PSA: Tried working from a cafe vs. a co-working space in Medellin for a month

I mean, the co-working space cost $120 for the month, but the reliable, fast wifi and having a proper desk made me way more productive. Has anyone else found the extra cost actually saves money by getting more done?

3 comments

3 Comments

jaken281mo ago

Saw a blog post that called this the "productivity tax." Paying for the right setup removes friction, so you work faster. Makes the math work out in the end.

susan6491mo ago

That "productivity tax" idea only works if you actually use the gear. I've seen people buy expensive setups just to feel professional, then get distracted by something else. The real tax is buying stuff that doesn't fit how you really work.

the_thea1mo ago

I read a study from the University of California that tracked writers. They found the ones who invested in better chairs and monitors reported 30% less physical discomfort, which let them work longer without breaks. That's a concrete example of the tax paying off, but only if the pain was the real blocker.