r/Frugal • u/dino-birds • 1d ago
đ° Finance & Bills I'm unemployed. Where can I just relax and use my laptop away from home without needing to spend $3 on coffee each day?
Been unemployed for a while and I don't want to get that Groundhog Day feel just from staying indoors in my apartment most days. I have no routine. Local coffee shops (usually Dunkin) are some of the most common place I choose to chill out but the costs of drinks add up.
Just want to break unemployed boredom from indoors things to sit somewhere else without having to constantly break out my wallet. Best third place I can think of is a public library. Are there other places to suggest?
721
u/oaklandesque 1d ago
Public library. University library or other public space on campus (YMMV but the university in my town has guest Wi-Fi in every building I've been in).
9
274
u/GeesCheeseMouse 1d ago
Our library is AMAZING! It is beautiful, free wifi, free parking, you can reserve rooms, and have fun (free) events.
<3 <3 <3 our library
219
u/pingusuperfan 1d ago
A nice mall, a hotel lobby, or if youâre really lucky, you might live near a park with wifi
133
u/Sunnydaysahead17 23h ago
I second hotel, go in the morning, wear a nice shirt, bring your laptop in a bag, and walk in like you own the place. Sit in the lobby, business center, by the pool? Then just work, grab a free banana and coffee from the continental breakfast⌠if anybody asks, just say your gf/bf is on a work zoom call in the room.
120
u/Madea_onFire 18h ago
I worked at a hotel front desk and as long as you didnât disturb the other guests and looked the part, no one cared. The second you start bugging guests or falling asleep, we kicked you out. You definitely needed to stay in the main lobby area or the cafe. Trying to enter the pool area or conference rooms can got you kicked out.
0
u/kendogg 11h ago
If you walked in, and say....walked straight to the elevator and rode them up and down a couple times, then went to the lobby, would that be less conspicuous?
21
u/Madea_onFire 11h ago
That seems more conspicuous. Sitting in the lobby is normal. Riding the elevators up and down for no reason is not, and someone will notice that.
15
296
u/spiralruby 1d ago
Do you have an IKEA near you? You can sign for Ikea family and get free coffee from the cafeteria, and connect to the WiFi there.
27
u/Jibade 17h ago
Wait what??? I didnât know this! Going to look into it.
12
u/Connect_Rhubarb395 11h ago
It is not free in all countries. But you can hang out in the cafeteria.
88
u/Kara_S 1d ago
There is often free wifi at community rec centres. +1 for the library, however, as it will have a better set up for the laptop. Good luck with the job search.
10
u/HeyT00ts11 23h ago
The rec center next to my house has a lot of random tables throughout the place, and the Wi-Fi is great. It's nice and quiet but you're not all by yourself.
6
u/SilentRaindrops 16h ago
I dipped into the local park district ice rink to cool off and they had a on lot of tables in the food area. Now I go there sometimes and use my computer and watch some of the hockey games. As long as you dont come across as perving on the kids you should be fine.
If you have a hospital check out their cafeteria dining room. We had a hospital campus with a pond and could sit there and use their guest access.
Check to see if any coffee places have drink clubs that allow you free drinks. I think Panera still has their sip club trial of $3/month. I can sit there for hours and get a new drink every two hours.
1
u/Surprise_Fragrant 11h ago
If you have a hospital check out their cafeteria dining room. We had a hospital campus with a pond and could sit there and use their guest access.
Great idea... To expand upon this, explore other buildings or public floors of hospitals and adjacent buildings (if it's a larger campus/compound); there are often smaller sitting rooms, waiting areas, or relaxing areas that are all but empty. My husband had surgery a few years ago, and the building he was in had a massive seating area near the elevators facing a wall of windows which looked out over a beautiful 'lake' and fountain. No one knew it was there because the floor was mostly patient rooms, so I was able to enjoy the peace and quiet while he rested.
2
u/SilentRaindrops 5h ago
So right you are. If you are in a city, some of the waiting rooms offer great views for fireworks and city parades.
