6 ms·

Startups bet that lonely freelancers crave company

110 points by laurex 7y ago

anonsivalley652 7y ago
Yes and no. Coworking spaces exist but there's nothing like not being interrupted to supposedly "watch someone's laptop"* when you're trying to get things done. * You should take a picture of it and list it for sale on Craiglist as part of a joke.
- stevenicr 7y ago
  As soon as they are out of sight you run over and start installing preyproject onto it and add a cable lock while that's going on. run back. email them an invoice. I mean if people assume you are going to watch over their stuff like it's your own, it's the right thing to do right?
  - stevenicr 7y ago
    Wow - that escalated quickly - should of added the sarcasm flag to it. Certainly it's not okay to tamper with someone else's system without their permission. I would suggest they just take it with them, I would not leave mine laying out for other's to watch. Maybe I should of suggested having a battery powered 360 camera on hand, perhaps shaped like the blue yeti microphones and painted like an eye? Surely there is or one could be made / adapted to have an app where they can watch their laptop from the loo.. or rewind and see if anyone got near it. Maybe just a battery for a wise cam that can last 20 minutes. That way storage and app is and detection is already done. Put into a minion or sauron tower / all seeing eye and it would be easy to keep an eye on it while keeping your eyes to your own projects.
    - foldr 7y ago
      Why do you have such a big issue with doing someone a small favor? It really greases the wheels of society a bit if people help each other out in small ways.
      - spottybanana 7y ago
        I've never had any problems if someone else asks me to watch their belongings in coffee shop etc. Doesn't really disturb me at all.
        em-bee 7y ago
        it's disturbing when you are thinking about maybe leaving, or waiting for someone and then you need to leave right away but now you are committed to stay. otherwise, i watch others stuff instinctively even without bring asked. like neighborhood watch. you just keep an eye out for each other.
        stevenicr 7y ago
        I'm with you on the not really minding to watch a bit - I mean if their table is in front of me or within what 145 degrees or so viewing angle? I'm going to notice any movement of object larger than a rat in the area, and would not hesitate to say hey bud, that other person is gonna be right back or something.. On the other hand I want to help others be more secure, and taking a backpack or case to the bathroom is not a huge deal (in most places) - and is generally more secure. This past week we had some run through the bar at ocharleys a mile from here grabbing purses hanging on bar stools and sitting on tables then run out the door and through a hole in a fence. It would be shitty to be accused of being in cahoots with someone snatch and grabbing.. and people should be aware that sometimes that person you ask to watch your X will be tempted to steal your X. And more tempted by knowing you are going to the latrine than to the soda machine.
      - stevenicr 7y ago
        Sorry it seemed like I don't want to help someone - I was trying to add to the GP's thing about how he/she does not enjoy co working spaces because of broken concentration by others asking to watch their stuff. Of course I would help keep an eye out, but I would also like to help that person with other security / safety measure too, so they would be more secure in the future - I think some people need a little auto-flag / light that pops up saying "I'm in the zone, don't break my flow" - I can relate to working on a thing and several side issues pop up that remain in short-term attention memory while changing code.. and getting through the mental checklist - and then get interrupted by family.. and try to come back and spend an extra 20-30 minutes trying to remember.. I could of closed my door, and should have - so it's not their fault.. so I see both sides of it. Generally speaking I would prefer to be social and helpful and can get my groove / flow back anyhow - so certainly being available to be present with other humans is often a higher priority. I also understand some others may have deadlines or whatever. Also - what happens if someone else distracts you and you don't keep an eye on the laptop and something happens to it. Or what happens if two guys in black suits with sunglasses pop in and swap the laptop and look at you and give you the shh and finger gun to the head. I mean, what a predicament to be in. I know none of that will ever happen, but someone's competition, an ex lover - I mean any sorts of things - many laptops are just value of the hardware sure, but some are data on the device and that could be a lot of responsibility - I'm just sayin' - if it's not a chromebook, lets get some more layers of security! and an odd "all seeing eye" could not only be semi-cool tech, but a conversation starter if that's part of the appeal of engaging in the 'hey I'm running to the toilet' starter :) Now, how to make an auto-do-not-disturb- I'm-in-the-zone, not-on-facebook bluetooth light/sign that detects typing in visual-studio/sublime/notepad++/jetbrains vs scrolling some web page. Might need to be more than a red/green light busy/not-to-busy; maybe do-not-bother (writing code)/available-to-chat(reading-perhaps)/please-save-me (I've been on reddit/fbook more than 30 minutes).
