Work from Home vs Coworking Space

The trend of coworking spaces is growing every year, and many entrepreneurs and startups are happy to finally have a space to call their own without paying for their own commercial space. People around the world are becoming increasingly entrepreneurial and embracing alternative forms of employment. Coworking spaces offer multiple benefits, but they have a few drawbacks too.

Along with changing the career trajectories of countless individuals, the restructuring of our economy will also change how and where we work. Fewer individuals will be required to make daily commutes to their drab office cubicles. It’s becoming increasingly possible to choose to work from whichever workplace best fits your needs.

Choosing a workplace is a very personal decision. Which option is best for you? Considering the following pros and cons of each workplace will help you make the right decision.

Work from Home Pros:

1. Allows you to theoretically work longer hours because there is zero commute.
2. Allows you to get more done because everything you need is at your home office.
3. You save on money because there is no additional Coworking space costs, and no money spent on eating out.
4. No office politics, no office hierarchy.

Work from Home Cons:

1. Distractions. Sooooo many distractions.
2. Lack of motivation because no like minded entrepreneurs around. Connection with the outside world for the most part is virtual.
3. Lack of connection and networking opportunities. Human beings are first a foremost social creatures. We need connection above pretty much everything else. I think most people if they are honest with themselves is they want to make money, but they also want to share the time pursuing their careers with friends and colleagues around them.

Coworking Spaces Pros:

1. You can work around people, be social while you work.
2. You get new ideas from other people or even overhearing a interesting conversation.
3. Like minded people give you energy.
4. Less distraction. If you see people working, you’re more likely to work as well.
5. Freelancing seems less virtual. Having an office makes the ephemeral nature of the internet seem more tangible and concrete.
6. You learn how other businesses operate. Not just yours.
7. Your not alone. Your community has your back.

Coworking Spaces Cons:

1. Most will require a membership. Depending on where you’re located, some can cost a pretty penny.
2. Sometimes it can start to feel like you’re going to an office (with a commute).
3. While some spaces have the option to reserve conference spaces, for the most part, you never have complete privacy as you’re working with several other people in the room.

Final Verdict

My advice to new entrepreneurs, is to definitely start at a coworking space (there’s so much variety to choose from) and move into your own office as your team grows. And when you do move into your own office be prepared to deal with all the responsibilities and decisions that getting your own space means.

Author: Gunjan Johar