Co-working is a new way of working that brings together different businesses under the same roof to share resources and ideas. And, with over 40% of millennials expecting to work for themselves at some point in their lives, co-working spaces have become increasingly popular among independent workers and small businesses. But what if traditional co-working spaces don’t quite meet your needs? They’re usually pretty expensive ($250+ per month), and they’re not designed for you as an individual or your business. Instead, they’re built to suit larger enterprises that will make use of conference rooms, networking opportunities, private offices, and other amenities that smaller businesses might not need. Fortunately, there are alternative ways and cheaper options than the standard co-working space. In this blog post, we’ll explore how you can save money while still getting the benefits that a traditional co-working space has to offer.
What is a Co-Working Space?
A co-working space is a shared office that people can rent by the day, week, month, or year and use as an alternative to working from home or in coffee shops. Co-working spaces started to gain popularity in the early 2000s when the internet and tech sectors were booming. At the time, lots of people were ditching their full-time jobs to become independent contractors and go off on their own. These folks needed office space, but it was really hard to find affordable options that let you come and go as you pleased. Co-working spaces provide a solution to that problem by giving independent workers a place to go to meet with clients, collaborate with other freelancers, or just have a dedicated place to work without disturbing their families.
Co-working as a service
When you’re just getting started with freelance work, it can be difficult to find the right clients. This can make it more challenging to pay back any loans you have taken out to start your business, and it can also be tough to stay motivated when you don’t have many successes or wins under your belt. Co-working spaces provide a way to stay motivated, network with others, and find clients who will continue to support your business as it grows. You’ll have access to other independent workers, and you can use their insights and experiences to help you find work and stay on the right path.
Co-working Spaces You Can Try Instead
– Coworking is a type of flexible, virtual office space that lets you rent a desk or office space by the month. You’ll be able to use the coworking space whenever you want, and you don’t have to worry about being there every day at a certain time. – You can choose from a wide range of coworking space models, from fully managed offices to fully autonomous, self-managed offices. Some even come with administrative and marketing assistance. – You can usually find coworking spaces in major cities. If you’re in a smaller location, you might be able to find a coworking space that offers virtual offices. These let you rent desk space virtually through the internet so you have a place to work from wherever you are.
Cheap Co-working Space Alternatives
– You can get a virtual office. A virtual office can help you get your foot in the door with clients and provide a professional image for your business. Virtual offices can cost as little as $35 a month, and they provide you with a business address, your own phone number, and access to a meeting room. – You can create a home office. If you work from home already, you can turn an unused room into a home office. You can also convert an attic or garage. You’ll probably want to hire a contractor to help with the remodeling, and you may need to make some changes to your insurance policy. – You can go to a coworking cafe. Some cafes are starting to offer a coworking experience. You’ll be able to rent a seat at a table and plug into their internet connection. – You can try nomadism. Nomadism is the practice of traveling and working from wherever you go. Many people who do this will stay in hostels or rent a room on Airbnb.
Final Words: Wrapping Up
If you’re not happy with your current work situation, consider trying one of these co-working alternatives. You may find that you’re able to save money while getting the benefits of a co-working space. If you’re considering joining a co-working community, we recommend that you do your research and shop around for the best deal. While co-working spaces are great for networking, growing your business, and maintaining isolation, they can cost a lot of money. Sometimes, it’s cheaper to go solo.