Why I Love Coworking Spaces as a Freelancer (And Why You Should Too)

AMA Voices is a space for our members, volunteers and local experts to share tips and opinions on marketing practices and industry trends. This one is by Chris Alexis, current president of AMA Columbus.

As a freelancer, I’ve tried working from home, but it didn’t take long to realize that it just wasn’t working for me. After looking at office rental costs and realizing they were far too high for my needs, I knew I needed something different.

After getting hired on part-time at a digital marketing agency that used a coworking space, I knew I’d discovered a solution.

When I first started freelancing, the idea of working from home sounded perfect. No commute, no dress code, and plenty of flexibility. But I quickly learned that the comfort of home comes with a lot of distractions.

A lot.

Between my kids, my wife (who also works from home), and the never-ending list of household chores, it’s easy to get sidetracked. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve promised myself I’d finish a task, only to be interrupted by a quick errand or a household project that needs attention. Those dishes in the sink and the mess my kids made were calling my name.

At one point, I considered renting an office. But when I started adding up the costs—rent, utilities, internet, furniture, cleaning, parking, insurance—it quickly became clear that renting an office wasn’t a feasible option for me.

Candidly? I couldn’t afford it. While I’m working on becoming a six-figure freelancer, I’m not there yet. Working toward it? Yes. But I have yet to reach that summit.

Working part-time at LANDE, I discovered their office area at Versa, a popular coworking space in Grandview. And I love walking through those doors.

No hyperbole here. Versa days are some of my favorite days.

Why? It’s a distraction-free environment, the opportunity to meet and collaborate with other professionals, and the chance to stay focused on my goals without the interruptions that come from working at home.

I also love the community of people all focused on getting their work done. Whether it’s freelancers, remote workers, or small business owners, everyone around me is driven to succeed, and that energy is contagious.

(One of the unexpected perks is the level of hospitality. It’s not just about having a desk; it’s about feeling taken care of. Whether it’s the staff offering help with setting up a meeting room or just making sure there’s always coffee and snacks available, the little details make a big difference.)

Of course, Versa isn’t the only coworking space in Columbus. COhatch is another popular one. In fact, their campus location was the site of our recent “personal branding” workshop. (Awesome event, solid turnout, major impact on the people who attended and paid attention!)

There’s also Innovate New Albany, Brick House Blue, Haven Collective, Qwirk Coworking, and more. Curious about which one you should check out? Talk to the people in the AMA Columbus community! We’re happy to help and share our own experiences.

The bottom line is that my coworking experience has been incredibly impactful for my career, and I’d recommend it to anyone. Personally, I love Versa. 

Which one appeals to you? Let us know!

AMA Voices is a forum for marketing tips, practices, opinions and educational content by our members and board. Have a blog post to pitch? Email Content@AMAColumbus.org!

Disclosure: The author of this article has a business relationship with Versa.