1
u/Nowayucan 12h ago
Our rec center has free WiFi and comfy chairs, but not a single table in the whole place aside from a pool table. I think they did that on purpose so no one will camp out there during the day.
242
u/Disastrous-Wing699 1d ago
I've spent the afternoon in a shopping mall before. Especially one geared towards high-end brands. They've got big leather couches, plugs for charging, and sometimes free wi-fi.
→ More replies (24)
170
u/AmberSnow1727 1d ago
Barnes and Noble has a lot of places to sit and relax that aren't in the cafe.
27
u/EnigmaIndus7 21h ago
The only one we have is purely retail with no other space and certainly no cafe. That concept has been gone in my city for like 12 years
11
u/nw342 18h ago
Really? Mine has chairs all over the place and let people read as long as they arent a disturbance or destroying the books.
1
u/EnigmaIndus7 12h ago
Yeah, we used to have the full store years ago, but it closed due to rent in maybe 2013. And they said at the time that theyâd reopen elsewhere in the neighborhood. Well they reopenedâŚ.10 years later. But it basically just is any other bookstore and no space to read and no coffee shop
119
u/Kitchen-Owl-7323 1d ago
Absolutely the library! If you have more than one in the area, check them all out. Ours occasionally have cool classes.
40
u/aknomnoms 23h ago
Iâve been in the same boat. It gets better!
Library is my go-to, as everyone else has mentioned. I had some friends who worked from home too, so weâd sometimes meet up at a cafe (theyâd buy something đ ) for a productivity session and then chat after. Or weâd go to each otherâs places. Great if you have a good accountability buddy. Not so great if your friend is a slacker lol.
Some other things that helped me break up the monotony though:
joining free meetup groups. There are people who walk, hike, bird watch, yoga, paint, play tennis, etc and want to do so with other people, morning, noon, and night. Or join a book club and borrow the books from the library. Some are also dedicated to networking and resume workshops. But give your days some structure with regular commitments where you meet up with people, and use that social pressure to show up.
I used to walk, hike, or play tennis with a friend group almost every day of the week. Gave me something to look forward to and ensure I didnât waste a day away.
Take time to develop a skill. Language (DuoLingo, see what services your library has, borrow books and tapes), art (writing, use materials around the home), craft (sewing/mending). Through my library I was able to get a Coursera certificate in a field of study I wanted to transition into. What skills could help you be more marketable?
Lean into a free/low-cost hobby or project. I got into gardening. Made my own compost and mulch, got free compost and mulch from the city, got free seeds from local seed libraries, got free plants from friendsâ cuttings, free plants and containers from Craigslist.
Consider community college courses for enrichment, to further develop a skill, or to work towards a certificate or degree. Iâve been taking Spanish, tennis, piano, and paralegal classes at mine. Tuition is quite affordable, and you may qualify for financial aid. Plus, thereâs a 3rd place for you on campus and you can get a lot of benefits from being a student. Free bus passes, access to career counselors and career fairs/networking opportunities, aid services, reduced fare entertainment, free loaner laptops or tablets, free gym access. Good mental and social stimulus. And itâs for any age. Try checking it out.
Have some goals. I signed up to do a half marathon, got a certificate and an AA (I already had a bachelorâs degree in a completely different area), established 2 social groups from meetup that I still run, can now consistently bake a decent loaf of bread, tackled home projects, etc. This time can be a blessing in disguise - try exploring what makes you happy and put yourself out there in situations that are missed working a normal 9-5.
Also, only spend 40 quality hours a week job searching (if you are). You still need a mental, physical, and social break from sitting in front of a computer all day.
Good luck!
