Being a freelancer means that I can be flexible when I work. I can write about topics that really connect with me. And I can work with customers around the world.
I think it’s great, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.
But it’s not without challenges.
In the beginning I worked exclusively from home. After a while I noticed that my motivation started to dive. The flexibility was still great, but the insulation? Not so much.
So I decided to engage things. I started changing my working environment from time to time. Since then I have discovered some unexpected (and very welcome) benefits.
1. It increases your productivity
People are social beings – we unconsciously match the pace of people around us. In a room where laptops click and deadlines pop up, your own focus sharpen.
Others see coming, breaking for lunch and then encouraging wrapping, encouraging work rhythms. I personally think that this gives me healthier start and stop signals for my routine.
To achieve this, I make it a point to book a coworking space at least twice a month. In these shared office spaces, small companies and fellow freelancers take the same space, but they continue independently of their own projects. I thought it was very good to work for my own productivity – but they usually require a monthly investment.
If you prefer a cheaper way to make people work, many freelancers choose to work somewhere as a library. This is a good option if you best concentrate in Nrailentie.
I work full -time in a coffee shop and often return after a service with my laptop to write with a coffee. I love the relaxed setting, but it is absolutely not completely quiet.
Ultimately it is a matter of personal preference for what helps your productivity.
2. You feel less lonely
Research by Leapers Show that more than 70% of those who have felt freelance lonely or isolated while they have been self -employed.
Many people become freelancers because it lets them enjoy a solo environment. But even the most introverted people can feel lonely when they go for a long time without talking to others or being in social institutions.
By making the leap work for others, freelancers can enjoy social interaction and reduce insulation. I even met one of my best friends in a coworking room.
To remind: It doesn’t have to be every day. Even only one or two days a month can help prevent loneliness that is so common with freelancers.
3. It reduces your stress levels
If you work in a personal bubble yourself, it is easy that your stress levels rise.
If you have people around you, it can help you feel less isolated for one thing. But you may even be able to ask someone for help with your work if they understand.
I was shocked when I met a journalist in a cafe who knew a lot about the subject I was writing about. They gave me some incredible points to use in my concept.
Another important point of tension for freelancers? Struggling to separate work from personal life.
When your office and living space are one and the same, it is easy for boundaries to fade. By going out and being with others, you give yourself the chance to draw a clear line between the two. In this way it feels when you return home, actually as time to relax.
4. It is a great opportunity to network
If you freelancing, you know all too well the pressure of building a solid customer base. That is why surrounded by other like -minded individuals, a great opportunity to network.
Networking can promote new opportunities for work. But it can also equip you with useful advice and information. It would surprise you how many people are willing to share about what they do.
Some coworking facilities keep networking events and workshops where you can mix and gain knowledge of the industry. These events are perhaps also the perfect opportunity to cross paths with your next customer.
5. You can collaborate with others
By working with others, you can combine your knowledge and skills. Of course you can work together online. But personal communication often feels more natural. Personally, I find working face-to-face much easier.
You also miss the small signals that you would normally catch in real life: body language, tone, things like that.
Many coworking spaces and libraries are supplied with handy extras such as breakout areas, meeting rooms, ultra-fast Wi-Fi and Whiteboards. All very useful for collaborating a project.
It pays to work with others from time to time
If someone who leans a little more introverted, I have always enjoyed working solo.
But I started to realize that being in the vicinity of others, even occasionally, has a huge effect on my productivity. It helped to stimulate my motivation, introduce me to great people and to open doors for opportunities I never expected.
If you are a freelancer, I definitely recommend a try. To find a coworking space in your area, simply perform a Google search for “Coworking Space (Your City)”. Or use a special platform such as Co-worker or Would rule.
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Holly Dodd is a freelance writer with a passion for books, tell stories and use her work to increase consciousness. She is committed to making content that informs and has a meaningful impact. You can reach her at Holly.dodd@thewritersdiary.co.uk.
