Coworking is a growing trend among the self-employed. Many businesses have begun to cater to freelance professionals and independent consultants that require a space to work. 

When you cowork, you rent an office space - sometimes a desk, other times an entire office area - and work independently from others in the space. 

There are a number of pros and cons to coworking. Here are two pros and cons of coworking, as well as some facts on the phenomenon.

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PROs to Coworking:
  • Professional Address
For freelancers in an urban area, one advantage to coworking might include a professional address. 

This allows you to send and receive correspondence from clients or set up meetings. Rather than giving your apartment number, freelance professionals can give their coworking address to clients.
  • Less Distraction
Sometimes, working at home can be distracting. The kids might bother you on the weekends, your significant other might want you to run errands, or the space in general can provide a distraction. 

Using a coworking space is advantageous for those that need to get out of the house away from the distractions to work. Coworking can also offer you a way to schedule your work so you can make the most of your time.
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CONs to Coworking:
  • Cost
Because you are renting space from a coworking company, your funds are diverted from professional development, software updates, etc. 

Freelancers that have just started their business might want to wait to try coworking and work on marketing their business first. Otherwise, whatever money you make starting out cannot be invested in the business. There are plenty of relatively cheap and free spaces new freelancers can work, such as libraries and coffee shops.
  • Less Flexibility
Many freelance professionals enjoy the flexibility and freedom of being in business for themselves. One disadvantage to coworking might include feeling like your schedule is less flexible. 

Some coworking spaces have specific office hours, and for freelancers that like to work odd hours (early in the morning or late into the night), this could prove to be difficult. 

Renting a space you might only be able to use for certain hours might feel like an inconvenience. This is, of course, a personal choice.

Some Facts on Coworking:
  • According to the 2011 Freelance Industry Report (opens as PDF), only about 8% of self-employed freelance professionals cowork. The majority still work from home.
  • American game designer, author and lecturer Bernie DeKoven coined the term "coworking" in 1999. It was Brad Neuberg, however, in 2005 that used it to describe a physical space.
 


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