If you’ve never actually been to a coworking space, it’s easy to buy into the idea that they are only for millennials, tech professionals, freelancers, and other creative professionals. Oh, and that they’re extremely distracting and expensive. Fortunately, these assumptions couldn’t be more wrong!
Here are five common misconceptions about coworking spaces and the truth about all of them.
1. Coworking spaces are noisy and distracting.
A coworking space is designed to encourage collaboration, but just because there are no cubicle walls doesn’t mean it’s mass chaos. Sure, there may be a constant buzz of activity and conversation, but that’s the hum that comes with innovation, productivity, and human connection. If that’s not your thing, you may just find that a simple set of noise-canceling earbuds will solve the problem. Or, you can take advantage of one of the private or semi-private workspaces available at The Hive.
2. Coworking spaces are for young, “hip” creative professionals.
Coworking spaces cater to all kinds of people: the part-time remote worker, the entrepreneur, the photographer, the party planner, the stay-at-home mom who needs a break…you get the idea. Anyone of any age, profession, background, or level of desperation is welcome. (Yes, we realize that’s how many of you found us.)
3. All coworking spaces are the same.
If you can find another coworking space that offers open, semi-private, and private workspaces, community events, party hosting/planning, beer and wine, a full menu, childcare, and a gated outdoor play area for the kiddos, we’ll believe you on this one.
4. Working in a coworking space is just like working at a coffee shop.
Um, first of all, can we just say that there’s nothing worse than hovering anxiously at a busy coffee shop while secretly hoping that the guy at the table nearby leaves so you can steal that seat by the outlet. Fortunately, you never have to do that again! Coworking spaces like The Hive are designed for productivity, so there is an abundance of outlets, private and group seating, yummy snacks and drinks (did we mention beer?), and plenty of opportunities to connect and network with other Austinites.
5. The work stations at coworking spaces are available on a first come, first served basis.
Your days of battling for a good seat at the nearest Starbucks are over. While some seating at The Hive and other coworking spaces is available on a first come, first served basis, you may also rent out your own private desk or a semi-private coworking space so you always have immediate access to the best seat in the house.
Coworking spaces are all very different but at The Hive, we can be whatever you need. Whether that’s a place to work without interruption, a place to make friends, a place to relax and take a load off, a place to build your business…we’re here for you.
If you want to find out what The Hive is all about, we invite you to swing by, grab a beer, take advantage of our amazing childcare, and take a load off (or get after it and get stuff done). When it’s all said and done, we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
