In the end, freelancing is about flexibility. Some days, it’s a desk at home. Some days, it’s a corner table at my favourite café. And yes, some days, it’s curled up in bed with the laptop perched on a pillow. As long as the work gets done, the “where” doesn’t matter as much as the “how” — with focus, flow, and maybe a side of coffee.
How about you? Whether you are a freelancer or working from home [with a corporate job]- do you have a specific place to work from? one that is your zone?
