I’ve worked in all three setups – traditional office, home office, and coworking space. And after trying them all, I’ve found the one that fits me best.
Spoiler: I’m never going back to life without coworking.
Where I come from
Before working in my current setting, I worked for several employers where presence in the office was simply expected. That was just how work was done – fixed desks, fixed hours, daily commutes. With time, I experienced more flexibility. Still, the norm was to show up in person.
Then the pandemic hit.
Almost overnight, working from home became standard. And with it, working not in the office suddenly became not only acceptable but even encouraged. That shift opened up new possibilities – and a personal learning journey that brought me to where I am today.
The reality of home office
Get More Brain, one of my current employers, is a fully remote company. We don’t have an office, just a set of tools, some structured webcalls and lots of trust.
It works – but it’s not always easy.
The flexibility is great.
But working from home comes with challenges: blurred lines between work and personal life, lack of social interaction, and a good dose of self-discipline. Not to mention: it’s easy to feel isolated if you’re not careful.
One day a week at the office
For my second job, I balance things by spending Wednesdays at the ETH Library in Zurich. Meetings, conversations, that sense of “being around people.”
But while it is a change of scenery, it doesn’t really boost my productivity. The commute consumes some time on the train. Once there, my day gets fragmented—scheduled meetings, impromptu discussions, and constant interruptions.
There’s a challenging social dynamic too. Beyond the necessary work conversations about projects and updates, there’s the social element I’m no longer accustomed to. Everyone wants to catch up about things in their minds. After working alone at home, this sudden social immersion feels overwhelming.
And since I’m only there one day a week, I become the go-to person for that day—everyone wants a piece of my time. Meanwhile, I’m actually trying to get work done.
Then came coworking
And that’s when I found peace in coworking. I work from a local Gloria Coworking Space with a vibrant community. I can focus when I need to. Talk to people when I want to. It’s close to home, so no commuting needed.
For me, it’s the sweet spot between home office and a traditional workplace. Here’s what makes it work:
- I set the pace. I decide how much interaction I want.
- Clear separation between work and home.
- A professional environment without the pressure of an office job.
- A community of people who inspire and challenge me – without the usual office politics.
It’s freedom and focus in one.
Coworking and Knowledge Work
What surprised me most: how much coworking has helped me manage my knowledge work more effectively.
Being surrounded by other professionals from different branches creates a subtle but powerful sense of accountability. I get more done – and not just faster, but better. Whether it’s writing, conceptual planning or project coordination, I find it easier to get into a state of flow. Plus, I’m constantly learning from others by seeing how they approach similar challenges in their contexts – I can simply ask them how they handle certain situations in their industries, which gives me fresh perspectives I’d never get working alone.
My current setup: Hybrid with a coworking heart
Yes, I still work from home occasionally – for deep thinking or when the weather’s bad. And I still go to ETH on Wednesdays for meetings and collaboration.
But coworking has become my anchor.
It gives me structure, flexibility, and a sense of belonging. And that’s exactly what I need to do my best work.
Will my setup change again? Maybe. But one thing is clear:
Coworking is here to stay – at least for me.
How about you? Where do you do your best thinking?