5
u/Far_Whereas_7661 22h ago
You make being unemployed sound awesome, lolÂ
8
u/aknomnoms 16h ago
Haha I call it my âmini retirementâ. I had to quit my job and move back home to take care of my parents, so it was partially to stay busy and productive, partially to help get myself out of a depressive time, partially to get breathers from my folks. But I discovered a lot about myself by taking time to slow down. Reassessed my values, what gave me satisfaction and joy. And that course correction better aligned me with who I was and wanted to be before I got sucked into the rat race and worked 60-70 hour weeks for the money and title. Thereâs something that just feels natural and right living a life truer to yourself.
I suggest everyone take a year off in their early 30âs to check in on where theyâre at and course correct for where they want to go. Dabble. Try things. Donât be afraid of failure - learn from it.
3
37
u/maharal7 1d ago
Bookstores, university libraries/buildings, or hotel lobbies. Lots of them have space for people to lounge and if you walk in like you belong, no one will stop you -- esp if you're just there for 2 or 3 hours.
When I was a broke college student I used to bring teabags with me and ask for a cup of hot water at coffee shops (for free) and then tip $1 or something if they said yes. That way I had something to drink and it felt like I had "permission" from the barista.
16
u/kdollarsign2 1d ago
Hotel lobbies are a really fun idea! (we are in Chicago and I could rattle off some very lovely destination hotels that would never know if you were hanging out)
3
158
31
u/GanstaThuggin 23h ago
Panera has a subscription where u can get coffee every two hours for like $3 a month for the first couple months
3
u/webenji 19h ago
+1 for the Panera subscription since that is what I do. It's not totally free but the location I go to is much closer and nicer than my library and I enjoy the "perks" of the subscription. In fact, my Panera location is very laid back and there are many people who come in buying nothing, some who come in with food from nearby restaurants (that are older and have less seats/space), and even those who bring their own, sometimes frozen, and reheat it with the Pandera's microwave.
29
u/nighttimecharlie 1d ago
When I was unemployed I would go to the park, then to the library, and then treat myself to a $4 coffee once in a while. Sometimes I'd visit the university campus, have a walk around and go to the librsry there.
73
43
u/AmberSnow1727 1d ago
Library. My grocery store also has a large eat-in cafe area, and they don't care if you've bought something or not.
6
u/ChickenXing 1d ago
Grocery store cafe areas will easily vary by location. In my area, any grocery stores where homeless are nearby and like to hang out, they have mostly gotten rid of the seating areas. In areas without nearby homeless hanging out, they generally don't care who is hanging out at those seats as long as you are not being disruptive
17
u/anditgoespop 22h ago
Hospital! I studied for the GRE in a local hospital. Single occupancy bathrooms galore, food court. There was also a sort of atrium rest garden where I could catch a short snooze if needed (I saw actual staff doing it so I figured it was okay lol).
10
u/FlippingPossum 1d ago
Select local parks in my city have free wifi. Some churches have prayer gardens open to the public. If you have a hotspot, historic cemeteries often have nice benches. My local library has hotspots available to checkout.
9
u/empressface 22h ago
Iâm glad so many people including yourself thought of the library because it is â¨the libraryâ¨
8
7
u/gamingaway 23h ago
Super markets with cafes and/or seating areas. Everyone already mentioned libraries, don't sleep on super markets with good seating.
7
u/mayan_monkey 23h ago
I've booked a room at the library for a work meeting of about 8 of us. Also a room for me and 2 of my friends to sit down and plan/book our trip. It allowed us to focus on the task at hand and not be distracted.
7
u/PasgettiMonster 21h ago
Is there a Panera near you? They have something called Sip club that is normally $15 a month but a new account will get you 2-3 months free. This allows you unlimited drinks and unlimited refills. My friends and I often go hang out in Panera for a few hours a couple of times a week when we need to get out of the house for a bit, and there are plenty other regulars doing the same. Just don't hog a table all day if they get busy during meal times and you'll be fine.