- cerberusss 7y ago
  > "watch someone's laptop" I'm that guy. Whenever I need to work in a coffee shop, I ask this of a coworker. Do you really feel like it's too intrusive? I never thought it would be a problem.
  - pistoriusp 7y ago
    I think it's part of the social contract when working in a coffee shop. You're in public, drinking coffee, and people need to use the restroom... It's OK to ask people for help. Getting upset at something is similar to people getting upset when they're bumped on public transport. You're in a cramped space, that's moving, and that people are entering and leaving, what else would you expect?
  - coldpie 7y ago
    Honestly, just go. No one's going to steal your stuff, and if they did, some stranger isn't going to stop them.
    - cerberusss 7y ago
      You don't back up your assertion that, even after asking, some stranger isn't going to stop them. But I distinctly remember a scientific experiment that said otherwise. I googled and found this popular reporting: https://abcnews.go.com/WhatWouldYouDo/story?id=7091942 https://abcnews.go.com/WhatWouldYouDo/story?id=7091942
bencollier49 7y ago
Unreadable.
steve1977 7y ago
The primary reason why I would want to be a freelancer is because I DON'T crave company.
- cs02rm0 7y ago
  It's not for me (lack of commute, more time to exercise, cook a lunch, able to receive parcels, ability to see my kids, etc). But I don't know why you'd pay for this. There's so many free video call services and even as a freelancer I'm often working "with" other people I can, and do, call.
- spurdoman77 7y ago
  Have you tried freelancing alone, and of you have for how long? After working at a company, initially it felt quite nice but after some months/years I started feeling different. I have been working intensively at a companies, and then as a freelancer/solopreneur, alternating both modes along the years. Currently working mostly alone I have to admit that I crave the workplace - kind of the place where you go work and meet other people and share some kind of mission.
  - bitL 7y ago
    Throw parties at home when you feel lonely. Invite guests from various industries/walks of life. That would fulfill your social needs, make you more pleasant to be around, get that out of your system and allow you to focus 100% on your mission without wondering what if...
    - spurdoman77 7y ago
      I throw parties etc. Workplace has totally different social point. I can do all that and have a workplace.
      - bitL 7y ago
        Probability of finding colleagues matching your interests and personality in a random workplace is very low and even if you are lucky, such situations usually don't last long.
barnyfried 7y ago
As a freelancer I dont want a startups "company". Yes, a fridge full of kombucha is not really interesting. Nor is a bunch of people bragging about spending VC money for no reason or working on useless garbage pseudo-product. And Im not lonely. So, why dont we kick it old school, and you just pay me money. As you have done for the last 20 years and will continue to do until Im bored of you.
- Noughmad 7y ago
  > So, why don't we kick it old school, and you just pay me money. That's the whole point of all these extra "benefits": so that they can pay you less money.
  - CGamesPlay 7y ago
    If the FAANG companies set any precedent, this isn’t really true.
    - im3w1l 7y ago
      They would have to pay even more money without the benefits. Maybe.
    - Noughmad 7y ago
      Partially, but for those there's another catch. They have the campuses with game rooms, food, daycare, etc. all in order for you to spend as much time there as possible. They are literally building company towns.
      - disiplus 7y ago
        plus to switch market norms to social norms. they want you to feel like a family, not only because it benefits you, but because it benefits them. you would probably be willing to move furniture to your neighbor but would not do it if he offered you 10usd. they know that we are more productive if we feel like a family and if our opinion maters. this is nothing i came up, it's something that the division inside google came up with when tasked to learn what increases productivity in teams and why are some teams more productive then others. there is a book on the subject that i cannot remember now.
sudoaza 7y ago
Is it you WeWork?
mirap 7y ago
