9th November 2024, Wolf Bōese
If you've read the StrangerChess origin story, you might already know: I'm a designer who's been working in Berlin for over a decade, mostly remotely, and exclusively so in recent years. While remote work has its perks, spending every workday at home can feel isolating and, frankly, physically and emotionally unengaging.
At our original location, my focus was entirely on the chess—playing mini simuls, chatting with passersby, growing the community and shaping a welcoming atmosphere. I was purposefully stepping away from the screen, but eventually needed to find a sustainable way to balance both work and social engagement.
Since we moved to our current location in the summer of 2023, I’ve been able to seamlessly combine my work with the meetup, thanks to the infrastructure the café provides. Now half of my work happens at home, and the other half takes place at the späti/café, where I’m able to stay connected with colleagues, engage with meetup attendees, and make progress on my design projects—all in a dynamic, social setting.
At 7pm, I set up the chess boards in front of the café and then arrange my gear at the bar, where I have a clear view of everything happening outside. With internet via hotspot, I stay connected on Slack while also keeping an eye on the street. I hand out stickers to passersby curiously checking out our chess boards, hop out to assist guests who might be struggling with the clocks, or offer coaching to beginners who need a little guidance. I also greet and bid farewell to attendees, which keeps me up and moving throughout the evening.
Later, when things are quieter, I focus on designing icons, drawing illustrations, mocking up t-shirts, or writing code for prototypes Since I’m not rushed to finish the meetup, I can let the remaining guests continue their games as long as they like. This flexibility allows me to stay engaged with my work while also giving others the freedom to enjoy the game at their own pace.
A Workspace with Real Connections
The café isn’t just a change of scenery—it’s a space that blends work and social time, bringing a balance to my day that I otherwise wouldn't have. Moving around and engaging with others throughout the evening gives me a physical outlet from sitting at my computer, and creates a more dynamic rhythm to my day. This blend of productivity and socializing keeps me energized, ensuring that work doesn’t feel monotonous. It’s this balance that makes the café such a great workspace—where my work, well-being, and community all come together in one place.
Rather than disconnecting from technology entirely, I’ve created a routine that lets me stay productive while keeping real-world connections at the heart of my day. The balance between quiet work at home and engaging social work at the café has transformed how I feel about my job. It’s not just about getting work done; it’s about nurturing my mind and body by breaking up the digital monotony with moments of human connection. This routine has helped me find a healthier and happier rhythm between work and relaxation, ensuring that both my body and mind stay refreshed throughout the day.