You will need either a credit card or a Panera gift card to get signed up. If you use a credit card there is the risk of getting charged when your 2 or 3 month trial ends if you arent Good at canceling such things. For this reason I suggest buying a small Panera gift card, $5 should do it. Use that as your payment method. Since it isn't enough money to charge the next month's membership when your trial ends your membership will get canceled. Meanwhile that $5 gift card will still be available to use while your membership is active for promos that they have in the app. I frequently get offered a $2 pastry (some of which retail for five bucks) or a free or $1 bagel. So you could hang on to that $5 for when there's a promo in your app for something like that and get yourself the occasional treat to eat with your drink.
34
u/coco8090 1d ago
If you donât want to go in anywhere, you can sit in the parking lot at McDonaldâs and use their Wi-Fi but you generally have to park pretty close to the building.
19
7
6
u/Powerful-Tonight8648 22h ago
Lobby/common area of a busy hospital?
Food court at the mall?
Hotel lobby if itâs large enough?
If you can look harmless and like you belong, there are loads of options!
7
u/Sensitive-Meat-1485 19h ago
I was desperate to be anywhere but home, so I booked a small apartment for the weekend through Booking/Airbnb. It was very nice, but also very smallâand I realized I already have that at home.
Then I lost my flexible work hours and felt desperate to be somewhere else between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. I checked out a coworking space, but it cost $24 a day. So I came back home and started using my converted garage for two days a week. On other days, I went to the library, picked up packages from a locker, sat on a park bench, rode the tram, or used public restroomsâjust to be out.
In the long run, improving your home setup is much cheaper. If you can, buy something that makes staying at home more bearable. Think: good lighting, easy cleanup, and great coffee.
6
5
u/Jodies-9-inch-leg 18h ago
The library
But be prepared to pick up everything and pack it into your bag to take with you every time you need to get up to go to the bathroom.
Most libraries have a large homeless population and we are creeping up on summer when lots of kids have nothing better to do.
It literally takes seconds to walk by and lift your laptop.
5
u/DrHarryBaals 1d ago
Alternative art galleries. A lot of them are just cool spaces to be in and they are very friendly to the alternative crowd. Usually the one person that works there will just be happy to have someone in the space enjoying the art and theyâll let you chill all day and just work while surrounded by good vibes.
4
u/Fragraham 23h ago
The library is the absolute best place. They usually have the fastest wifi, you can grab some books and movies while you're there. Peaceful. Often centrally located so you can run errands or get a bite to eat. Lots of resources for job hunting, such as printing, workshops, and assistance programs. No one questions you being there. It's free and open to all.
Some alternate ideas. If you want some fresh air, check your public parks. Some have wifi. The park is the closest place with wifi to me, and I go there when I want to get some fresh air and get out of the house when the weather is nice. May or may not have public bathrooms though.
Transit hubs like bus stations, train stations, and airports usually have wifi, are open to the public, and usually have at least benches or tables and chairs. While they aren't as pleasant of an environment due to the bustle when busy, and sheer liminal feeling when empty, they are places open to the public, and your location may put you close to one. Wouldn't recommend it over the other options, but if you're already there, check for wifi.
6
5
16
u/RockMo-DZine 1d ago
Having recently had to spend time in various hospital & medical providers waiting rooms, one of the things that struck me was that they often have a sign up with the WiFi connection ID and P/W. I guess the receptionists get sick of being asked for it.
They also provide chairs and basically ignore you once you sit down.
13
u/aknomnoms 1d ago
Also - air conditioning, clean bathrooms, hand sanitizer. Iâve spent my fair share in our local hospital over the past 5 years and have found the semi-secluded picnic tables in the interior courtyard, the comfy couches tucked away around a corner of the cancer treatment pavilion that empties out after 7 pm, and the water bottle dispenser that doles out icy cold fresh water. As long as youâre politely sitting and minding your own business (aka not watching anything obnoxious without headphones/being loud, eating smelly food, putting your feet on furniture), they donât seem to care.
2
u/Surprise_Fragrant 11h ago
Hospitals, like fancy hotels, are a treasure trove for free chillin'. There's lots of places to explore and you never know what you'll find!
