Co-working spaces are all the rage. I recently met a guy who freelances from a co-working space. I’ve attended several meetings in these spaces. A non-profit that employs several friends of mine recently opened a satellite office in a co-working space.
While they’re often hip, sleek, and full of perks, paying for a space to work just isn’t feasible for someone like me, who’s just starting out. It also doesn’t make sense — why would I pay for room, a desk, and internet, when I already have all of those things at home? I’ll just work there!
It takes a while to figure this out, so let me save you some time: working at home is just not as easy as it sounds. Even if you consider yourself to be someone with a lot of willpower, as I do, you will probably be more productive in a space dedicated to work. My girlfriend has told me that she doesn’t know anyone better-suited to being a freelancer than me — yet I struggle to focus at my living room desk.
Luckily for us freelancers, coffeeshops — with their warm aromas, free wifi, and low background music — abound. We can camp out with our laptops for hours on end for a only few bucks, (or less, if your conscience can take it.) But there’s an easy way to take your coffeeshop work days to the next level.
Find an accountabilibuddy — someone who will work on their hustle across the table from you.
The first time I teamed up with such a person, my friend Allie and I had quit our jobs within two weeks of each other. We started going to coffeeshops three or more times a week to apply for jobs. We supported each other, reviewed cover letters and résumés, and traded promising listings.
Now, as a freelancer, I have a rotating cast of accountabilibuddies. We meet up, work together but individually, and then part ways. I can’t recommend it highly enough!
Here’s why an accountabilibuddy will do wonders for your productivity:
• They get you out of the house.
• They look over your shoulder to make sure you’re not on Facebook.
• They provide feedback on your work.
• They commiserate with you when work is especially tough.
• They provide a little diversion when you need to take a break.
But most importantly, an accountabilibuddy is simply another person at work. That means they enable you to create your own co-working space wherever you want. Humans accomplish the most when they work together — so find a buddy to hold you accountable for doing your best work.
I work as a one-man creative agency for small businesses, nonprofits, and individuals — doing design, photography, writing, you name it! I originally published this piece on www.ericdalecreative.com, where I blog about my self-employment journey to help other freelancers. Celebrate or commiserate by clapping or commenting. Or send me an email to collaborate!