The next step might be to connect like-minded freelancers offline. Kind of Couchsurfing way.
pts_ 7y ago
And here I am craving work from home. It's like another planet.
- Legogris 7y ago
  You don't know what you have until you miss it, I suppose.
- HammockTester 7y ago
  Yeah I think there's a balance somewhere and for me it's not 40 hours a week in an office. Maybe 20 hours in an office and 20 at home would be more reasonable. I would imagine different people will have a different preferred balance from 0 to 100%.
LeonM 7y ago
I'm in a co-working space, and the primary reason I took it was loneliness. But I think that, for me, a social app wouldn't be able to replace a physical work space. It's not just the interaction with co-workers, but also the separation of work and home. The routine of riding my bike to and from the office is like a mental barrier, helping me to switch between work and leisure. By going to my office, I effectively switch to work mode. I'm less inclined to get distracted (HN, YT, Reddit, etc) while I'm at the office. Then, during the ride back home I have time to reflect on the day. By the time I'm back home my mind is clear and I can relax. My findings are that (at least in the Netherlands) there is plenty of opportunity for new co-working spaces. Currently it's hard for small or solo businesses to find a suitable office. All offices I found are either geared towards larger groups (10+), or had ridiculous requirements to be eligible. All the 'innovation' spaces are hard to get in when you just make a software product. They require some 'impactful' business to be accepted, which basically means you can choose between creating yet another replacement for plastic straws, or blockchain. I don't need foosball tables, I don't need eco-vegan food, I don't want to attend blockchain disruption events. I just want a desk to sit at, and do my work.
- gargs 7y ago
  I have thought about starting a little website where people open up their living rooms every once in a while to create an ad-hoc coworking space. It could even be the kitchen or the dining table, as long as you're sharing ideas, learning, and getting to know what other people are working on. From a business perspective, I'd rather make use of the plentiful libraries in Amsterdam than pay for a coworking space.
  - lowercased 7y ago
    I think that was the idea behind http://www.workatjelly.com http://www.workatjelly.com
    - gargs 7y ago
      Yeah I saw them, but it seems like it's just a directory to Facebook pages that needs to be updated by sending an email. I think there's a good business case to make a nice website and app that would afford people a coworking space-like luxury, but at rather ad-hoc and personal locations.
shekharshan 7y ago
I worked remotely for almost 8 years. Even managed a team of 10 developers remotely. I loved it as it gave me 2-3 hours each day for exercise and meditation. The only issue was I could not establish a clear work start and end time.
dep_b 7y ago
Can't vouch for people that are single but I get plenty of human interaction around my family. Still I like to work out of the house one day per week and work with different people in an office. I guess what's also important is professionally mingling with people, what tools and frameworks people use and so on. A change of scenery. Actually it was nicer when my wife was working mornings, that would gave me a solid quiet 5 hours to work in.
ivanhoe 7y ago
I thought that these type of arguments are stupid, like why would I need to hang out with people in an office, I've got my buddies for that after work. Later I moved to another country where I knew no one beside my wife, and then I realized that mingling with office crowd is actually the easiest way to expand your social circle when you're in a new environment. Yes, you can do that on conferences or in a gym or clubs, but it all takes more effort for introverts like me.
- jackcosgrove 7y ago
  Even if you don't talk to others, being around people is very comforting. It meets a basic need we have as humans.
  - dorkinspace 7y ago
    I think this is a generalization about the type of person you are. For me, I much prefer to work in a space where I am completely alone. I like to have music blasting without headphones, drink a smelly tea, or eat a stinky meal at my desk. I can't do any of those things in an office with others around me.
  - fishmaster 7y ago
    Nope, I don't like to be in an open floor plan office when I'm getting disturbed every 5 seconds. I would 100% like to work from home.
  - dkdk8283 7y ago
    Not all humans have that need. I work remote and 100% enjoy being alone. I have everything I need and rarely have to leave my house.
dntbnmpls 7y ago
