Guilty Pleasure Places to Work as a Digital Nomad

As a digital nomad, I’ve worked from some of the most picturesque places in the world—beachside cafes with ocean views, Harry Potteresque libraries filled with history, and trendy coworking spaces with hot yoga rooms and arcade games in the cafeteria. But there’s one place I find myself returning to again and again, despite having a coworking membership, a place you might call a guilty pleasure: McDonald’s. Yes, you read that right. Would you like fries with that? McDonald’s is my guilty pleasure place to work, and here’s why.

Location

First, let’s talk about the practicalities. McDonald’s is everywhere. Whether I’m in Tokyo, Paris, or a small suburb far off the coworking track, there’s almost always a McDonald’s nearby. This ubiquity provides a sense of familiarity and comfort when I’m navigating an unfamiliar place. The Golden Arches are like a beacon of reliability, a reminder that no matter where I am, I can find a place with free Wi-Fi, a power outlet, and a reasonably priced coffee. At my local one, you can get a morning treat and a coffee for €1.50.

Internet

Speaking of Wi-Fi, let’s face it—McDonald’s usually has pretty decent internet. It’s not always lightning-fast, but it’s almost always consistent. And in a world where internet speeds can be as unpredictable as the weather, especially when you’re traveling internationally, that consistency is gold. I know that when I step into a McDonald’s, I’ll be able to get online and stay online without worrying about constant dropouts or sluggish connections. If you’re asking, I wouldn’t count on McDonald’s WiFi for video chats or serious business meetings. I actually don’t use it for any kind of work calls.

Ambiance

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the ambiance. I know McDonald’s is not exactly a center of tranquility. The constant hustle and bustle, the smell of fries, and the sounds of kids enjoying Happy Meals aren’t what most people would consider an ideal work environment. But for me, there’s something oddly comforting about it. It’s the kind of white noise that helps me focus. Unlike a silent library or a premium coffee shop that takes itself too seriously, the background noise at McDonald’s is just enough to drown out distractions without pulling me out of my work. Yes, there have been exceptions. I avoid McDonald’s with playgrounds as that is noise on a different level.

Food

Then, there’s the food. While I’m not suggesting that anyone should rely on McDonald’s for a healthy diet, there’s something to be said for the occasional indulgence. My go-to is the apple pie when I need a sugar rush or, I admit it, a box of fries. I know this isn’t a healthy way to spend your working day, but I can always make up for it with a trip to the gym. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient. I can just order from the touchscreen kiosks and grab a quick meal without interrupting my workflow, which is a huge bonus when I have a lot of work or urgent deadlines.

Community

Another point worth mentioning is the sense of community. McDonald’s is often a gathering place for locals, especially in smaller towns. By working there, I’ve had the chance to observe and sometimes even engage with the local culture in a way that I wouldn’t if I were holed up in a coworking space or a more “touristy” cafe. It’s an unexpected perk that adds a layer of richness to my travels.

So, yes, McDonald’s is my guilty pleasure place to work as a digital nomad. It’s not glamorous, and it’s definitely not for everyone, but it works for me. The combination of reliability, decent Wi-Fi, and familiar food makes it an ideal spot for me to get things done, no matter where I am in the world.

What about you? Do you have a guilty pleasure place to work?