Have you ever thought about being a freelance worker?

A lot of people do that, and not just older folks that have been around the block, but a lot of Generation Y is finding that being a freelancer is the way to go. Many freelancers and other independent workers work from home, but a new movement is on the rise that promises to allow freelancers the ability to get the camaraderie and community from a regular workplace, while still maintaining their independence.

This movement is called coworking, and I am going to share a little bit about it and what even someone that is currently a student can get out of participating in the coworking scene.

First, the best way for me to describe coworking without reinventing the wheel, is to describe it with some links to the groups that make coworking what it is:

• Jelly - This is perhaps the most simple version of coworking and also the model most likely to be something that a student can relate to. In Austin, it is a rotating cast of folks that meet at a local eatery or coffeeshop and all work together for an afternoon. Usually, everyone will have their own projects to work on, and sometimes they will be working together, other times they will be plugged in with their headphones on, cranking away. Other cities will do Jellies in someone’s apartment or flat, or even in some company’s extra office space. (which brings us to our next example)
• Launchpad - A big part of the coworking world is the rise of formalized solutions for coworking - think of a coop, where everyone lives together and pitches in together, and now think of an office like that. Independent workers share a workspace, renting a desk or office by the hour, day, or longer terms. Launchpad is an Austin coworking space that is preparing to launch later this year - read their blog for more information on coworking and how their project is coming together.
• Not An MBA - A venture (and great blog) run by a couple of guys that are inspired by the coworking movement and are working on ways to bring the innovation and creativity of coworkers into the business world. Here are some good posts on coworking.
  • Work, Re-Designed
  • The Work in Coworking
  • Frat Boys, Led Zeppelin & the Bong
    
• Conjunctured - A group of young Austin entrepreneurs that organized around the local Jelly to form Conjunctured, “a member-based community in Austin, TX of free agents who collaborate under a common brand while maintaining their autonomy.”

What a Student Can Get Out of Coworking

I have been attending the Austin Jellies recently and I am usually there working on class projects or this blog. I can do all of that from anywhere, but what is the added value for me, as a student?

• Bouncing ideas around
• Material for blog posts
• Networking opportunities
• Inspiration
• Soaking up smart vibes

Kelly at HackCollege has another student’s take on coworking - “Coworking provides a place for people to go to work. Staying at home in your PJs seems like a good idea, but personal hygiene and interpersonal relationships tend to suffer. Enter coworking facilities.”