Bye bye working from home. Hello Coworking!
So, today will be my last day working from home. I’ve come to realise that working from home has its drawbacks. The Oatmeal had quite a funny cartoon illustrating how working from home can be both awesome and horrible all at once. In fact many of the advantages of working from home are also disadvantages. I could take any pro and turn it into a con, and that’s not because I’m a “cup is half empty” type person.
Let me explain. One could say that one of the advantages is that you don’t have to stick to the 9 to 5 regime. While this is true, I have found that my day could start at 8am and go on until 8pm or 9pm. The next day, might be a “typical” working day, while the following day could be 10am to 2am. It is something to consider if you are thinking about home working. I have found that the close proximity to my office, i.e., the spare room, means that I feel like I am constantly working. In other words, working, and sticking, to a strict 9 to 5 regime is not all bad. As commander in chief of an army of one at Solutionware, it is not always possible to stick to a 9 to 5 work day.
I am lucky that my “workplace” is quiet. Quietness is great for certain tasks. However, it can be counterproductive at other times. Sometimes it’s nice to bounce ideas off a fellow colleague. Sketching out ideas or schemas on a whiteboard is far more fun with 2 or more people! Working in isolation can stifle creativity.
So! On Monday, my laptop and I will be moving to AMWorks, a coworking space located in Dublin. Coworking? Huh? My understanding of coworking is that it is a reasonably priced space where like-minded individuals, freelancers, start-ups etc, work independently, but together, sharing knowledge and ideas. For more check out the AMWorks website.
I went along to AMWorks during the week to check it out. The place itself is located just off Capel Street, Dublin so it is not a million miles away from the nearest Luas stop. The office itself is open-plan, and the brickwork is quite interesting looking! There was a nice vibe about the place. I made my mind up pretty quickly and signed up for the full time membership. They have some very flexible membership plans. For more details, rates and pics go to amworks.ie.
As it happens, next Monday marks the beginning of European Jelly Week! And no, Jelly Week is not a week long festival for jelly loving geeks! A jelly is a casual working event – where people come together (in a person’s home, coffee shop, or office) to work for a day. AMWorks are taking part in Jelly Week, on 21st January. So why not come along! For more go here.
Exciting times ahead….!
I’d love to read of your thoughts after working there for a week or two…
I’m planning myself to use co-working space and am wondering what you’d think of that place?