July 26, 2009

Where telecommuters can beat the heat this week

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I've been working from home long enough to know that trying to be productive while beads of sweat roll down your back and drip onto your keyboard is a lost cause. Once my office breaks 80 degrees, all I'm good for is a siesta.

If like me, you're a home-based worker with no air conditioning, there's no need to panic about this week's forecasted heat wave. The Puget Sound area offers plenty of places where freelancers and telecommuters can escape the 90-degree summer sizzle.

For starters, you can check with your neighborhood library branch. Many are blessedly equipped with air conditioning, as well as free wifi access for those who have their laptop in tow. I stopped by the Northgate branch of the Seattle Public Library today and found both amenities available. Same goes for the Shoreline branch of the King County Library System. 

Also check with the various coworking facilities throughout the Puget Sound area (here's a list of locations). Most will rent you a desk for a day for about $25 to $40; all have high-speed Internet access and the usual office amenities. Office Nomads, Capitol Hill's coworking space, is even offering a School's Out Special for telecommuting parents with school-age kids home for the summer. Simply show Office Nomads your child's most recent report card and you'll get a free week at the facility ($125 value).

Freelancers and telecommuters, where do you usually work when the mercury soars? At a neighborhood cafe or bookstore? In the home of a generous friend who's splurged on AC? From the freezer aisle of your favorite grocery store? Any and all recommendations welcome.

Michelle Goodman is the author of "My So-Called Freelance Life" and "The Anti 9-to-5 Guide." E-mail Michelle at mgoodman@nwjobs.com

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2 Comments

Charles on July 27, 2009 9:08 AM | Reply

Working (doing anything) in the heat is dam near impossible. But I will second Michelle's endorsement of Office Nomads as a cooler place to camp during the heat wave. I've been working here for close to two years and love it. We've got a community of folks who are all thankful for the AC in the front and back rooms, and who can urge each on, even through the heat.

If you're curious, come check it out. The first day is always free.

Good luck and stay cool!

theantibush on July 27, 2009 5:07 PM | Reply

Get a portable a/c from the hardware store. Make sure its a real a/c with two hoses.

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