Once a week, I work from a coworking space.
Opposite me is my new coworking friend. Let's call him John.
John’s a real character. The kind that can strike up a conversation with anyone who passes by. He has that empathic skill that’s hard to quantify – but unbelievably valuable for networking.
Our floor used to be silent, but now everyone exchanges a good morning. That’s the power of John.
The other day, John and I were talking about why we chose this particular coworking space.
I admitted that I was easily distracted but that I love being in the same place as other people. So a coworking space where I could interact on occasion but spend most of my time quietly focusing was perfect.
We came to the same conclusion: being around other people while we work was a good thing. But we don't want to engage with them all the time.
Which got me thinking. What’s the tangible difference between a coworking space and an office? Both have desks and chairs and wifi. Some even have a barista downstairs (mine does, and it’s a frigging revelation).
I think the difference is choice.
When you work from the company office with your colleagues, there's an obligation to engage. How can you not pass the time of day with HR? Or stop by IT to thank them for fixing your monitor? Office politics demands that you invest a little time in small talk.
People who work from a coworking space choose to be there. They choose their desk and the number of days they go in. They choose when and how often they interact with other people, too.
Many of my fellow coworkers aren’t freelance, they’re employees at companies with offices. And yet, they turn up to the coworking space and hang out with freelancer nerds like me.
So to answer this week's question: the difference between coworking spaces is choice. We’re human, so we still seek community. But we want to pick that community ourselves. And that’s not a choice you get in the office.
~ Ebony-Storm x
The resource section
💼 Young Londoners are heading back to the office, but not for pleasure. Gen Z workers are trying to save some money in the cost of living crisis.
📈 I’m not the only one vouching for coworking space superiority. Here’s an eloquent Harvard Business Review version of why coworking spaces are so good for us. (Especially if you’re feeling lonely).
🎧 Being laid off sucks. Apparently, so does not being laid off. This Financial Times podcast episode is an 18-minute glimpse into what it’s like to be a remaining employee after a mass layoff.
🤯 Look at these absolutely mad stats. Half of Gen Z did freelance work last year. What does that mean? Is full-time employment dead? Are we understimulated by traditional work? Are we just broke?! I have many thoughts. Hit reply if you want an edition of Making a Living on this.