12
u/DatabaseSolid 23h ago
Go the emergency waiting room. You wonât be noticed for hours, possibly days.
4
u/scrapsbear 1d ago
Some colleges allow the public to use their libraries if they have a library card.
You can ask your local library if they have alliances with other places you can use for free.
You can ask the same of your employment office.
Maybe tell a local community center about situation and see if they let you use the center for free.
4
u/Defiant-Aioli8727 1d ago
Everyone has great answers. Iâd also like to say, if itâs a local coffee shop and youâre quiet, out of the way, and most importantly not taking a table from paying customers, ask the barista. Explain your situation, and give them an easy out to say no.
3
3
4
u/Letsmakethissimple1 16h ago
I see the library has already been abundantly recommended, so I'll pose a slightly different environment: your local/neighbourhood community centre, or your city hall. I've found there to usually be seating and wifi, and it can be a good environment to self-impose a professional setting if you need to grind through resume-writing, job-applications, or online courses.
4
u/ConstantGradStudent 5h ago
Go to your local university or college and see if they have visitor wifi, or a community pass.
6
7
u/SoyboyCowboy 1d ago
Free museums and possibly airportsÂ
1
u/katterpatter 1h ago
I was coming to say museums, too! Not sure about admissions for private institutions, but if there's any kind of publicly supported museum, that could be a really beautiful/peaceful option
Also a local community college might have some nice spots to sit and work from.
8
u/dirtyenvelopes 1d ago
I like to bring a thermos full of coffee or tea to the library to save money
3
3
3
u/espicy11 1d ago
I did one time walk in and work in a nice hotel lobby that had a coffee shop, in a downtown area. I feel like no one would really notice to care, as long as you look well-kept. I feel like if thereâs a local college you could probably wander in and sit somewhere without being bothered.
3
u/_social_hermit_ 23h ago
A) the library b) our city council has "business spaces" that are kind of like co-working spaces. You could check your local area for something similar? Edit: libraries really need your support rn, by using them, borrowing, encouraging staff and giving positive feedback to elected officials.
3
3
3
3
u/Sidewalk_Tomato 19h ago
Hospitals and University Campuses often have no-password public WiFi. I don't do online banking or similar in places like this, but it's free and they really don't care in the least.
3
3
u/Sensitive-Meat-1485 19h ago
To avoid everything feeling the same all the time, try rearranging your furniture.
3
3
u/Sensitive-Meat-1485 18h ago
Recreate a coffee shop vibe at homeâuse your balcony or terrace, or move a desk, chair, or low seating next to a window.
3
u/Connect_Rhubarb395 11h ago
Community centres if that exists where you live. Not the ones that are "daytime retirement homes", but actual community centres.
3
3
3
u/Crazy_Start3618 9h ago
i use the library, but iâm also part of panera sip club for $3 a month so i work in there with basically free drinks :)
7
u/Hair-Help-Plea 1d ago
Mid to higher end hotel lobbies usually have comfortable set ups. Theyâll have cafes sometimes, and thereâs always somewhere to buy some snacks if you want. Just act like you belong and if questioned, say youâre waiting on someone whoâs flight got delayed. Iâve never been asked to elaborate beyond that.
Like everyone else said, libraries. If you have a nice airport, the baggage claim area might be worth checking out. Or if youâre really looking to change up scenery, you could buy a southwest ticket that day and cancel it at least 10 min before the flight to get a refund. If you live somewhere with casinos/resorts, those have plenty of comfy, quiet areas around the property (outside of the section of it with rooms, thatâs usually keycard required). If you have colleges around, lots have libraries or lounges with comfy areas, usually keycard required after a certain time though.
Iâve tailgated into coworking spaces before, like WeWork. Usually have free snacks and coffee, nice bathrooms, great Wi-Fi. Again, act like you belong and no one will likely question you. I spent some time living in my car after I escaped an abusive relationship (literally fled our house with only the stuff I could fit in my car), but was still working full time remotely, so I had to get real creative to find quiet places to work.
