In the publishing industry, it’s common to work for a small publishing business or work on your own as a freelancer. But what kind of space is best for freelancers and other publishing professionals to thrive? No one can create a one-size-fits-all solution. If they could, you’d have no decisions to make. You’d just dial up the recommended solution, pay your fees and dive right in. Unfortunately, it’s not that easy. Here are some things you should consider when trying to pick out your workspace.
Every Situation Is Different
When thinking about what kind of workspace you want, there are a number of things that you should think about. There is no perfect small business space, but there are some factors you should look for before you decide what you want to do. For example, you should think about if you work alone or have a small staff. If you have a smaller staff or if it’s just you, you might not need a ton of space. You might also think about if you need regular access to private rooms for conference calls or presentations to clients. Another important thing to think about is what kind of environment you prefer to work in. If you like to work in silence and you have neighboring businesses that are noisy, that space might not be the right one for you.
Positive Space
Positive space in interior design refers to the furnishings, artwork, plants and “stuff” within a space. Therefore, finding a coworking space that appeals to your sense of aesthetics is important. It will help you feel comfortable while you’re working. There are a number of benefits of coworking spaces that could help your small business get off the ground. For example, they can help provide structure to your day. Having to get up, get dressed and commute to a coworking space outside your home makes it seem more like a “real job.” Many entrepreneurs also report increased productivity when working in a shared space. Many coworking spaces also provide networking and community events. Additionally, working in such a space can enhance your work/life balance by drawing a divide between your business space and your home space.
Coworking Space vs. Home Office: Which Is Right for You?
A home office might seem like a great idea, but it’s important to consider what kinds of interruptions you might encounter if you work from home. You might be interrupted by kids, pets, that pile of dirty laundry in the corner that is just begging to be done, or the nosy neighbor who thinks that it’s the social hour just because you’re at home. However, if you don’t have kids, you can have a lot more control over your distractions and environment. If you’re able to create a space at home where you can be productive and you thrive while working alone, a home space might work well for you. Otherwise, a coworking space might be the better option.
Of course, whether you choose a modern, colorful coworking space complete with kombucha on tap or a small, private area within your own home is ultimately up to you. Just take the above factors into consideration and you’ll be able to find the office space that works best for your needs.
Here’s another article you might find helpful: Balancing Act: How to Work, Write, and Get an Education