With the rise of gig work, more and more people are making their living by working as independent contractors. As a freelancer, you’ll understand the importance of finding the perfect workspace to stay productive. Finding the right workspace for you can be challenging, but it’s essential if you’re looking to take yourself and your business seriously. Whether you need a space away from home or just want a change of pace during the week, there are plenty of options available for helping freelance professionals stay productive and comfortable.
Whether you’re just starting out or have been freelancing for years, here are some of the best workspace options for freelancers. Get ready to unlock endless possibilities by crafting an ideal work environment that works for you.
Working from home
Working from home became the default during the Covid-19 pandemic and many people have seen the benefits of working from home. No long commutes necessary, no need to get dressed up, and you never have to pack lunch again. Best of all, it’s free! If you already have a little corner of your home all set up, there’s not really much else you need to do. Even if you don’t, the setup is really minimal. Just make sure you have a dedicated workspace in your home, ideally with a desk and comfy chair.
However, there are some drawbacks to working from home. Some freelancers find that they can get easily distracted or that their productivity levels can easily plummet when working from home. Additionally, working from home means you don’t get the same level of social interaction you’d usually get in a shared workspace, and many people start to feel quite lonely and isolated after working from home for too long.
Plus, the unfortunate truth is that working from home can quickly become expensive due to the rising cost of heating and energy bills. With this in mind, it may be cheaper to rent a desk in a coworking space instead of working from home full time.
All in all, we think working from home is great if you’re a part-time or short-term freelancer, but might not be the most sustainable option for the long term.
Coworking spaces
If you’re the type of person that needs a more focused yet somewhat social environment, coworking spaces might be just the thing for you. Coworking spaces have become increasingly popular in recent years as they’ve started to pop up in both large and small cities. Coworking spaces provide shared resources and community support that allow for increased focus and motivation valuable to those who work independently.
Aside from the guaranteed good wi-fi and desk space, co-working spaces often come with plenty of additional perks as well. For example, many coworking spaces provide free tea and coffee, printing services, phone booths, free snacks, and so much more. These added benefits are there to help you and other freelancers work productively and with the peace of mind knowing that they have everything they need to complete their work.
As a freelancer you not only benefit from the added convenience of having access to all these amenities, but also from the collaborative atmosphere a professional shared workspace offers. From connecting with other professionals to making progress on projects, the opportunities for growth and development afforded by coworking spaces make them incredibly appealing options for most freelance workers.
Local library
This might seem like an old-school option, but hear us out. Libraries are some of the best places to work and almost any freelancer can benefit from working there. You may have frequented them during your times as a student, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop. Working in a library might seem like an unorthodox choice for freelancers, but it actually offers some unique benefits. One of the best aspects of working in a library is that it provides shared office space without an expensive rent fee. With comfortable shared spaces, solid internet connection, and relatively quiet environments, libraries offer an ideal workspace for those who are looking to save some money on office costs.
Many libraries don’t allow background music, so it’s not conducive for those who need a soundscape to stay focused. Additionally, conversations should be kept at a low volume since libraries are meant for studying and quiet reflection. If you need to take calls, libraries probably aren’t the best option for you. The available desk space can also be limited due to size constraints of most libraries.
For freelancers looking for a shared workspace without breaking the bank but who still need certain comforts their own homes don’t provide, working from within a library is a great choice.
Coffee shops
There’s a reason you’ll see a sea of people typing away on their laptops every time you walk into a café. Coffee shops can provide a kind of makeshift shared office space that helps freelancers escape the isolation of working from home, while also offering reliable internet access and constant cups of coffee to keep the creative juices flowing. Some cafés have even started catering specifically to freelancers who need an office away from home. You’ll also be able to benefit from the occasional networking opportunities with other professionals who may share the same line of work.
Of course, this isn’t going to be the ideal workspace for everyone. Some people can find public spaces like café detrimental to their productivity. For example, you could be surrounded by networking opportunities but might not necessarily have the energy to take advantage of them after long days working on projects. It can also be difficult to remain productive with all the distractions associated with being inside a cafe – noise levels may be too high, baristas might disturb you every time they change up the music playlist, or patrons can interrupt your work for hours with their conversations.
Plus, the costs of all those cups of coffee can rack up quickly!
Ultimately, whether you’re looking for an office atmosphere that encourages collaboration or need alone time to focus on tasks, the decision between booking a shared workspace or visiting your local coffee shop will depend on how freelancers prioritise their availability and comfort levels.
Rent a flexible office space
This is a great option if you and your fellow freelancers are looking for a shared space where you can work and collaborate with each other. Renting out office space can get very expensive very quickly if you’re just looking for a space for yourself, but renting it out with a group of people can help you cut costs easily. Renting out shared office space such as a serviced office can be a great way for freelancers to get access to shared resources, network with other professionals and focus on their work. This is especially helpful for those working in fields that require collaboration and shared resources that freelancers would typically not have access to at home.
Final thoughts
Now that you know the different types of shared workspaces available to freelancers, as well as their benefits and disadvantages, you can make an informed decision about what type of workspace is right for you. If you’re looking for a lively and social environment, a coworking space might be the way to go. For those on a tighter budget, you also have the option of working at cafés and libraries. Whichever type of shared workspace you choose, remember that it’s important to find one that meets your needs so that you can be productive and happy in your work.
Thinking of renting a desk in a coworking space or trying out a different type of flexible workspace? Visit Future Squared to explore your options. Offering great deals for coworking spaces, serviced offices, and club memberships all across the UK, Future Squared can help pair you with the perfect home for your freelance business.