Showerthought: Trying to work from a beach chair in Bali versus a co-working space was a total game changer.

Last month, I tried the classic 'work from the sand' thing for a week. My laptop screen was impossible to see, I got sand in my keyboard, and a wave almost took my coffee. Then I paid for a day pass at a co-working spot in Canggu for about $15. Fast wifi, air con, and actual power outlets made me get three days of work done in one afternoon. Has anyone else found that the postcard image of working on a beach is just a total trap?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_angela2mo ago

Wasn't the glare the worst? I had the same rude awakening in Mexico. Beyond the sand and sun, the real killer is the lack of a real work setup. You can't spread out papers, you're hunched over, and the constant background noise from waves or people makes calls impossible. That postcard shot is for a five minute Instagram story, not for actually getting anything done.

gracewebb2mo ago

Right, exactly. So when you finally gave up and went back inside, did you find it was still impossible to focus? I mean, the whole vibe of being on a trip just kills any real work mode for me. Maybe it's just me but trying to be productive in a vacation spot feels like a trap.

charles_kelly432mo ago

My one attempt at beach work in Florida lasted maybe 20 minutes. I spent more time wiping sunscreen off my phone screen than I did answering emails. I felt like a total goofball out there. The_angela is spot on about the setup, you just can't get comfortable. I'll take a solid desk and a door that closes over a great view any day if I actually need to get stuff done.