What Coworking Is Not

Coworking takes many forms around the world.  As different as each facility may be, we’re all looking to create one thing: a place for brilliant work.

The trouble is, sometimes this “coworking” thing gets jumbled. Facilities transform shared workspace into a completely new thing of its own, creating confusion among the masses. Sure, coworking can be a lot of things. But let’s talk about what coworking is not.

Coworking is not expensive.

The entire mission of a coworking space is to be an affordable alternative to your own home office. When you’ve outgrown the coffee shop or feel stagnant in your living room, you turn to a coworking space as a solution for your growing needs. Coworking spaces come fully equipped with fast internet, free coffee, office supplies, and your choice of a desk without the bulky overhead of a true office. But when your coworking membership starts to look more like a monthly rent bill, you’re in the wrong place.

Coworking is not exclusive.

Coworking spaces are designed to build community, but that community does not come from exclusivity. Just the opposite, in fact. Natural collaboration is most beneficial when an eclectic group of creative minds, from all sorts of backgrounds, come together in one space. This community is fed by an inclusive environment, where all feel welcome and wanted.

Coworking is not a trend.

While the term “coworking” may seem like a buzz word to many, the concept has been around since the late 1990’s. The first official coworking space opened its doors in San Francisco back in 2005 and since then the industry has continued to spread across all 50 states.  A tend would have burnt out by now. What we have instead, is a new market designed for the growing number of independent workers.

Coworking is not just about space.

The design of your coworking space is critical and, we’d argue, that it directly impacts the quality of work you will produce inside of it. However, coworking is much more than just space. Coworking breeds inspiration and energy, especially in the midst of a growing and thriving community. Your shared workspace becomes a hub for creativity and personal growth as you invite other professionals to share their experiences and learn from each other’s mistakes. Coworking is ultimately a platform for community.

So don’t get it twisted. We’re lovers of all creative space allowing hardworking individuals to achieve their dreams, but when it comes to coworking environments, we like to think of ourselves as purists– keeping coworking affordable, inclusive, and collaborative.