A new kind of coworker
I learned a new term: “coworking:.
Coworking is a (new?) trend where work at home professionals, or frequent work travelers gather with other workers in similar situations gather socially to work alongside each other, and it’s gaining popularity.
I had to give the concept a second thought because I tend to filter my work thoughts through the eyes of parenting and I wasn’t sure why it was so popular since many people who work at home are doing so in order to be physically at their home, often with children.
However, when I thought about it in terms of the myriad of one person businesses and others who are potentially isolated during their work day and can get out and about, it seems like it makes a lot of sense to be able to interact socially with like-minded others.
I have noticed that on the occasions I work on my computer at a coffee place or somewhere, there is an unspoken kind of camaraderie with other people on their computers. You can feel they kind of “get it”.
Does anyone have any experience with coworking?
(via Work From Home Momma
At first glance, I was not exactly warm to this idea, because what it sounded like to me was a bunch of people that work at home, but miss the ability to have somebody else to chat with “over at the water cooler.”
But then I thought about it, and one of the reason I go to my client’s office more than I probably have to is because it is easier to stay focused and avoid some things that wind up being time sinks at home that you do just because you can and because you are there.
Back before the dot bomb hit, I was part of what was at the time called “hoteling” There was one office that was rented, and each “business” (consultant) rented or subleased a cube (plus the shared expense of a conference room that was shared) so we had the aesthetics of an office and large company, but were all actually independent. This sounds like a similar idea, just a bit more informal.
I think I had the same reaction as you when I read the article. I first thought, “why would I want to do that?”
The truth is, though, I’m probably more outgoing that most home office workers. Not only do I have my Internet friends, but I have a network of local friend.
I can see where occasional coworking might be the solution for loneliness.