TOTALLY GEEKED!

Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
totallygeeked -> totallygeeked general -> Dear Amy - I work in public and hate when people talk to me.
Post Info TOPIC: Dear Amy - I work in public and hate when people talk to me.
Lawyerlady


On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Status: Offline
Posts: 27192
Date:
Dear Amy - I work in public and hate when people talk to me.
Permalink  
 

Dear Amy: I frequently work at a busy cafe in my home town, which is also a beehive of activity because it is a college town. I feel so lucky to have a place to go where I can nurse a cup of coffee, use the WiFi and get out of the house for a while. I am self-employed, and sometimes I go a little stir-crazy in my house or car.

The only problem with my routine is that I often see people I know; these encounters can soak up literally hours of my day. I don’t blame others for being friendly, but I obviously need ways to indicate that I’m trying to work. Do you have any ideas for how to do this without being rude?

Working Hard, Hardly Working

Working Hard, Hardly Working: This is an increasingly common issue, as more of us head to cafes and coffee shops to do our work (I’m sitting in one now, in fact).

Noise-canceling headphones can work well to basically create a cone of silence; they are also a visual indication to other people that you are otherwise engaged.

You are also going to have to be a little more disciplined during your encounters. If you say, “It is so nice to run into you, but I’m up against a deadline. Can we make a time to catch up later?” it will indicate to your pals that you’re happy to see them, but now isn’t a good time.

I’m sure readers will weigh in with additional suggestions.



__________________

LawyerLady

 

I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you. 
Lawyerlady


On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Status: Offline
Posts: 27192
Date:
Permalink  
 

Try working at the library or someplace not such a hotbed of social activity?

__________________

LawyerLady

 

I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you. 
Lady Gaga Snerd


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 25897
Date:
Permalink  
 

Or, work at a coffee place not so close to everyone she knows?

__________________

https://politicsandstuff.proboards.com/
Southern_Belle


Nothing's Impossible

Status: Offline
Posts: 16913
Date:
Permalink  
 

So she hogs a table hours on end in a busy coffee house? I hate when people do that. When I go for coffee I can never relax inside and enjoy it because people are all spread out on all the tables with whatever they are working on. They don't just occupy one spot. They take up a whole table where 4 people could sit. Maybe her friends are just looking for a seat.

__________________

A person's a person no matter how small.
Lady Gaga Snerd


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 25897
Date:
Permalink  
 

I am a little confused. Is she WORKING at the coffee shop or there drinking coffee? Why is she nursing a cup of coffee and using WiFi when she is supposed to be working? And, if she is working you simply say "excuse me" i need to get back to work'.

__________________

https://politicsandstuff.proboards.com/
Forever Sunshine


Newbie

Status: Offline
Posts: 68
Date:
Permalink  
 

She's self-employed and went to the shop to have coffee, relax and do some work so she could get out of the house. It's in the OP

__________________
Southern_Belle


Nothing's Impossible

Status: Offline
Posts: 16913
Date:
Permalink  
 

I think she goes there to work on her computer.

__________________

A person's a person no matter how small.
I know what to do_sometimes


Frozen Sucks!

Status: Offline
Posts: 24384
Date:
Permalink  
 

Southern_Belle wrote:

So she hogs a table hours on end in a busy coffee house? I hate when people do that. When I go for coffee I can never relax inside and enjoy it because people are all spread out on all the tables with whatever they are working on. They don't just occupy one spot. They take up a whole table where 4 people could sit. Maybe her friends are just looking for a seat.

 So this.  I have zero compassion for her. She is rude to hog space for hours at a busy shop.



__________________

Sometimes you're the windshield, and sometimes you're the bug.

Frozen is the bestest movie ever, NOT!
Lawyerlady


On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Status: Offline
Posts: 27192
Date:
Permalink  
 

I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
Southern_Belle wrote:

So she hogs a table hours on end in a busy coffee house? I hate when people do that. When I go for coffee I can never relax inside and enjoy it because people are all spread out on all the tables with whatever they are working on. They don't just occupy one spot. They take up a whole table where 4 people could sit. Maybe her friends are just looking for a seat.

 So this.  I have zero compassion for her. She is rude to hog space for hours at a busy shop.

 And complain about the busyness and that people talk to her!



__________________

LawyerLady

 

I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you. 
I know what to do_sometimes


Frozen Sucks!

Status: Offline
Posts: 24384
Date:
Permalink  
 

Lawyerlady wrote:
I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
Southern_Belle wrote:

So she hogs a table hours on end in a busy coffee house? I hate when people do that. When I go for coffee I can never relax inside and enjoy it because people are all spread out on all the tables with whatever they are working on. They don't just occupy one spot. They take up a whole table where 4 people could sit. Maybe her friends are just looking for a seat.

 So this.  I have zero compassion for her. She is rude to hog space for hours at a busy shop.

 And complain about the busyness and that people talk to her!

 The Horror!



__________________

Sometimes you're the windshield, and sometimes you're the bug.

