I changed my mind about coworking spaces after overhearing something at the library last week

I always thought coworking memberships were a waste of money for freelancers, especially when the library is free. But last Thursday I was working at the Toronto Reference Library and overheard two freelance graphic designers talking. One said she paid $200 a month for a basic desk at a place on Queen West and it paid for itself in the first week just from client referrals she got hanging out there. She mentioned she landed three projects from people who just happened to be working at the same table. That got me thinking about all the networking I miss by hiding in quiet corners with my headphones on. I checked out a few coworking spots near me and found one with a trial day pass for $25. I'm going to try it next Tuesday. Has anyone else found that coworking spaces actually lead to more work, or is it mostly hype?

3 comments

3 Comments

brooke4488d ago

Totally feel you on that, it's such a game changer when you realize how much you miss by just hiding away. Hope the trial goes well for you next week!

jana5097d ago

Guess the library quiet zone doesn't come with a side of surprise client referrals, huh? $200 a month sounds steep until you realize you could make that back just by accidentally sitting next to the right person. Hope your trial day doesn't end with you awkwardly trying to pitch yourself to someone who just wanted a quiet place to nap.

drews557d ago

You ever try the coffee shop strategy instead? Less pressure, easier to strike up a real conversation when someone's relaxed.