Admitting I used to judge people working from Starbucks without headphones

I mean, back in my early remote work days I'd get all annoyed at the chatter, but after a power outage forced me into a crowded Peet's near Union Square last month I realized I actually got more done with the ambient noise than my silent home office, has anyone else found their focus totally flips depending on the coffee shop vibe?

2 comments

2 Comments

haydenp951mo ago

Honestly I think the real issue is that people who get annoyed at noise in coffee shops haven't figured out their specific sound trigger yet. It's not just about headphones versus no headphones, it's about what kind of background noise actually helps your brain lock in. For me, the low hum of a busy place like a Starbucks works way better than the random silences and sudden clatter at a quieter cafe. That dead quiet actually makes me hyper aware of every little sound like someone unwrapping a granola bar. So those people working without headphones might be onto something, they just found their sweet spot where the ambient noise is basically white noise for their brain.

abby_scott1mo ago

Nah, headphones are basic respect for not forcing everyone else to hear your zoom calls.