→ More replies (2)
5
4
u/OuiMarieSi 1d ago
I work at several hospitals, and all of them have free WiFi.
You could go into a hospital lobby, depending on the hospital. Two of the three I work at definitely have a lobby large enough and people camp out there while waiting for things. You could definitely get away with it. One hospital I work at has a very nice area with big windows and tables for families who are waiting.
I donât think itâs the most ideal location, but it is an option đ¤ˇđźââď¸
2
u/n8late 1d ago
Ok, hear me out, public bus.
3
u/aknomnoms 1d ago
I think Iâd get motion sick, but I like where your head is at. We have a few nicer rail/Amtrack stations with surprisingly decent accommodations in the waiting area.
2
2
2
u/mayan_monkey 23h ago
The library. I literally go all the time. I like the chill environment. At mine, you can even reserve a small work space for a few hours (it's like a small meeting space) and just do your own thing. So relaxing.
2
2
2
u/tooclosetocall82 22h ago
Keep your cup from the coffee shop and just fill it at home, then slip in when itâs busy and they donât notice you didnât buy anything.
Or just go to the library.
2
2
2
2
2
u/CommonFace1 13h ago
Iâm on the road a lot for work and constantly having to stop to wait for meetings/work throughout the day. I do the Panera Sip club which works great. Itâs $15/month and grants you free coffee/soft drinks.
1
2
2
2
2
u/FortuneIIIPick 7h ago
Is there not a mall in your area? Public park? Are you looking for work? There are free resources to help with looking for work.
4
u/ItsAMeAProblem 1d ago
Where are you getting 3 dollar Coffee?
2
u/Sl1z 1d ago
Do you think $3 coffee is cheap or expensive?
1
u/ItsAMeAProblem 1d ago
Cheap. 7/11 is the cheapest i can find in seattle and it's around 375-4 depending on size. So like 450 w tax
4
2
2
u/Far_Tie614 20h ago
I see everyone saying "library!" And i completely agree.Â
I live in a university town, so (even when I wasn't personally a student) I'd sometimes just show up and find an empty seminar room or sit in one of the common rooms etc. I just like the campus architecture and found it very conducive to getting my work done. Just felt "in the groove" so to speak.
Museums and art galleries are also options, for a change of pace.Â
I'm also a big fan of forests and trails, but I can easily get through a day without charging and much of my work is offline (or i can use my phone) so your mileage may vary.Â
Agreed though, it's important not to get stuck in the rut and never leave your apartment.
2
2
1
1
u/beccafawn 23h ago
Sometimes art museums, maybe other kinds of museums as well. Ours has free wifi and a lobby and courtyard that you can just hang out in.
1
1
u/LuvFuzzball 23h ago
Absolutely the library but Starbucks offers free refills while youâre there in the cafe. I believe itâs free refills of hot or iced coffee or tea during the same visit. So free coffee/tea refills, free WiFi, people watching!
1
1
1
1
1
u/Blue387 Brooklyn, USA 22h ago
I recommend the library, they recently renovated my branch during the pandemic shutdown
1
1
u/unicyclegamer 21h ago
Do you have a bicycle? When I was unemployed I would ride my bike to a park, set up a hammock if the weather was good, hit the penjamin a few times and listen to music or read.
1
1
u/throwawayvictory1 20h ago
Do you live near a college campus? There are always open study spaces and free WiFi, even not accounting for the library. Hospital cafeterias may also be an option, though outlets arenât garuanteed
1
1
u/mickwil 20h ago
Don't know where you live, but my city (Memphis) has some big, multi-use spaces that also have free wifi. There's scattered public seating and free bathrooms. You could look for "reclaimed" or "adaptive reuse" sites in your area that offer something similar. Some outdoor spaces in city parks have wifi. Local community colleges and public universities that have open campuses often have guest wifi, too. They usually let the general public visit their university centers, food courts, and any random bench on campus. You can pick your favorite "stayed up all night studying" or "dressed up for a presentation" outfit and fit right in.
