A cup of ambition

Marking up the classifieds can get you only so far: For professional help, grab a copy of How’d You Score That Gig?: A Guide to the Coolest Jobs and How to Get Them off the shelf at The Book Cellar (4736-38 N Lincoln Ave, 773-293-2665), an independent bookshop in Lincoln Square. There’s free wireless in its café, and even though there’s only a handful of tables to choose from, it shouldn’t be a problem to snag one for the afternoon—along with a cup of Julius Meinl java or a glass of wine (if it’s that kind of day).

Libations might be top priority, but when morale is already low and a refrigerated deli sandwich just isn’t going to cut it, it’s time to find a restaurant that has good food but is still chill enough that you can sit and hog its wireless all day. Humboldt Pie Café (1001 N California Ave, 773-342-4743) is that place: Tons of seating combined with decent pizzas, giant sandwiches and fresh salads mean that lunch and dinner can be served laptop-side, no problem. And if nursing one coffee for the day is all you’re after, that’s totally fine, too. The only downside? It doesn’t sell pizza by the slice, so bring a friend—or opt for a panino.

You know what all this job-hunting calls for? A beer. Partake without sacrificing productivity courtesy of the free Wi-Fi at the Map Room (1949 N Hoyne Ave, 773-252-7636). Bucktown’s traveler-themed tavern opens at—get this—6:30am with one of the best deals in town: a buck for a cup of Intelligentsia coffee, and two bucks for up to four cups. Plus, Bennison’s Bakery delivers croissants and other pastries every morning. So grab a seat at the bar or claim a table in the back and down as much java as you can until the clock strikes 11am: You’ll need all that caffeine once you start working your way through the massive beer selection.

Wait a sec—you’re broke, remember? You can’t afford to guzzle craft beers all day—that’s why you started this job search in the first place. Free Wi-Fi has got to mean free: No purchase necessary. And that’s where the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E Washington St, 312-744-6630) comes in. The former public library is home to exhibits, public concerts and, best of all, complimentary, no-strings-attached wireless. The coffee and snacks at the first-floor Randolph Café aren’t so hot, so BYO thermos and settle in for the long haul. Trust us, you won’t be the only jobless stiff in the room.

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