The original poster (OP) is studying for an I.T. certification. He was able to find a nice place to study but he is sensing that he may be behaving inappropriately.
He Goes to a Coffee Shop to Study
OP goes to a coffee shop to study because all the distractions at home make it difficult to focus.
He Meal Preps at Home
OP meals preps during the weekend to help plan his days when he’s studying.
He Leaves the Coffee Shop to Eat
OP eats a meals right before he goes into the coffee shop to study. Then a few hours later he goes to his car for 10 to 15 minutes and eats something.
It Gives Him a Study Break
He finishes his meals, gets some fresh air and reenergizes and then goes back to the coffee shop to study some more.
It Helps Him Save Money
The other benefit of eating his own meals outside the shop is it allows him to save money and motivates him to eat healthy meals.
He Buys One Drink
OP says he always buys a chamomile tea when he first arrives.
The Owner Made a Comment
The owner told OP that he hopes when he lands a new job that hopefully he can afford to “buy some more from the menu.”
He Felt Uncomfortable
OP felt uncomfortable after the comment, like he wasn’t welcome to study there.
He’s Quiet
OP says he keeps to himself and studies on the second floor. He is also quiet and focuses on his studies.
It’s Not Busy
OP also says that the coffee shop is never packed and there’s no need for extra seats.
The Coffee Shop Isn’t Making Much Money
OP says based on the foot traffic he sees, he believes the coffee shop is barely breaking even.
He Follows the Rules
The shop has a sign that says “Free Wifi with Purchase.” OP believes he’s following the rules when he gets his tea.
Is He Wrong?
OP wonders if he’s overstaying his time because he’s only buying one thing or is his behavior acceptable?
The Readers Respond
Many readers felt that OP is taking advantage of the coffee shop by using their Wifi for so many hours but only spending a few dollars on chamomile tea.
“OP, come on, you know you are milking it here. You have your laptop plugged in and are using the WIFI. You are definitely taking advantage of the situation. Buy yourself a tea, a couple hours later, buy a muffin; repeat. And feel free to drop a couple bucks into the tip jar. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to make it worthwhile for you and the coffee house.”
It’s Not an Uncommon Practice
Some readers don’t understand the big deal about sitting in a coffee shop for hours to study because it’s very common for students to do.
“Yeah, I live in rural East Texas and people use coffee shops like OP does all the time. Pretty shocked that everyone else thinks this is such a social faux pas.”
“I work at a coffee chain and we have students do this all the time. Its normal. The fact you’re buying anything at all is awesome.”
He Should Go to Starbucks
Several people said that if OP were to go to a big chain like Starbucks then it wouldn’t affect their business but it’s different with a small ‘mom and pop shop.’
“And speaking as someone who has worked at Starbucks for 8 years, we really don’t care how long you spend in our cafes. If you’re quiet and polite you can camp there all damn day for all I care. That being said this doesn’t sound like a Starbucks. Feels kinda cheap to take advantage of a small business owner like that.”
Why Not the Library?
Many people were confused about why OP doesn’t just go to a free place like the library to study.
“Go to the library to study. 6-8 hours is a ridiculous time to just purchase one low value item. He’s not going to keep ‘breaking even’ with people like you taking advantage.”
He Should Buy More Things
“I understand your point of view but i also think your taking it a little far. You’re spending between 24 and 40 hours a week there and spending maybe $2 a day. If you owned that coffee shop and someone did this would you not get irritated?”
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Famous Dead People Who are Remembered as Saints But Were Actually Sinners
Covering up crimes and repulsive behavior of famous people is a practice that has happened for decades. Many people who have died and wronged others are still treated like saints despite hearing about despicable things they have done. The following is a list of people who don’t deserve the accolades they get for their acting or activism.