I'm not buying the 'noise cancelling headphones are a must' rule anymore

Last week, I was at The Daily Grind in Portland (you know, the one on 12th with the big windows) and I forgot my headphones. I had to do a video call with a client and I was sure it would be a mess. But you know what? It was fine. I sat in a corner booth, the cafe music was just some soft jazz, and my client said my audio was clearer than usual (his exact words were 'you sound less muffled'). For the last three years, I've been wearing these big cans everywhere, spending over $300 on them, and they just make me feel cut off. I think sometimes we block out the nice background hum that actually helps you focus. Has anyone else tried working without headphones and been surprised?

2 comments

2 Comments

angela_jackson6d ago

Less muffled" is the best review I've heard for a cafe's background noise! Maybe we've all been paying for fancy earmuffs this whole time.

dylanbarnes5d ago

Ever notice how the constant pressure from the headband gets distracting after a few hours?