Coworking vs. Home Office: Why You Should Consider Renting Office Space
You, like me, may work from home. Maybe you’ve been doing it for decades (18 years over here!) or maybe COVID afforded you the opportunity to stop your daily commute. While there are a lot of benefits to working from home, it doesn’t bring guaranteed happiness on the job.
It recently occurred to me that I didn’t have to work from home. I’m fortunate in that I live in the south of Italy, where property is cheap. And so I’ve begun my hunt for office space outside of my home.
Here’s why you might want to do the same.
6 reasons to rent an office or coworking space
1. Your home office is often sacrificed for home life
Maybe you’re fortunate enough to have a room completely dedicated to being your home office. Or maybe you work on a folding table shoved in your closet underneath your wife’s dresses. Homes weren’t designed to be offices, and that means that they often take second priority to all the things we need in our homes.
When you don’t have dedicated office space, you may often lack creative inspiration. Maybe it’s hard to focus. All the more reason to start looking for another space.
2. Your family doesn't always respect your work hours
How many times have you been interrupted by your spouse or children while working from home? How many times has your partner asked if you could do a load of laundry or pick up the dry cleaning because “you’re at home anyway?”
It’s sometimes hard for our loved ones to understand that we’re working when they can plainly see us at home. It’s hard for them to understand the importance of separating working from living. And since you’ll probably never change them in this regard, remove yourself from the equation, at least from 9 to 5.
3. You’re distracted
Or maybe it’s you that’s the problem. Because you’re “at home anyway,” you stop working on a project to water the plants, feed the cats, iron clothes, and shop for groceries. Meanwhile, that deadline continues to loom.
It takes great skill to compartmentalize yourself when you’re surrounded by home chores. Otherwise, you’re not giving 100% to your work, and that could impact your ability to make money.
4. You miss humans
This completely does not apply to me. As a writer, I prefer to work solitarily, but many people miss the “water cooler culture” of having coworkers around. Socializing, for many, is an integral part of the job. Joking on Slack with GIFs somehow misses the mark. Paying for office space, particularly a coworking space where you'll be around others, can make up for not being in a traditional office setting.
5. You have clients
Let’s be honest: there’s nothing professional about having a client meeting when, upon arrival, they’re greeted by your ever-shedding Cocker Spaniel. And when your daughter zooms by in a shirt and diaper…let’s just say it may lower your professionalism in their eyes.
Sure, you can meet at a coffee shop, but for many people, a dedicated office space for client meetings is the best solution.
6. Your business is growing
Maybe you started working in your garage as a one-person show, but now business is booming, and it just feels weird to have employees show up for work in a space better suited for a vehicle. Even if they also work from home, having an actual office hub can be beneficial when you need to have team meetings.
Having office space may also help you attract top talent. Because…who wants to work for a company long-term if the interview is in the founder's living room?
What to consider when shopping for office space
The first thing to think about is why you’re seeking office space. Is it so you have peace and quiet to focus? (Don’t look for an office share.) To socialize and have opportunities to network with other professionals? (DO look for an office share.) How many days a week do you plan to work in the office? Is it important that it’s close to your home, or in a certain neighborhood?
For me, I’m looking for a space that can double as an office for my writing business and an art studio. I feel too cramped in my current space at home, and want somewhere I can spread out and feel creative.
Next, consider your budget. Look for a coworking space if your budget is very small and you like the idea of having others working nearby, and/or if you only need the space part-time. Another perk of coworking space is that you won’t have to buy furniture, and you may even be able to use communal printers and copiers.
You might also consider renting space with a friend or another professional. This can reduce the cost without impinging too much on your privacy. Just make sure it’s someone you like well enough to work near 40 hours a week!
If you want to rent an empty space, factor in the cost of furniture, wifi, utilities, and technology. Ask what’s included in the rent, as some utilities may be paid by the landlord.
For years, I touted the benefits of working from home, but now I’m changing my tune. As an entrepreneur, your needs may change, and it’s important to find a work environment that allows you to be creative and productive.
