Co-working and Coffee Shops: Finding Your Workspace Fit
The freedom of working from a laptop comes with many benefits and challenges for freelancers, and chief among them is the autonomy to work whenever and wherever we want. Sitting on the couch with my cat all day can be incredibly tempting — and easy to justify, since I’m avoiding the cost of going out. However, after over a year of freelancing, I’ve come to realize that the path of least effort is also the one of least productivity.
Many freelancers find it difficult to focus when working from home, surrounded by distractions and reminders of all the other things they need to do. The lack of socialization — another aspect that may seem like a benefit at first, especially for us introverts — can also become lonely and unmotivating. That’s where coffee shops have come in, becoming informal hubs of productivity where freelancers can work alongside others. For those who need more structure, however, dedicated co-working spaces may be a better fit (and many do have coffee, don’t worry).
What are co-working spaces?
Co-working spaces are membership-based offices where freelancers and small businesses can rent space to work. I first heard about the concept of co-working only recently after making friends with a freelance web designer and bonding over our work-from-home struggles. They offer a distraction-free environment, community connections, and the chance to separate work from home.
Because they are developed with individuals in mind, most offer different levels of membership that cater to different needs. Communal space is the lowest cost, and the one that I use; it offers access to lounges where people can set up at a table or on a sofa, allowing both quiet, side-by-side work but also casual conversation. Private offices and team conference rooms are typically also offered at a higher price.
The benefits and challenges of different workspaces
Socialization. A significant difference between formal and informal workspaces is the level of socialization they offer. Just being around other focused people can be a great motivation to work, but chatting up a stranger in a coffee shop sounds like an introvert’s nightmare. In co-working offices, however, everyone is a freelancer or entrepreneur. We all have the same goals and struggles and the same desire for socialization. Joanna, a Scribbr editor, sums up these benefits perfectly:
We’re all micro businesspeople, so it gives us the feel of an organizational workplace without having a ‘boss’ — so not only do we get the ‘office banter,’ but we also get to extend our networks and business connections.
A study by the Harvard Business Review shows that formal co-working spaces also help freelancers feel a sense of community and identity, regardless of how much they interact with their fellow co-workers. Simply attending a co-working space makes individuals part of a movement of independent businesspeople with common goals. Additionally, socialization is less stressful, because there is no pressure to engage. You can choose to find a quiet spot and put in headphones or head to the cafe for a chat and find others with the same mindset.
Finance. The cost of membership to a co-working space can be intimidating (mine runs $125 a month, plus the cost of a bus pass). If you only anticipate going a few times a month, it may not be worth the commitment. However, I have found that paying for the membership makes me feel more accountable for actually going than just heading to the library when I want to get out of the house. Co-working spaces have also been shown to increase productivity, so going consistently makes it easy to earn back the money spent with the amount of extra work completed.
Flexibility. If you typically prefer to work from home and mainly just miss the background noise and productivity mindset of an office, then committing to a co-working space might not be worth the cost. Sticking to informal spaces allows you to choose the exact environment you need each day, whether it be heading to a busy coffee shop or quiet library or just staying home.
However, it is not the only option. Croissant offers cheaper, limited-hour memberships, with the added benefit that you can visit any location in their network, all over the world — perfect for those who like to travel or just want to explore their city more.
How to find and choose a co-working space
Seasoned freelancers and recent college grads alike know that one of the hardest parts of the job is finding your coffee shop. You know, the one that has exactly the right vibe and can make your signature drink perfectly. Co-working spaces are much the same, all working hard to create a unique experience that will attract their target clientele. Because of this, it might take a few tries to find one that fits for you.
Other freelancers’ experiences and opinions are a great resource in this case, but if you don’t know anyone who has used a co-working space, that doesn’t mean you have to go in blind. Email, or simply walk in, and ask someone who works there for a tour! If you’re not sure where to start with finding a space, the website Coworker allows you to search globally.
What if there are no co-working spaces near me?
If there are no convenient co-working spaces near you, or you simply can’t afford to commit to one, websites like Meetup can help you connect with groups of freelancers for networking, social events, and even just study time. Finding people to get together and work with can increase accountability and make sure you don’t end up skipping the coffee shop to stay in your pajamas.
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