“Co-Work” for Free - Literally Anywhere

There’s a lot of hype around the term “co-working.” The meteoric rise and fall of wework is the most visibility example, but “co-working” spaces are now available in pretty much any major city that you’re in. If you’re not familiar with co-working spaces, here’s how it works: you pay a fee to have a desk space in a shared office. If you don’t have an office and need a space to work, it can be really convenient. You can also rent out offices and conference rooms as needed so you don’t have to pay the full price of an office, but you do have access to the features of an office whenever you need it.

This can be really convenient for small companies that have a few employees - it doesn’t cost as much as getting your own office, and the amenities are pretty nice. Everything is taken care of, all you have to do is pay a monthly fee.

However, a lot of entrepreneurs working solo also use spaces like this, and for the life of me I can not figure out why you would pay money for these co-working spaces when you have free alternatives available.

If you’re one of these people, I’d highly recommend at least trying the options listed below, and if you still prefer the co-working space, go for it.

Human beings are social creatures. You may be awkward and feel scared to talk to people, but there’s something about being in an environment with other people that are working that makes it easier for you to also sit down and work. If you don’t have the discipline to sit down and just get to work when you’re alone, it can help going into an environment where everyone is doing work.

I’ve worked remote for about 2.5 years and recently I started a job that is in person. I can’t tell you if I’m more productive in person vs. remote, but I do know that when I go into work I know that I can’t just goof around all day. Even if you don’t necessarily report to anyone and you’re running your own business, being around other people that are getting stuff done may help motivate you to get stuff done yourself.

So where can you actually go to get this environment? There are 2 places that you can find in pretty much any city that will give you that environment for free.

As I’m writing this blog post, I’m sitting on the 9th floor of the San Diego Central Library. I look straight ahead and I see astounding views of mountains, I look to my right and I see beautiful ocean views. Most people don’t even think of libraries when they think of co-working and I have no idea why. Libraries should be at the top of everyone’s list for best co-working spaces.

Libraries have dedicated spaces where you can sit down and work, they have rooms that you can reserve, and they have people that are working and studying. Libraries are great for people that prefer quiet when they’re working. They often have silent study rooms where you’re not allowed to talk. On the other hand if you need to have a meeting, you can reserve a room and talk freely without worry of disturbing the quiet.

If you love coffee, this is a no-brainer. While they don’t usually have meeting rooms, you can hold meetings in coffee shops with no issues. Whether you’re conducting a virtual meeting or in person, coffee shops have got you covered. Coffee shops are great for people that enjoy the ambient noise of people talking in the background.

Now let’s come back to the paid co-working spaces. Why would people pay if you can get a nice space for free? There’s a few reasons why co-working spaces have demand even though there are free options available.

1. Co-working spaces are selective

Because co-working spaces offer fees, not everyone can get in. You most likely won’t run into students, kids, or people just hanging out. If you’re an entrepreneur looking to be around other entrepreneurs, co-working spaces are a better bet than libraries and coffee shops because libraries and coffee shops get a wide range of people.

Being at a co-working space can also serve as a status symbol. Since you’re working on your own thing, if you’re going to a co-working space you must be making some money, right? For some people, being a part of a co-working space signals to others that their business is doing well and they are successful.

2. Guaranteed Space

A good coffee shop can get super crowded in the morning. Likewise, it can be hard to find a seat in a library around final exam time. Because these resources are first come first served, you may find yourself waiting for a desk or a room. On the other hand, since you’re paying for a space in a co-working office, you have a guaranteed spot. If you reserve an office, you will get that office. It technically is still first come first served, but since you’re paying for the resources, there aren’t as many people you’re competing for the resources with.

3. Other Amenities

Co-working spaces often come with other amenities like free coffee or a snack pantry. Some spaces even give you a monitor and mouse that you can connect your laptop to so you can get work done.

As you can see, each co-working option has its own pros and cons. If you can’t afford to go to co-working spaces, try libraries and coffee shops. Although there is a case to be made for co-working spaces, you can get a lot done with the free resources available to you already.