You’ve heard about coworking. It’s exploding into the freelance and startup space all across the globe (Check out my pretty list of the Best Cities in the World for Coworking). Coworking facilities are locations that are usually urban, modern and collaborative shared offices and/or work spaces. And if you work from home, there’s some really great reasons you should be coworking instead, or at least every once in while. Here’s why:
1. Business Networking Opportunities
If you’ve ever stepped foot into a coworking space, you know that there’s an undeniable sense of community. Without overwhelming or distracting you, your peers share an unspoken connection to you. You’re working remotely together, which isn’t as popular as it should be yet, so getting to meet others who share your work style is an incredible way to network among that community. A lot of small startups work from coworking spaces, too! Because of that, there’s incredible business collaboration incentives inside of these shared work spaces.
2. You’ll Make Friends
Awwww, didn’t the thought of that excite you?! Working from home can get lonely. Besides the professional networking, coworking spaces also provide the opportunity to expand your social circle. Nearly 80% of coworkers were born after 1975, so Millennials have have extra ease making friends within a shared work space. Also, you’ll inevitably run into a remote worker traveling through town with some awesome stories. Or, you’ll end up seeing another remote worker you’ve seen before at the coffee station. That’s when you’ll start to chat and boom, another bridesmaid for your wedding. Well, maybe not that close, but, your cat has mentioned the conversation between you two is getting a little dull.
3. Coworking Spaces are Relaxing
Are you avoiding coworking offices because your last office job was stressful? Of course it was. It’s loud, sterile-looking, and you’re stacked on top of one another. Good news, many coworking offices have put a great deal of effort into designing their spatial layouts to induce peacefulness, which means they look pretty cool, too!
4. Improved Focus
I’m not sure about you, but I get incredibly distracted working from home. I struggle to create a clear distinction between my work/home hours/life. It’s easy to answer the phone, a knock at the door, or start doing chores when I should be working. I love that I have the flexibility to do those things, but the distractions can really add up for me if I don’t reign it in and keep tabs on myself. The best way to do this? Make yourself accountable by removing yourself from the distracting area and get into a focused, distraction-free coworking zone. These spaces are devoted to being low on the distractions, so you’ll get on a laser-focused level in no time.
5. You Could Get Hired There
Remember how I said that a lot of startups are in the coworking space? Even yet-to-be-established startups have their roots in the coworking world, so it’s likely there’s a developer, a marketer, a writer or another type of entrepreneur with the next coolest tech idea coworking alongside you. And maybe she’ll venture into a business soon. Also, freelancers and contract workers have the opportunity to meet new clients through this outlet. Many interns have found work with startups through coworking spaces. Of course, these opportunities are what you make of them, but there is certainly a better chance of a coworking buddy hiring you than your cat. I’m not sure he’s even hiring, to be honest (and his burndown chart is disheartening).
What’s your favorite coworking spot? Have you had any successful connections through coworking spaces?
Ready to get serious about your work from anywhere job search? I whole-heartedly recommend Flexjobs, the site where I found my first freelance writing gig. There are zero scams on their site and they have their own 100% remote team, too!
I found this post exactly when I needed to (thank you, Puntrest!) and honestly, I am going straight to Flex jobs to make an account. Thank you for being so honest and helpful! I love your blog, it’s gorgeous.
Keep up the great work!!!
Wow, Kami! Thank you so much for your kind words! That means a ton as I spend a lot of time working on the blog. Please keep me posted with any good news you get from using FlexJobs and good luck! 🙂