A chat with a cafe owner in Split made me rethink my work setup

I was in Split, Croatia last month, trying to work from a small cafe. My laptop was at 10% and I was scrambling for an outlet, which is a normal digital nomad panic. The owner, an older guy named Marko, saw me and just pointed to a specific table near the back wall. He said, 'That one always has the best plug, and the wifi box is right above it. The signal is stronger.' He explained he noticed most people with computers fight for the front tables for the view, but the connection there is bad because of the stone walls. I moved and he was totally right. It was a simple thing, but it made me realize I always pick a spot for looks or light without thinking about the actual work needs first. Now I always ask about the router location when I walk into a new place. Does anyone else have a simple tip like that for scoping out a good work spot?

3 comments

3 Comments

morgan_martinez3d ago

I always check the ceiling for the little green lights on the router first thing. Found a spot right under one once and the download speed was crazy good.

jake9863d ago

Why do we always choose the pretty seat over the useful one?

alexk603d ago

Actually, I always pick the useful spot. Pretty is for pictures. If the chair is wobbly or the table is too high, you're just punishing yourself for hours. Give me the outlet and the stable wifi signal every time... comfort is what actually lets you get stuff done.