Transitioning from Coworking to a Private Office: A Business Revival Story

Coworking is fantastic because you can simply show up, open your laptop, and get straight to work. If you’re new to coworking spaces, they’re an excellent starting point for your business. These spaces offer great networking and support for building your business.

While there are many benefits to coworking, it’s important to consider a few things like the risk of staying too long and some unexpected costs.

You need to have a high tolerance for others in coworking spaces. From moldy food in the fridge to disagreements over air conditioning, you’re dealing with people who aren’t your typical employees.

I’ve noticed that coworkers generally fall into three categories:

– **Around-the-World Travelers**: They’re the hardest to get to know since they might only be in the office for a week, a month, or a summer. They don’t have much incentive to socialize.

– **Outsourcers**: Often programmers or tech experts who work remotely for various companies, these folks are great to know. They can help with tech problems you face as an entrepreneur, but they’re often the longest-standing members of the coworking office. This can sometimes lead to conflicts, like control over the air conditioning remote.

– **Business Builders**: This group, which I belonged to, is focused on building a business or achieving specific goals. They can be intense and don’t tolerate obstacles. If someone is too loud, they’ll let you know. Still, this is the group where I built my closest friendships because we had a lot in common.

After spending 18 months in a coworking office, I decided to move into a private office. I realized that no one around me had grown their business or hired employees. They were stuck as outsourcers for multiple companies. I had to ask myself if I was moving toward my goals, and the answer was no.

I revisited my written goals. Although my business had doubled in the past year, I was exhausted and couldn’t take time off. My business relied entirely on me, which meant it wasn’t really a business.

It’s said you are the average of the three people you spend the most time with. In business, I had become average—earning decently but overworked. So, I moved into my own office within a month.

Signing an office lease, especially for three years like I did, makes you think seriously about finances and bringing in new clients. I started with borrowed furniture but soon got the point—I needed to start managing better.

The biggest breakthrough was developing processes that didn’t solely rely on my skills. Now, while the business still needs me, I’m heading in the right direction. I have one person working alongside me and two more working remotely.

I used to cringe when people called me a business owner, but now I embrace it. Coworking is a great place to start, but keep your focus and plan your steps better than I did. Today, I have my own office furniture and a clearer understanding of the people I need around me and the tasks crucial for growth. Learning management skills has been my biggest lesson. Now, I delegate even the small tasks to others, whether they’re outsourcers or team members right beside me.