First Time Coworking Memories

A few months back, Cohere in Fort Collins, CO asked its members to remember their first time coworking and wrote a fun blog post on their feedback. We here at Office Nomads were inspired and curious to see what our own members would say about their first time coworking. It should have been a memorable experience, right? We were hoping to hear that it was the best first date anyone had had. A beautiful start to a meaningful and wonderful relationship. Turns out, most people did feel that way.

All respondents were really happy that they had joined Office Nomads, many saying they wish it had happened to them sooner. For most, it was their first foray into coworking. “I love the community aspect of coworking and I find that I am much more productive in a laid back “office” environment than I am simply working from home,” John said.

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Dana, self diagnosed with BSOS (Bright Shiny Object Syndrome), said, “I realized that the ability to sit down at a wide, clean ON desk is priceless.” With a number of distractions at home, Dana and others noted an increase in productivity while at ON.

While getting work done was important, most folks noted the community as making a huge impression. Georges loved the immediate vibe. “It feels kind of good to start seeing common faces in coworkers.” Michael said he loved how positive and friendly it was.

Veena said, “I felt intimidated actually. I’m naturally shy and I really felt it being the new person in a room full of people who seemingly knew each other.”

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Veena had a great home office but her husband encouraged her to try Office Nomads. “I don’t remember too much (of my first day) except noting that Jacob and Susan were very welcoming. After a couple days as a member, I sprained my ankle. I didn’t come to Office Nomads for a few weeks. When I did return, everyone wanted to know why I didn’t come in for a long time! That’s when I realized how awesome the Office Nomads community was.”

Often when people start, they are intimidated by being in a new space and unsure of what is shared and not. Andy had a good laugh remembering his first time at Office Nomads. “My favorite memory was taking a few days to realize that dishes were, in fact, a shared resource. I remember using a glass for a drink and actually saying something to Jacob like, ‘I borrowed a glass from someone but I’ll be sure to wash it!’”

So, we asked, is there anything you wish you’d known before you tried coworking?

“How attractive ON members are?” was the most brilliant response. Apparently someone thinks we’re a good looking bunch, thankyouverymuch.

Veena was thrilled to learn that it wasn’t just for techies. “There were brown bag lunches and happy hours. And that I’d meet really interesting people. These are all things that would have made me join much sooner.”

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John just joined and is excited to meet all the Nomads and have a space to grow his new law firm. Dana, too, loves being around folks who work in fields different from her own and find a trip for a fresh cup of coffee to be a great time to meet someone new. One Nomad suggested new members attend the happy hours. “Who knows what joint projects or even companies will result. In the meantime, I’m getting work done, I’m happy because I’m part of a community and I have someplace to go when I need it.”

Sounds perfect to us.

CoworkingAlexandra