More people than ever are choosing freelancing over traditional 9-5 jobs. Recent studies show that approximately 36% of the workforce is comprised of full-time freelancers—and for good reason. A career as a freelancer provides an opportunity to shape your work schedule to fit your needs, doesn’t tie you to any one place, and has greater autonomy.
This isn’t an easy career path, however, and freelancers must continually strive for new heights in order to grow their business. Coworking can make attaining those heights easier. Here’s how.
Coworking Boosts Productivity
Productivity is essential for independent workers. When freelancers aren’t productive, we aren’t paid, and motivation can be hard to come by when you are feeling overwhelmed, lonely, or depressed.
Having a coworking space to go to allows you to change your environment and freshens your outlook. Working alongside other inspired, busy, and engaged people inspires us to unearth our own motivation and inspiration, even during lean times.
Joining a coworking space also means becoming part of the coworking community. By getting to know your fellow coworkers, you will find natural opportunities to network with a variety of people, for a variety of reasons. Coworkers may be able to recommend solid leads, suggest creative ways to deal with problem clients, and even recommend or provide avenues for outsourcing.
Need an extra-large dose of motivation, encouragement, and accountability? Join us for Ultra-Coworking once a month or get on the waiting list for our next Cotivation session.
Coworking Improves your Work-Life Balance
Although it might seem counterintuitive, freelancers and other remote workers are notorious for having difficulty finding a balance between work and home life. This balance can be especially difficult to find for those who work exclusively from a home office.
Going into a coworking space can provide balance and structure to your day. If your work is taking over the rest of your life, a clear starting point and stopping point is likely to improve your efficacy and your job satisfaction.
For freelancers who have kids, roommates, or loud pets, the cacophony may never stop, making it difficult to concentrate. Those who work from a quiet home, on the other hand, may get in a full day’s work without ever talking to another human being or even getting out of their pajamas.
Coworking allows you to interact with other driven people in a positive and productive way. This may be especially beneficial for nomadic freelancers, giving them a sense of consistency and community at each coworking space that they visit.
The Amenities
One of the problems freelancers face when working from home is finding an appropriately professional venue for client meetings. Coworking spaces often provide a solution by having dedicated conference and meeting rooms that you can book in advance.
Coworking spaces also typically provide reliable, fast wi-fi, printers stocked with ink and paper, and good coffee. Some, like Cohere Coworking, also offer the use of a refrigerator, simple snacks, a microwave, and great coffee, without elevating your expenses.
Looking for a way to elevate your freelance career? Sign up for a virtual or in-person tour of Cohere Coworking today in Old Town Fort Collins, and prepare to soar!
**Photo by Morgan Von Gunten on Unsplash
About the Author: Cohere member Penny Leigh Sebring is an experienced freelance writer, neophyte speculative fiction author, and a gatherer of information and imaginary friends.