If this is what startups are working on and if this is startup news, then it just might mean the tech world is awash in too much money with too few ideas. Or the news has to sell ads and has publish something. I wonder where Brady will end up? Oh that's sports "news". Also, I'm willing to bet more 9-5 workers crave privacy and alone time than freelancers want company. Besides, if you crave company, isn't there something called family ( parents, siblings, spouse, children, etc ) or friends or even pets that a better suited for that role? Or why not take up a hobby like hiking, biking, etc for company? Isn't there something inherently sad and pathetic about trying to find company at work? Maybe it's modern society. I just don't get it.
- jonfw 7y ago
  I don't understand the claim that work relationships are inherently non-personal or inauthentic. I have legitimately good friends at work who do favors for each other, look out for each other, hang out outside of work sometimes, etc. I keep in touch with friends from past jobs. We spend a very large percentage of waking hours at work and see a lot of faces. I really enjoy being friendly with those people and having legitimate, authentic, relationships with them.
  - veggieburglar 7y ago
    Yes, I have found that this approach <surprise!> makes the workplace much more enjoyable. It feels like many HN commenters hate their work, workplace, coworkers, etc. This mindset seems to be more problematic than the actual working situation itself. Interacting with people is hard but necessary.
  - dntbnmpls 7y ago
    > I don't understand the claim that work relationships are inherently non-personal or inauthentic. Didn't say that. I said it's pathetic for people who crave company to seek it at work. > I really enjoy being friendly with those people and having legitimate, authentic, relationships with them. Yes, that's called being a professional. I hope you are friendly to strangers, customers, etc too, but aren't desperately trying to use them for company because you are lonely.
merricksb 7y ago
Paywall bypass: http://archive.is/cfbW6 http://archive.is/cfbW6
jpm_sd 7y ago
I work remote from home ~80% of the time and love the quiet solitude. But I live with my my wife, three kids and a dog, so those hours of alone time feel precious. If I lived by myself I think I'd go crazy.
devtul 7y ago
You don't need to work remote to feel miserably lonely. I moved to Canada with my wife, I consider myself lucky because I have two couples of friends who also moved here. Apart from that, nothing. People where I work don't even say bye when they leave. This is insanely different from the country I came from, to say people there make a point of striking up conversations and caring about you doesn't make justice, it is just part of life. The worst part is that I am basically surrounded by fellow countrymen (1/3 of the team) but they already conformed to the norm here. This has affected our marriage since we don't have that healthy time away with friends that heals any bad mood between us.
- Benmcdonald__ 7y ago
  Where are you from?
dglass 7y ago
Shameless plug -- my company is working on solving this problem also, but unfortunately we weren't mentioned in the article. We talk with a lot of remote workers, freelancers, consultants, and self-employed workers, and the common theme behind all our conversations is that it's lonely working from home or on the road. We hold Work Clubs in coffee shops to give people an opportunity to work together for a few hours while getting to know other people and get out of the house. We support local small businesses and are building an IRL community for remote workers. Mental health is a major problem with working remote and we've found this is a good way to help break the loneliness. Feel free to reach out to me (my email is on my profile) with any questions or comments, or check us out at https://outofoffice.app/ https://outofoffice.app/
- GrinningFool 7y ago
  This looks good, but I'm reluctant to sign up without seeing information about what regions you're active in/have participants in. It would be frustrating to go through the process only to find that there's nothing in my region.
  - dglass 7y ago
    Thanks for the feedback, and I don't blame you. Right now we've got communities in Portland, San Diego, and the SF Bay Area. We'ree planning to expand to a few new cities soon and are always open to people who want to host Work Clubs in their own cities.
gyre007 7y ago
As a freelancer I never missed a company. Going freelance was a clear and deliberate decision to not be a part of one.
linguistbreaker 7y ago
I have not found co-working spaces (I've tried a few in different cities) to enhance my productivity or my community. I have only been able to build community around shared hobbies or interests outside of work. I HAVE wished that there was a way to figure out who at a workplace shares my interests. For instance when I start with a new client with a large workforce, if I could quickly connect with who at that workplace is into BJJ, climbing, drones or w/e, that would be useful. This may be my individual personality - just my two cents.