Frozen is the bestest movie ever, NOT!
Mellow Momma


Sniff...sniff, sniff. Yay! A Bum!

Status: Offline
Posts: 7536
Date:
Permalink  
 

She needs to do her work at the library. Thays what it is there for. The coffee shop isn't meant to be an office for anyone. If you want to sit and nurse one cup of coffee with a free refil for a few hours and complain about the atmosphere, I don't think the owners will mind when you move on.

__________________

Out of all the lies I have told, "just kidding" is my favorite ! 
Forever Sunshine


Newbie

Status: Offline
Posts: 68
Date:
Permalink  
 

There are many establishments designed specifically for customers to sit, read, have coffee, work (since wifi is provided). For me, this is about personal boundaries and her needing to learn how to set them.

__________________
I know what to do_sometimes


Frozen Sucks!

Status: Offline
Posts: 24384
Date:
Permalink  
 

Forever Sunshine wrote:

There are many establishments designed specifically for customers to sit, read, have coffee, work (since wifi is provided). For me, this is about personal boundaries and her needing to learn how to set them.

 Well she also needs to accept the fact that if she is out in public where people she knows may be as well she is going to be interrupted.  If she doesn't want to be interrupted, she needs to go elsewhere.



__________________

Sometimes you're the windshield, and sometimes you're the bug.

Frozen is the bestest movie ever, NOT!
lilyofcourse


My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

Status: Offline
Posts: 38325
Date:
Permalink  
 

I was thinking she just hated people because she works in the public.

Cause I can totally understand that.

People suck.

But this chic is WHY people suck.

This is the life you chose.

Shut up complaining.


__________________

A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.

Charley Harper
Tignanello


My dog name is, Sasha!

Status: Offline
Posts: 5883
Date:
Permalink  
 

Computers in cafes drive me nuts. Move your crap over so other people can sit down! Your bag doesn't need it's own table and chair.

__________________

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Not today, Satan.  Not today.
Tangerine


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 1849
Date:
Permalink  
 

Ugh. This LW is the worst.



__________________
Cheerios4606


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 2279
Date:
Permalink  
 

I agree with putting earbuds in. It does offer the heads up that you are not open for chit chat. For the reaaaaly chatty friend that happens upon you, I would say to go ahead and chat for five minutes and then offer a "you know what, I love talking with you but I really do need to get back to this. How bout we get together next week sometime?"

__________________
Lenni


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 228
Date:
Permalink  
 

Or, work at a coffee place not so close to everyone she knows?          

This. I tried to work at Starbucks once and between the loud music and people, I couldn't get anything done. On my work from home days I work from home, where it is quiet.



__________________
TrudyML


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 10458
Date:
Permalink  
 

This is why I go to bars and drink. None of these people hogging a table with a computer there! Ugh!

__________________
FNW


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 18703
Date:
Permalink  
 

Me, too!!!!!!!!!!!!

__________________

#it's5o'clocksomewhere
Ohfour


Hooker

Status: Offline
Posts: 12666
Date:
Permalink  
 

Places like this are popping up all around here. Cool concept...

www.thelodgefranklin.com/



__________________

America guarantees equal opportunity, not equal outcome...
Mary Zombie


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 1758
Date:
Permalink  
 

I had a whiney ex bf that would get pissed when our conversation was interrupted at the karaoke bar that we frequented. He would get pizzy and tap my arm ....helloooooo??
Um dude people know us here and are going to speak to us. I didn't care about what he was rambling on about most of the time anyhow 😀

__________________
That's Mrs. Face to you!
I know what to do_sometimes


Frozen Sucks!

Status: Offline
Posts: 24384
Date:
Permalink  
 

Mary Zombie wrote:

I had a whiney ex bf that would get pissed when our conversation was interrupted at the karaoke bar that we frequented. He would get pizzy and tap my arm ....helloooooo??
Um dude people know us here and are going to speak to us. I didn't care about what he was rambling on about most of the time anyhow 😀

 Which, of course, is why he is an ex!



__________________

Sometimes you're the windshield, and sometimes you're the bug.

Frozen is the bestest movie ever, NOT!
I know what to do_sometimes


Frozen Sucks!

Status: Offline
Posts: 24384
Date:
Permalink  
 

Ohfour wrote:

Places like this are popping up all around here. Cool concept...

www.thelodgefranklin.com/

 Problem is unless they are charging by the hour or $30 for a cup of coffee, they will not survive.  They need revenue to pay the bills.



__________________

Sometimes you're the windshield, and sometimes you're the bug.

Frozen is the bestest movie ever, NOT!
Ohfour


Hooker

Status: Offline
Posts: 12666
Date:
Permalink  
 

I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
Ohfour wrote:

Places like this are popping up all around here. Cool concept...

www.thelodgefranklin.com/

 Problem is unless they are charging by the hour or $30 for a cup of coffee, they will not survive.  They need revenue to pay the bills.

Coffee is free.  You can either get a membership which entitles you to use them any time they are open, or $25 a day.  They also rent out conference rooms.   For now, they seem to be doing OK...



