Where to base yourself to create - Choosing your most aligned eco-system when working remotely

Published on December 19, 2024

Working remotely comes with the freedom but also the burden of choosing which eco-system you’d like to be part of.

Don’t underestimate the impact of your surroundings

We talk about alignment in terms of working with the right people however the same applies to your surroundings. Especially as a solo entrepreneur. We are wired for connection hence the type of surroundings you expose yourself to - be that working from a coffee shop, a cowork or a founders club will all have an influence on your head space and thereby the work you are doing. 

High level strategy/inspiration & creative work:

Working from a coworking space/coffee shop in a little beach town: the pace will be slow. You will be relaxed. There might be less external stimulation which can be good for a few hours of high level strategy work - to take a step back and re-evaluate what you are building. 

Getting stuff done/execution: 

Working from a coworking space in a big city e.g. London: Everyone around you working from 9-6 and possibly longer = standard work day. This can be a good environment to focus on getting stuff/a project done without distractions or people taking "half days" as the surf is on.  

Problem solving:

Working with people from a founders community: e.g. female founders or a first-time founders network. Given everyone is in the same boat but likely with different expertise and skillsets, this can be an ideal environment to work for problem-solving = chatting through your challenges with others/benefitting from a sounding board but equally sharing your expertise with others, too.  

Maybe the question should be: which eco-system to choose based on the type of work you’d like to deliver right now

Use your flexibility to your advantage but be mindful of the distractions. Remote work requires a lot more self-discipline than people think. You asked for the autonomy now you have to step up your game given nobody is telling you how/where to work. Welcome to adult life! This article can be a good start to figure out what works best for you to stay productive. FYI this article was written from a beach cafe in Goa = ideal place to do some high-level 2025 planning :)

Excited to start planning your eco-systems for 2025? Here’s some inspiration:

Working in nature -> High level strategy & inspiration

  • Yayem Countryhouse in Sintra, Portugal (Members club with infinity pool)
  • Kelp in Ericeira, Portugal (Friendly cowork close to the beach)
  • Windy Bay in Taghazout, Morocco (Cowork overlooking the beach)
  • Zest Cafe & The Mill in Goa, India (Health foods cafes = where this article was written)

Big city coworking focused on impact -> Execution

Community focused coworking -> Problem-solving


Note: This is an ever-expanding list so please feel free to submit suggestions / questions should you have any :)