By Russell Melby 

Writer/Reporter 

While others may rely on generative AI for their work, we at The Metropolitan are the few who still believe in human work.  

Whether it’s doing coursework, writing an article, or drawing a comic, I easily get distracted at home. Any time I’m sitting at the office desk there’s a threat of interference. My eyes may wander to the Les Paul in the corner. I may decide I need to go up to the kitchen for a snack. Or I may just scroll on my phone, check my social media, my pages, and so on. And then by the end I’ll stress about all the work I didn’t do that day, slowly sink into my bed, and swear at myself as I slam my skull into my pillow and cover myself with my Doctor Who throw blanket.  

So, in a desperate attempt to jumpstart my productivity, I’ve started going to the coffee shop across the street, and my productivity has never been better. Instead of taking my work to my desk, I’ll make a game plan on quiet places to work. I’ll research new coffee shops and libraries, then I’ll take my laptop, journal, book, and drawing tablet in my bag and see what happens.  

It’s hard to explain why it works. After all, shouldn’t it be more nerve-wracking to work in public? For some, this may be true, but for people like me who struggle to focus on one thing at a time, it serves as an environment for willful productivity. As I sip my coffee and let the caffeine surge through my brain, I feel naturally inclined to double-down. There’s nothing worse than boredom for someone like me – and sometimes productivity – when it’s the only option, can become the source of fun one needs.  

The intention to work and the clean, distraction-free environment – plus the neat structure of the location – help to set guard rails for the brain. Whenever I do look up for a breath of air, there’s usually someone across the coffee shop, like me, on their laptop madly typing away.  

Of course, I’m a full-time college student, and I, like many others, can’t afford to get a $6 coffee every day. Thankfully, at least for now, there’s the public library. After all, one can always bring their own coffee in a thermos, plus, a bibliophile like me can get their recharge surrounded by shelves of books! What could be better?  

If you’re easily distracted at home like me, consider bringing your work to a coffee shop this week. Leave the phone in your pocket and see what happens. You may be surprised at the output you’re capable of.