110 points by laurex 7y ago

Yes and no. Coworking spaces exist but there's nothing like not being interrupted to supposedly "watch someone's laptop"* when you're trying to get things done. * You should take a picture of it and list it for sale on Craiglist as part of a joke.

stevenicr 7y ago
As soon as they are out of sight you run over and start installing preyproject onto it and add a cable lock while that's going on. run back. email them an invoice. I mean if people assume you are going to watch over their stuff like it's your own, it's the right thing to do right?
- stevenicr 7y ago
  Wow - that escalated quickly - should of added the sarcasm flag to it. Certainly it's not okay to tamper with someone else's system without their permission. I would suggest they just take it with them, I would not leave mine laying out for other's to watch. Maybe I should of suggested having a battery powered 360 camera on hand, perhaps shaped like the blue yeti microphones and painted like an eye? Surely there is or one could be made / adapted to have an app where they can watch their laptop from the loo.. or rewind and see if anyone got near it. Maybe just a battery for a wise cam that can last 20 minutes. That way storage and app is and detection is already done. Put into a minion or sauron tower / all seeing eye and it would be easy to keep an eye on it while keeping your eyes to your own projects.
  - foldr 7y ago
    Why do you have such a big issue with doing someone a small favor? It really greases the wheels of society a bit if people help each other out in small ways.
    - spottybanana 7y ago
      I've never had any problems if someone else asks me to watch their belongings in coffee shop etc. Doesn't really disturb me at all.
      - em-bee 7y ago
        it's disturbing when you are thinking about maybe leaving, or waiting for someone and then you need to leave right away but now you are committed to stay. otherwise, i watch others stuff instinctively even without bring asked. like neighborhood watch. you just keep an eye out for each other.
      - stevenicr 7y ago
        I'm with you on the not really minding to watch a bit - I mean if their table is in front of me or within what 145 degrees or so viewing angle? I'm going to notice any movement of object larger than a rat in the area, and would not hesitate to say hey bud, that other person is gonna be right back or something.. On the other hand I want to help others be more secure, and taking a backpack or case to the bathroom is not a huge deal (in most places) - and is generally more secure. This past week we had some run through the bar at ocharleys a mile from here grabbing purses hanging on bar stools and sitting on tables then run out the door and through a hole in a fence. It would be shitty to be accused of being in cahoots with someone snatch and grabbing.. and people should be aware that sometimes that person you ask to watch your X will be tempted to steal your X. And more tempted by knowing you are going to the latrine than to the soda machine.
    - stevenicr 7y ago
      Sorry it seemed like I don't want to help someone - I was trying to add to the GP's thing about how he/she does not enjoy co working spaces because of broken concentration by others asking to watch their stuff. Of course I would help keep an eye out, but I would also like to help that person with other security / safety measure too, so they would be more secure in the future - I think some people need a little auto-flag / light that pops up saying "I'm in the zone, don't break my flow" - I can relate to working on a thing and several side issues pop up that remain in short-term attention memory while changing code.. and getting through the mental checklist - and then get interrupted by family.. and try to come back and spend an extra 20-30 minutes trying to remember.. I could of closed my door, and should have - so it's not their fault.. so I see both sides of it. Generally speaking I would prefer to be social and helpful and can get my groove / flow back anyhow - so certainly being available to be present with other humans is often a higher priority. I also understand some others may have deadlines or whatever. Also - what happens if someone else distracts you and you don't keep an eye on the laptop and something happens to it. Or what happens if two guys in black suits with sunglasses pop in and swap the laptop and look at you and give you the shh and finger gun to the head. I mean, what a predicament to be in. I know none of that will ever happen, but someone's competition, an ex lover - I mean any sorts of things - many laptops are just value of the hardware sure, but some are data on the device and that could be a lot of responsibility - I'm just sayin' - if it's not a chromebook, lets get some more layers of security! and an odd "all seeing eye" could not only be semi-cool tech, but a conversation starter if that's part of the appeal of engaging in the 'hey I'm running to the toilet' starter :) Now, how to make an auto-do-not-disturb- I'm-in-the-zone, not-on-facebook bluetooth light/sign that detects typing in visual-studio/sublime/notepad++/jetbrains vs scrolling some web page. Might need to be more than a red/green light busy/not-to-busy; maybe do-not-bother (writing code)/available-to-chat(reading-perhaps)/please-save-me (I've been on reddit/fbook more than 30 minutes).
cerberusss 7y ago
> "watch someone's laptop" I'm that guy. Whenever I need to work in a coffee shop, I ask this of a coworker. Do you really feel like it's too intrusive? I never thought it would be a problem.
- pistoriusp 7y ago
  I think it's part of the social contract when working in a coffee shop. You're in public, drinking coffee, and people need to use the restroom... It's OK to ask people for help. Getting upset at something is similar to people getting upset when they're bumped on public transport. You're in a cramped space, that's moving, and that people are entering and leaving, what else would you expect?
- coldpie 7y ago
  Honestly, just go. No one's going to steal your stuff, and if they did, some stranger isn't going to stop them.
  - cerberusss 7y ago
    You don't back up your assertion that, even after asking, some stranger isn't going to stop them. But I distinctly remember a scientific experiment that said otherwise. I googled and found this popular reporting: https://abcnews.go.com/WhatWouldYouDo/story?id=7091942 https://abcnews.go.com/WhatWouldYouDo/story?id=7091942

