CoWorking for the Freelance Writer
This summer, as part of our Big Adventure, Matt and I went
back to Asheville. For his new Law School experience, he took an internship with
a public interest firm in Asheville.
Since we’re renting out our home, we are living in our tiny
house on the mountain. After over 7 years, the technology in place when we
built the home has changed a great deal and our once speedy internet connection
is a little slow. We’re not in a position to make any changes as our stay for
the summer is only temporary, so we did some thinking and came up with a new
solution.
I’m Working at a Coworking Space in Downtown Asheville
There are several in town and we visited three before making
a decision. I selected Focal Point
Coworking on Hilliard not far from the very active South Slope brewery
district.
I admit, I was skeptical at first. I wasn’t sure I wanted to
spend the money on the space, but I realized we would quickly make up that
money in the cost of data overages.
I also started to worry that I would feel too isolated on
the mountain. If we still had two cars, that wouldn’t be a problem. But with
only one vehicle, I wouldn’t be able to leave if I needed anything or just got
stir crazy.
The coworking space solves all of these concerns. WiFi
access and downtown location helps me stay focused throughout the day.
The Benefits of a Coworking Space
I admit that I came into the situation with some preconceived
notions about working in an office again. I did that, I didn’t like it, I wasn’t
going to do it again. But there are a lot of benefits for working in a
coworking space.
· I’ve met several other local business owners who share the space.
· I’m not tempted to watch television in the afternoon.
I arrive to the space about 8:30 or 9am and I get my
workstation set up. Then, much like I did at home, I focused on my client work until
lunchtime. After lunch, I finish up any client projects. But rather than leaving
work behind all together, I’ve used the afternoons to work on my novel. My
novel doesn’t have a hard deadline, unlike my client work, but I have personal
goals that I’d like to meet.
Once the summer is over, I will go back to working on my own
in our Atlanta apartment. When we move back to Asheville, however, I may
consider another membership.
If you’ve been thinking about getting a coworking space to
help you with your productivity as a small business owner or freelancer, I’m
happy to report that it’s been a great investment for me.
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