__________________

America guarantees equal opportunity, not equal outcome...
Ohfour


Hooker

Status: Offline
Posts: 12666
Date:
Permalink  
 

Oh, I forgot...I'm not talking to you...wink



__________________

America guarantees equal opportunity, not equal outcome...
I know what to do_sometimes


Frozen Sucks!

Status: Offline
Posts: 24384
Date:
Permalink  
 

Ohfour wrote:
I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
Ohfour wrote:

Places like this are popping up all around here. Cool concept...

www.thelodgefranklin.com/

 Problem is unless they are charging by the hour or $30 for a cup of coffee, they will not survive.  They need revenue to pay the bills.

Coffee is free.  You can either get a membership which entitles you to use them any time they are open, or $25 a day.  They also rent out conference rooms.   For now, they seem to be doing OK...

eating crow.jpg

 

 Proving my point, Hear, more crow for you. biggrin



Attachments
__________________

Sometimes you're the windshield, and sometimes you're the bug.

Frozen is the bestest movie ever, NOT!
Honeys_Mom


Mod & Permanent Board Sweetheart

Status: Offline
Posts: 3348
Date:
Permalink  
 

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:

I am a little confused. Is she WORKING at the coffee shop or there drinking coffee? Why is she nursing a cup of coffee and using WiFi when she is supposed to be working? And, if she is working you simply say "excuse me" i need to get back to work'.

LGS, I actually read it that way myself.  I went back and read it again;  she does call it 'work', but to me nursing a cup of coffee and using WIFI is taking a break from work, not working...

 



__________________

Coffee understands.
Honeys_Mom


Mod & Permanent Board Sweetheart

Status: Offline
Posts: 3348
Date:
Permalink  
 

Crow?  Ahhhhhh.... Superbowl crow. biggrin

I've been a little out of commission LOL...



__________________

Coffee understands.
Ohfour


Hooker

Status: Offline
Posts: 12666
Date:
Permalink  
 

I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
Ohfour wrote:
I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
Ohfour wrote:

Places like this are popping up all around here. Cool concept...

www.thelodgefranklin.com/

 Problem is unless they are charging by the hour or $30 for a cup of coffee, they will not survive.  They need revenue to pay the bills.

Coffee is free.  You can either get a membership which entitles you to use them any time they are open, or $25 a day.  They also rent out conference rooms.   For now, they seem to be doing OK...

eating crow.jpg

 

 Proving my point, Hear, more crow for you. biggrin

 I can't hheeaaaarrrrr yooouuuuu!!!!!!



__________________

America guarantees equal opportunity, not equal outcome...
I know what to do_sometimes


Frozen Sucks!

Status: Offline
Posts: 24384
Date:
Permalink  
 

Ohfour wrote:
I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
Ohfour wrote:
I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
Ohfour wrote:

Places like this are popping up all around here. Cool concept...

www.thelodgefranklin.com/

 Problem is unless they are charging by the hour or $30 for a cup of coffee, they will not survive.  They need revenue to pay the bills.

Coffee is free.  You can either get a membership which entitles you to use them any time they are open, or $25 a day.  They also rent out conference rooms.   For now, they seem to be doing OK...

eating crow.jpg

 

 Proving my point, Hear, more crow for you. biggrin

 I can't hheeaaaarrrrr yooouuuuu!!!!!!

 And I Love you! where are we going on vaca this year??? biggrin



__________________

Sometimes you're the windshield, and sometimes you're the bug.

Frozen is the bestest movie ever, NOT!
Divine Geek


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 4189
Date:
Permalink  
 

Ohfour wrote:

Places like this are popping up all around here. Cool concept...

www.thelodgefranklin.com/

 There was a place where I used to live that was similar. You could lease an office and there were conference rooms for use, a common lobby/waiting room, and a shared admin/receptionist. I thought it was a great concept. Small businesses and start ups got the benefit of the nice building and ammenidies without having to take on all the costs alone. 



__________________

Faith makes things possible, not easy
Ohfour


Hooker

Status: Offline
Posts: 12666
Date:
Permalink  
 

I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
Ohfour wrote:
I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
Ohfour wrote:
I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
Ohfour wrote:

Places like this are popping up all around here. Cool concept...

www.thelodgefranklin.com/

 Problem is unless they are charging by the hour or $30 for a cup of coffee, they will not survive.  They need revenue to pay the bills.

Coffee is free.  You can either get a membership which entitles you to use them any time they are open, or $25 a day.  They also rent out conference rooms.   For now, they seem to be doing OK...

eating crow.jpg

 

 Proving my point, Hear, more crow for you. biggrin

 I can't hheeaaaarrrrr yooouuuuu!!!!!!

 And I Love you! where are we going on vaca this year??? biggrin

 Bora Bora???? Lol!



__________________

America guarantees equal opportunity, not equal outcome...
Page 1 of 1  sorted by
 
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.
totallygeeked -> totallygeeked general -> Dear Amy - I work in public and hate when people talk to me.


Create your own FREE Forum
Report Abuse 		Powered by ActiveBoard