Co-working spaces aren’t just used for leasing out shared office spaces anymore. Entrepreneurs have embraced France’s, “Work to Live” slogan by having fun while working in a supportive community.
This might explain why self-employment is on the rise.As of May 2015, 15.5 million people in the U.S. were self-employed, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics—an increase of roughly 1 million since May 2014. That number is expected to grow to 60 million by 2020.
As a freelancer myself, I wanted to discover what all the hype was about and find out if it’s really worth it to work in a coworking space as opposed to working from home.
Before I checked out some local west side spaces, I wrote a checklist of “Needs, Wants, and Dealbreakers.” This helps me to stay on track with my goals and not get distracted by any influences like incredible coffee, cute boys, or pushy salesmen.
Needs
- Ablility to focus, Easily getting work done without distractions
- Approachable, respectable people
- Environment with lots of light
- A place I would look forward to going to
- Within 30 minute commute from my house
- Feel Safe walking from work late at night
- Affordable
- Convenient Parking
Wants
- Fun atmosphere
- Inexpensive restaurants, Delis, Grocery stores, Food Trucks
- Great Coffee
- Creative People Around My Age
- Gym
DealBreakers
- Dark, Gloomy environment
- Noisy
- Feel unsafe
- Snobby, cliquey
- Too expensive
Results:
Village Workspaces won by a landslide!
This space more than fulfilled my checklist.
I became giddy went I first saw the place. I felt like I was visiting the Queen for High Tea!
The space is quite luxurious. And I love the fact that this modern, sophisticated space is hidden in a conservative office building. I felt like I was in on a secret.
I love the fact that they have a podcast/voiceover studio! I hadn’t thought of doing a podcast, but now that I’m in the space, maybe I will. Who knows? I look forward to going there everyday and that to me says it all.
I found out one of their office members–Three Day Rule— is throwing a big election party there, and this weekend they held a wedding reception. Which brings me back to my initial point: That Co-working spaces are all about community!
If you are looking for a co-working space, I’d recommend you write a checklist of what is negotiable and what is not. It will help to remind you what you are looking for before you visit the space and you’ll be more confident when making your decision. And look for a space where you can feel the support! Since technology has allowed us to not have to work alone anymore, why not make it fun?
Village Workspace is located at:
1845 West Olympic Blvd, Suite 1100w,
Los Angeles, CA 90064
info@villageworkspaces.com
424-625-9300
