The “Coworking” community – a safe haven for solo entrepreneurs

For those who work from home, there’s a way to break the monotony and spice up the daily office life. The solution is called “coworking” – a collaborative work environment where freelancers, entrepreneurs, and independent professionals share a work space. It’s a place for individuals to work alone, together. Coworking spaces often come with desks, small kitchens, and internet for people to conduct their daily business.

The main benefit of these coworking spaces is the community. They offer company, collaboration, and support. Plus, it’s an alternative to coffee shops because these communities are designed for professionals to be productive. Let’s face it — working at home can get lonely! For a monthly fee, you have built-in microcommunities with social interaction, as well as an escape from the isolation.

In 2008 the New York Times wrote an article about the coworking movement. Tara Hunt, author of “The Whuffie Factor” & founder of several coworking spaces in San Francisco, also mentioned the value of coworking communities. While it’s not a new trend, it does offer a creative means of connectivity in an increasingly globalized era. At Wafflehaus, our founders Andy and Evan take advantage of co-working spaces while they travel.

How do I get involved? Start by browsing coworking.pbworks.com. This resource has a directory of existing co-working spaces. It also has a great guide with instructions for how to start your own coworking space.