Working From Home Vs. Working With Others

Working from home seems like a great idea. Cut your travel time to zero, work super-flexible hours, no distractions, no additional rent. For some people it’s an ideal arrangement.

But it’s not for everyone. I hated working from home. Cutting my travel time to zero really meant not getting out enough. Super-flexible hours really meant sleeping too late in the mornings and working too late in the evenings. No distractions? I found plenty of distractions, and I was still bored to death!

Being truly productive from home takes discipline and self control, every day.

A friend of mine used to talk about a guy who would to get up every morning at 6am, put on his suit and tie, drive his car around the block, park it back in his driveway and lock himself in the garage to start his working day. Sound crazy? For some, that’s what it takes.

But working from home still isolates you from the people who can help you, inspire you, and motivate you to be more productive.

Working in a shared space is a different story:

• Hang out with like minded people with whom you can share knowledge and work.
• It’s an easy way to structure your working time – just be there from 9 to 5.
• Spending a little money on rent reminds you you’re in business.
• Being around other people who are working is a great environment to work in.
• We’re social creatures – working with others is more fun.

To find a shared workspace, check out these helpful resources:

• Deskwanted
  A global network of coworking spaces and shared offices which offer their vacant desks to a community of independent workers.
• Loosecubes
  A private global office sharing network that connects inspiring companies with professionals working in relevant industries for productive work days and serendipitous interactions.
• WorkSnug
  WorkSnug is a mobile app and website that helps you find laptop-friendly workspaces, like coffee shops with wi-fi.
• Or check out the co-working wiki directory for a space in your country.
• To see if co-working is for you, try out a Jelly Day
  Jelly is a casual working event that takes place in over a hundred cities where people have come together to work for the day.