bencollier49 7y ago

Unreadable.

steve1977 7y ago

The primary reason why I would want to be a freelancer is because I DON'T crave company.

cs02rm0 7y ago
It's not for me (lack of commute, more time to exercise, cook a lunch, able to receive parcels, ability to see my kids, etc). But I don't know why you'd pay for this. There's so many free video call services and even as a freelancer I'm often working "with" other people I can, and do, call.
spurdoman77 7y ago
Have you tried freelancing alone, and of you have for how long? After working at a company, initially it felt quite nice but after some months/years I started feeling different. I have been working intensively at a companies, and then as a freelancer/solopreneur, alternating both modes along the years. Currently working mostly alone I have to admit that I crave the workplace - kind of the place where you go work and meet other people and share some kind of mission.
- bitL 7y ago
  Throw parties at home when you feel lonely. Invite guests from various industries/walks of life. That would fulfill your social needs, make you more pleasant to be around, get that out of your system and allow you to focus 100% on your mission without wondering what if...
  - spurdoman77 7y ago
    I throw parties etc. Workplace has totally different social point. I can do all that and have a workplace.
    - bitL 7y ago
      Probability of finding colleagues matching your interests and personality in a random workplace is very low and even if you are lucky, such situations usually don't last long.

barnyfried 7y ago

As a freelancer I dont want a startups "company". Yes, a fridge full of kombucha is not really interesting. Nor is a bunch of people bragging about spending VC money for no reason or working on useless garbage pseudo-product. And Im not lonely. So, why dont we kick it old school, and you just pay me money. As you have done for the last 20 years and will continue to do until Im bored of you.

Noughmad 7y ago
> So, why don't we kick it old school, and you just pay me money. That's the whole point of all these extra "benefits": so that they can pay you less money.
- CGamesPlay 7y ago
  If the FAANG companies set any precedent, this isn’t really true.
  - im3w1l 7y ago
    They would have to pay even more money without the benefits. Maybe.
  - Noughmad 7y ago
    Partially, but for those there's another catch. They have the campuses with game rooms, food, daycare, etc. all in order for you to spend as much time there as possible. They are literally building company towns.
    - disiplus 7y ago
      plus to switch market norms to social norms. they want you to feel like a family, not only because it benefits you, but because it benefits them. you would probably be willing to move furniture to your neighbor but would not do it if he offered you 10usd. they know that we are more productive if we feel like a family and if our opinion maters. this is nothing i came up, it's something that the division inside google came up with when tasked to learn what increases productivity in teams and why are some teams more productive then others. there is a book on the subject that i cannot remember now.

sudoaza 7y ago

Is it you WeWork?

mirap 7y ago

The next step might be to connect like-minded freelancers offline. Kind of Couchsurfing way.

pts_ 7y ago

And here I am craving work from home. It's like another planet.

