Working out of a coworking space, you need to have full faith that coworking is the way to go, right? You're eliminating the corporate world from your mind, especially if you've spent many years in that particular work setting. How can you not? You're surrounded by entrepreneurs now, and working alongside professionals of all sorts. Many current coworking space owners feel excited about the industry, and say they disliked their previous corporate job in comparison. I absolutely love working out of a coworking space, but I'm going to play the devil's advocate just a tad bit here considering the survey I put together. It initially was an attempt to bring about the negative aspects of working for a large corporate company, but perhaps it depends on the person, the title, and what the company presents to their employees. I asked a few questions to a group working for a large tech company, and to a group working for a corporate hotel.
For those that drive to work, majority said they feel rushed or anxious due to traffic in the morning, which is one definite perk of coworking spaces. You can choose how close to home you'd like to be. For those working for a prestigious corporate company (of which will remain anonymous), majority said their schedule is flexible. In terms of repetition, most agreed there is a routine, but, just like any job, each day is different. This is another great thing about coworking spaces – there are always new faces to interact with, especially with spaces that hold events and workshops for their members.
What keeps these individuals going to work is their pride in their company, and of course the amazing benefits given to them. A mother of five that was surveyed expressed that she would much rather have a position that allows her to work from home. Half agreed they feel they have a work/life balance, and half disagreed. My favorite response toward work/life balance certainly pertains to both coworking and corporate settings: “I try to discipline myself to do so. This way there is no resentment in what I do for a living. Balance in my book is key!” If you feel great about your company and put a lot of focus into your job, working in a corporate office can make you forget to make time for YOU. Conversely, working at a coworking space might distract you from making time for work because you are in a self-governing setting. Self-discipline is crucial.
Each person described their job as both an obligation and something they enjoy. Those that said they feel they make an impact with their company was dependent on the context. The volume of the group's company I chose to ask is massive. Therefore, in terms of the company as a whole, many said they at times do feel like just a number. They do, however, feel they are an asset to their teams. Throughout conversations with coworking owners, I love hearing how people from complete different backgrounds are able to collaborate with one another. In the corporate setting, employees tend to be more fixated on who they are working with. Growth is constant and at a quicker rate in more creative departments. With the diversity coworking brings, creativity is almost forced upon you. The executive assistants I surveyed either are in the same position they began at, or got to where they are after 10+ years. One finance analyst manager even described her journey to get there as “too long.” Within the more creative side of the company, the label coordinator for the music department got to where she is in 3 ½ years. Her descriptions of her team heavily depicted diversity, creativity, and constantly meeting new people. These qualities give professionals an endless flow of ideas and motivation.
Work settings are also dependent on the company you work for. Those in hospitality (hotels specifically) may have complete different opinions than those above. Those surveyed feel as if their schedule is restricted, duties are repetitive, and there is no work/life balance. Just like those with little to no creativity in the job title itself, it takes a very long time to move toward an aspiring position. The individual determines their own happiness in their position. One explained, “I enjoy my job because I feel like I'm welcoming people into my home (that just happens to have 400 rooms).”
Through solely questioning people in corporate offices, it seems that there is no right or wrong. It is a matter of the individual and what he or she takes from her company. There are always pros and cons to any situation. Your personal goals and outlook on the workforce determines what best suits you.
By Dani Carrillo
