I've actually literally with my own eyes witnessed people setting up their entire office inside a Starbucks, complete with an external keyboard, mouse & even a printer - A PRINTER. Hogging 3-4 outlets at a time, taking calls, having mini meetings and everything. At Starbucks.

I'll admit, when I was in college, Starbucks and Barnes & Noble were my safe havens during finals season. Some Saturday mornings, I'd wake up and get there before the crowds, so I could secure a comfortable corner and hold it down for the whole day. It's nice to get away from my familiar surroundings and whittle away my work load, but I might have to give up the coffehouse life for good.

First, as I kinda just mentioned, you have to get there early if you want a decent seat. I can't count how many times I've walked into Starbucks with my hands full (laptop, charger, and purse in tow), only to be stuck with the random tiny table in the middle of the floor, nowhere near an outlet, yet uncomfortably close to the "order here" section. Don't let a queue start to formate. When my ideas are flowing and my fingers are actually in sync with my thoughts, typing away with ease, I don't need the lunchtime customers bumping into me as they reach for a parfait.

On that note, interruptions. Miss Friendly Barista, when my ideas are flowing and my fingers are actually in sync with my thoughts, typing away with ease, I don't need you interrupting the process and asking if I want a pound cake sample. But you're soooooooooo polite! Which means I can't be rude and say this. Dear Friendly Neighbor, when my ideas are flowing and my fingers are actually in sync with my thoughts, typing away with ease (seriously, these moments are priceless), I don't need you interrupting the process and asking if I can keep an eye on your stuff while you go to the restroom or if I will plug your charger into the outlet under my table. But you, too, are so cordial and respectful, so yes, I'll plug it in. Mister Cleaning Man, I understand you have to clean near and around the tables next to me, and that the seats are so close together that you really can't help but bump into mine when you're sweeping under the other ones, but when my ideas are flowing... Good God, can they just flow?

It may be time to take my remote office hustle elsewhere. The library, maybe?