Legogris 7y ago
You don't know what you have until you miss it, I suppose.
HammockTester 7y ago
Yeah I think there's a balance somewhere and for me it's not 40 hours a week in an office. Maybe 20 hours in an office and 20 at home would be more reasonable. I would imagine different people will have a different preferred balance from 0 to 100%.

LeonM 7y ago

I'm in a co-working space, and the primary reason I took it was loneliness. But I think that, for me, a social app wouldn't be able to replace a physical work space. It's not just the interaction with co-workers, but also the separation of work and home. The routine of riding my bike to and from the office is like a mental barrier, helping me to switch between work and leisure. By going to my office, I effectively switch to work mode. I'm less inclined to get distracted (HN, YT, Reddit, etc) while I'm at the office. Then, during the ride back home I have time to reflect on the day. By the time I'm back home my mind is clear and I can relax. My findings are that (at least in the Netherlands) there is plenty of opportunity for new co-working spaces. Currently it's hard for small or solo businesses to find a suitable office. All offices I found are either geared towards larger groups (10+), or had ridiculous requirements to be eligible. All the 'innovation' spaces are hard to get in when you just make a software product. They require some 'impactful' business to be accepted, which basically means you can choose between creating yet another replacement for plastic straws, or blockchain. I don't need foosball tables, I don't need eco-vegan food, I don't want to attend blockchain disruption events. I just want a desk to sit at, and do my work.

gargs 7y ago
I have thought about starting a little website where people open up their living rooms every once in a while to create an ad-hoc coworking space. It could even be the kitchen or the dining table, as long as you're sharing ideas, learning, and getting to know what other people are working on. From a business perspective, I'd rather make use of the plentiful libraries in Amsterdam than pay for a coworking space.
- lowercased 7y ago
  I think that was the idea behind http://www.workatjelly.com http://www.workatjelly.com
  - gargs 7y ago
    Yeah I saw them, but it seems like it's just a directory to Facebook pages that needs to be updated by sending an email. I think there's a good business case to make a nice website and app that would afford people a coworking space-like luxury, but at rather ad-hoc and personal locations.

shekharshan 7y ago

I worked remotely for almost 8 years. Even managed a team of 10 developers remotely. I loved it as it gave me 2-3 hours each day for exercise and meditation. The only issue was I could not establish a clear work start and end time.

dep_b 7y ago

Can't vouch for people that are single but I get plenty of human interaction around my family. Still I like to work out of the house one day per week and work with different people in an office. I guess what's also important is professionally mingling with people, what tools and frameworks people use and so on. A change of scenery. Actually it was nicer when my wife was working mornings, that would gave me a solid quiet 5 hours to work in.

ivanhoe 7y ago

I thought that these type of arguments are stupid, like why would I need to hang out with people in an office, I've got my buddies for that after work. Later I moved to another country where I knew no one beside my wife, and then I realized that mingling with office crowd is actually the easiest way to expand your social circle when you're in a new environment. Yes, you can do that on conferences or in a gym or clubs, but it all takes more effort for introverts like me.

jackcosgrove 7y ago
Even if you don't talk to others, being around people is very comforting. It meets a basic need we have as humans.
- dorkinspace 7y ago
  I think this is a generalization about the type of person you are. For me, I much prefer to work in a space where I am completely alone. I like to have music blasting without headphones, drink a smelly tea, or eat a stinky meal at my desk. I can't do any of those things in an office with others around me.
- fishmaster 7y ago
  Nope, I don't like to be in an open floor plan office when I'm getting disturbed every 5 seconds. I would 100% like to work from home.
- dkdk8283 7y ago
  Not all humans have that need. I work remote and 100% enjoy being alone. I have everything I need and rarely have to leave my house.

