We all have our favorite spots to cram in some work during the day time, and even night owls have locations that get that warm and fuzzy feeling. But how do you know when you need to pack up and find a new spot in your local scene?

Change can be good for your creativity and to keep you alive and aware. Getting dormant in many of our careers can stunt our growth or cause us to get into a routine that is no different from being in an office all day tied to a cubicle.

So, with that in mind, here are 5 situations that may be a trigger to take your name off your reserved table and explore.

1. Your food is at your table every morning just before you arrive, yet you didn't call ahead. Have you become such a regular that you not only come in every morning to bust out a few mobile TPS Reports, but you also order the same bagel, cream cheese and coffee concoction without fail that the girl behind the counter can put it at your spot without worry that you might change your mind? Getting a new location might do you some good. New food, new view and new outlook can impact your work, no matter what field you work in.
   
   
2. You knock out designs, ask you workshifting buddies to take a look, and then you see a Tweet to one of their clients (that you pitched!!) with your look and feel. Having neighbors help with creative input, lending ideas and crowdsourcing is one thing. Stealing designs and clients is another. Even if the coffee rocks and the waitress is cute, its time to find a new workspot.
   
   
3. You notice the boyfriend of said cute waitress has been coming in reguarly, sitting next to you watching your every move. No need to start a friendly game of "my coffee is hotter than yours." You are there to work, not get distracted. Hit the road and find a new spot.
   
   
4. The people no longer interest you. One of the main reasons I frequent my local shops is to get some inspiration from the vibe and the people that make up that vibe. Seeing people's emotions, their moods and manners feed into me and the projects that I am working on at the time. When that energy is no longer there, its time to move on.  It can also be fun to people watch and look for "that guy" at the coffee shop. :)
   
   
5. When your WiFi costs more than coffee. It doesn's matter how good the coffe, or the muffin or the sandwiches are, when your WiFi bill starts getting 3 digits long, something needs to change. I am all for throwing in tips to support the access, but man, o, man, we need the insanity to stop. Heck even McDonalds is starting to offer WiFi and their McCafe isn't half bad.

In all seriousness, finding a great location albeit for checking morning email or cranking out a full day's schedule, you need to find a place that offers comfort and an ambiance that is conducive to your personal style.  As long as you can continue to grow your business, or increase productivity, find a great local spot, treat the staff like gold and move on when productivity gets stagnant.

So what about you? What are some reasons that you have jumped from spot to spot to get into a better state to get your work done? Share in the comments.

Photo by: cafemama