The Quiet Power of Working Near People
Freelancing comes with plenty of perks. Setting your own schedule, working in your own environment, and avoiding the daily commute. For many, that’s more than enough to make the switch. But there are a few downsides worth noting, and luckily, most of them have a fix.
If you’ve found yourself missing casual chats or someone to bounce ideas off, you’re not alone. In a survey of 1,500 remote workers by Viking, 64% reported feeling lonely. That’s why keeping a steady routine and finding ways to stay socially connected is so important for freelancers. Unlike office workers, freelancers often miss out on the little social boosts, coffee chats in the office or banter on Slack and Teams. Without that, the days can feel a bit isolating.
If you're craving the social side of office life without giving up your freedom, the good news is: you don't need a traditional office to find connections. And you’ll find there are more benefits to freelancing than just the social side.
Finding the middle ground
Office space can be expensive and usually unnecessary for solopreneurs. After all, for freelancers, a dedicated office may just mean paying to work alone rather than working alone from home for free.
Enter co-working spaces, the solution to the dilemma. Co-working spaces allow freelancers and small teams to have a dedicated workplace without forking out for dedicated office space. Co-working spaces vary in layout but often they are open plan and encourage social interactions. The only drawback is availability. Whilst co-working spaces are becoming more and more popular, they’re sometimes difficult to locate.
In terms of desk setups, there are a couple of options to consider:
Hot Desk
Hot desking allows you to work at any empty desk within the office (so long as they’re a hot desk). This means you’ll have different people working around you each day. It also gives you the freedom to swap desks if you prefer working in a nice light environment or vice versa. Hot desking is a great option if you’re a freelancer with a laptop and notepad. Having that flexibility means you have the freedom to change workspaces whenever you fancy.
Fixed Desk
A fixed desk is the opposite of a hot desk; it allows you to have the same desk at any given time. It’s the perfect option for freelance graphics designers who need a specific monitor or a drawing tablet set up. It’s also great for those who prefer the same desk whilst having the social aspect of the office.
Co-working Networking
As a freelancer you will be well aware of the struggles of finding new clients. Whether it's outreaching to potential clients or relying on word of mouth, it can be difficult to build your portfolio of clients. Co-working spaces provide fantastic networking opportunities with like-minded freelancers. As you chat with others in the co-working space you’ll gain valuable insights into their industries and find potential clients to work with.
If you’re eager to flesh out your client base or just want to be around like-minded people then using co-working for networking is a good option. From our experience, co-working spaces have frequent socials to get everyone involved and chatting.
Free or Low-Cost Alternatives to Coworking
If you’re looking for more inexpensive options (or free) there are plenty of public spaces that you could work from.
Coffee shops
It might sound like a cliché, but working from a cafe can be great for a productivity boost. Coffee shops usually offer free wifi, nice lighting, and a nice atmosphere. They also allow for just enough background noise to help you focus, and the change of scene can boost your motivation. Plus, treating yourself to a flat white while you work? A win-win.
Libraries
For those who prefer a quieter environment, libraries are a fantastic alternative. A mixture of free internet access, silent zones, and long opening hours make it ideal for freelancers. You’re also far less likely to be interrupted, making them ideal for deep work sessions. You might just need to get yourself a library card - but don’t worry these are usually free!
Freelance partnerships
If you’ve built up a network of freelance friends, why not invite them over? It’s a great way to socialise but also collaborate. Having someone nearby to bounce ideas off (or just share a tea break with) offers the kind of natural interaction that homeworking often lacks.
Parks
If the weather is on your side you could pack up your laptop and head to a park. Lots of green spaces offer free public wifi, but if you’d rather not risk a patchy signal, your phone’s hotspot is a great backup. A bit of fresh air can do wonders for your wellbeing. It’s a great way to get that much needed vitamin D while being around people enjoying their day. Just remember to fully charge your laptop and bring a power bank if you’re planning to stay out a bit longer.
Improving Your Mindset
Without realising, working from home for extended periods of time can lead to things like writer’s or designer’s block. Having the same work from home office and no external inspiration, it’s clear to see why. Working near others can give freelancers a sense of community and creative energy. It can be hard to replicate this environment outside of a co-working or office space.
Peak productivity comes from having the perfect work life balance, a sense of fulfilment, and a routine that supports focus AND flexibility. As a freelancer you’ll probably already know a few people who work in co-working spaces, reach out and see what they think. There may even be referral schemes if you’re local!