dntbnmpls 7y ago

If this is what startups are working on and if this is startup news, then it just might mean the tech world is awash in too much money with too few ideas. Or the news has to sell ads and has publish something. I wonder where Brady will end up? Oh that's sports "news". Also, I'm willing to bet more 9-5 workers crave privacy and alone time than freelancers want company. Besides, if you crave company, isn't there something called family ( parents, siblings, spouse, children, etc ) or friends or even pets that a better suited for that role? Or why not take up a hobby like hiking, biking, etc for company? Isn't there something inherently sad and pathetic about trying to find company at work? Maybe it's modern society. I just don't get it.

jonfw 7y ago
I don't understand the claim that work relationships are inherently non-personal or inauthentic. I have legitimately good friends at work who do favors for each other, look out for each other, hang out outside of work sometimes, etc. I keep in touch with friends from past jobs. We spend a very large percentage of waking hours at work and see a lot of faces. I really enjoy being friendly with those people and having legitimate, authentic, relationships with them.
- veggieburglar 7y ago
  Yes, I have found that this approach <surprise!> makes the workplace much more enjoyable. It feels like many HN commenters hate their work, workplace, coworkers, etc. This mindset seems to be more problematic than the actual working situation itself. Interacting with people is hard but necessary.
- dntbnmpls 7y ago
  > I don't understand the claim that work relationships are inherently non-personal or inauthentic. Didn't say that. I said it's pathetic for people who crave company to seek it at work. > I really enjoy being friendly with those people and having legitimate, authentic, relationships with them. Yes, that's called being a professional. I hope you are friendly to strangers, customers, etc too, but aren't desperately trying to use them for company because you are lonely.

merricksb 7y ago

Paywall bypass: http://archive.is/cfbW6 http://archive.is/cfbW6

jpm_sd 7y ago

I work remote from home ~80% of the time and love the quiet solitude. But I live with my my wife, three kids and a dog, so those hours of alone time feel precious. If I lived by myself I think I'd go crazy.

devtul 7y ago

You don't need to work remote to feel miserably lonely. I moved to Canada with my wife, I consider myself lucky because I have two couples of friends who also moved here. Apart from that, nothing. People where I work don't even say bye when they leave. This is insanely different from the country I came from, to say people there make a point of striking up conversations and caring about you doesn't make justice, it is just part of life. The worst part is that I am basically surrounded by fellow countrymen (1/3 of the team) but they already conformed to the norm here. This has affected our marriage since we don't have that healthy time away with friends that heals any bad mood between us.

Benmcdonald__ 7y ago
Where are you from?

dglass 7y ago

Shameless plug -- my company is working on solving this problem also, but unfortunately we weren't mentioned in the article. We talk with a lot of remote workers, freelancers, consultants, and self-employed workers, and the common theme behind all our conversations is that it's lonely working from home or on the road. We hold Work Clubs in coffee shops to give people an opportunity to work together for a few hours while getting to know other people and get out of the house. We support local small businesses and are building an IRL community for remote workers. Mental health is a major problem with working remote and we've found this is a good way to help break the loneliness. Feel free to reach out to me (my email is on my profile) with any questions or comments, or check us out at https://outofoffice.app/ https://outofoffice.app/

GrinningFool 7y ago
This looks good, but I'm reluctant to sign up without seeing information about what regions you're active in/have participants in. It would be frustrating to go through the process only to find that there's nothing in my region.
- dglass 7y ago
  Thanks for the feedback, and I don't blame you. Right now we've got communities in Portland, San Diego, and the SF Bay Area. We'ree planning to expand to a few new cities soon and are always open to people who want to host Work Clubs in their own cities.

gyre007 7y ago

As a freelancer I never missed a company. Going freelance was a clear and deliberate decision to not be a part of one.

linguistbreaker 7y ago

I have not found co-working spaces (I've tried a few in different cities) to enhance my productivity or my community. I have only been able to build community around shared hobbies or interests outside of work. I HAVE wished that there was a way to figure out who at a workplace shares my interests. For instance when I start with a new client with a large workforce, if I could quickly connect with who at that workplace is into BJJ, climbing, drones or w/e, that would be useful. This may be my individual personality - just my two cents.