1
1
u/PoofItsFixed 20h ago
In my urban area, there are a few different places/situations where thereâs a food court kind of set up thatâs not part of a typical shopping mall. Such places (if they exist in your area) probably have some kind of civic or cultural aspect to their activities, in addition to the food service establishments.
1
1
1
1
u/Sensitive-Meat-1485 18h ago
Invest in headphones. I have DJ headphones, Bluetooth earbuds, and mostly I use simple earmuffsâbasically a cheaper version of noise-cancelling headphones.
1
u/IndependenceMean8774 16h ago
Your local library, a college library, your local park. I think a church or other religious house of worship might be another option, so long as you aren't disturbing other parishioners.
Maybe a bus stop or some outdoor bench on the street would be another option.
1
1
u/NonpsychoactiveMew 15h ago
Fancy laundromats-Tide offers free wifi, they are open early/late. Best part is you smell clean laundry
1
1
1
1
u/inononeofthisisreal 12h ago
You can also sit in your car in the parking lot of places like Dunkin or McDonaldâs.
1
u/Safe-Application-144 12h ago
If you have a loves,flying j, or pilot truck stop nearby you can siting there forever using free wifi. It's kinda slow but it works as a truck driver they don't care how long u sit in there even at 2am
1
1
1
1
1
1
u/DeClawPoster 6h ago
Book stores. Nic nac antiques stores , thrift stores, vintage shops. You can do everything you do in your apartment at the local library or any branch. Return town from different directions. Drive, get lost, and just you use your phone for directions ,in case. Wink.
Do new reading, read magazines and local and state and national newspapers, and leave them all wrinkled on the shelves at the news stand.
Be a thug. Take your time and wind up a crowd. MC on a microphone.
1
u/Ok-Conference-313 6h ago
Check out your local McDonaldâs. ( switch up locations) It may not be great coffee but it is cheap - just donât go when school is getting out or you will be over whelmed with the student noise.
Fill your coffee mug and take it to the library. There are many small and large satellite locations that you may not be aware of - vary the location.
I often take my mug to the park. You can pick up a cheap folding camp chair at Goodwill, or just bring a blanket.
If you have a car - I grab my coffee and a good book and search out a quiet tree lined street and put on my own music and relax and read or you could surf the web. looking for your next adventure into the job market. Good luck. đ
1
1
u/RoseApothecary88 6h ago
Go into a Panera if you're in the US. I used to work there and never tracked if people sitting actually bought anything. Especially if there are booths by a side or back entrance.
1
u/VeryOpinionatedFem 5h ago
Fast food restaurants. I used to do homework at Wendyâs, and it wasnât a requirement to buy something either.
1
u/cateyesandcardigans 4h ago
Iâve had lots of luck sitting outside of a Starbucks and using the free wifi. As long as youâre quiet and polite Iâve not been asked to leave.
1
u/qqererer 4h ago
Alternate take. Put the laptop down and go ride a bike and listen to a podcast.
It's less exhausting than walking, and with a low enough gear, you can get anywhere without working out too hard. The side benefit is that with constant movement, you actually get much stronger than you would would walking, which means that you gradually get faster and stronger at everything.
Also if you get tired of pedaling, your setup should be more comfortable than any public space chair (which is hostile in it's ergonomics by design).
If you actually need connection, sure bring your lapotp, but your phone is probably enough for most things.
1
u/emmarrgghhh 4h ago
Just donât buy coffee. Sure I support little local places when I go but Starbucks and Dunkin arenât missing anything without your purchase.
1
u/Robot_Alchemist 3h ago
McDonaldâs, a friendâs house, in your car next to a coffee shop, the lobby of a hotel
1
1
â˘
u/DrRiAdGeOrN 14m ago
just sit at the mall, take your own food drink and you lots of different venues
â˘
â˘
3.9k
u/CheeseburgerLover911 1d ago
the library