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> I was using a small coworking space a 2 minute walk around the corner instead This was something I wanted to do as well - only to find out that the local cow

> I was using a small coworking space a 2 minute walk around the corner instead This was something I wanted to do as well - only to find out that the local coworking doesn't let you do calls in the space - you have to walk out into halls or limited number of "booths". And I found this common in coworking spaces around here. Which is a stark contrast with how open layout offices I worked in worked (you were expected to keep noise down to tolerable levels but if you didn't want to be disturbed by noise you had headphones). The idea sounds excellent - I live 5 walking from a nearby coworking space that's really well equipped - but in practice it's not ideal. + having to leave my equipment around strangers isn't the best either and I don't want to meet randoms in a coworking space before I can feel comfortable leaving a wallet on the desk when going to the toilet. I might end up renting a private office there - but the smallest office they have is 2 people and that's a lot more expensive than a coworking desk. I agree with everything else you said - I love walking out with my wife and son around lunch time and flexible work hours are much better - I tend to be most productive later in the day anyway - which usually meant I spent mornings in the office socialising and procrastinating and then having to work late - I get to spend that time with my family now.

rorykoehler 6y ago
I use afternoons for focused work, no calls, so it works for me. In the morning I usually work from the kitchen taking calls etc as I can make coffee etc and everyone is still asleep anyways. Calls are definitely an issue for coworking. I even considered designing and developing modular call booths for coworking space at one time (when I ran a space).
wikibob 6y ago
Taking calls in open plan workspaces is so incredibly thoughtless to others working. Wildly distracting and frustrating when people do this. No noise canceling headphones do not block out voices.
- bsder 6y ago
  > Taking calls in open plan workspaces is so incredibly thoughtless to others working. This is why that old, stuffy, sclerotic behemoth named IBM used to have individual offices with doors. Funny that.
- erik_seaberg 6y ago
  Closed headphones do a better job, because a thick hunk of plastic doesn’t need to predict the incoming noise. I found HD-280 to be pretty comfortable.
- jmcphers 6y ago
  There often just isn't a choice. When I was shopping for co-working spaces I'd see tons of open plan space, with maybe 1 or 2 tiny phone closets for 50 - 100 people. They were always in constant use. I don't know why open offices don't set aside more space for private conversations when they need to happen.
kristianc 6y ago
> Which is a stark contrast with how open layout offices I worked in worked (you were expected to keep noise down to tolerable levels but if you didn't want to be disturbed by noise you had headphones). People who thought they could talk as loud as they want / hold an impromptu meeting by your desk and thought it was your problem to sort out if you didn’t like it are a lot of the reason why I hated open plan offices so much.

rorykoehler 6y ago

I use afternoons for focused work, no calls, so it works for me. In the morning I usually work from the kitchen taking calls etc as I can make coffee etc and everyone is still asleep anyways. Calls are definitely an issue for coworking. I even considered designing and developing modular call booths for coworking space at one time (when I ran a space).

wikibob 6y ago

Taking calls in open plan workspaces is so incredibly thoughtless to others working. Wildly distracting and frustrating when people do this. No noise canceling headphones do not block out voices.

bsder 6y ago
> Taking calls in open plan workspaces is so incredibly thoughtless to others working. This is why that old, stuffy, sclerotic behemoth named IBM used to have individual offices with doors. Funny that.
erik_seaberg 6y ago
Closed headphones do a better job, because a thick hunk of plastic doesn’t need to predict the incoming noise. I found HD-280 to be pretty comfortable.
jmcphers 6y ago
There often just isn't a choice. When I was shopping for co-working spaces I'd see tons of open plan space, with maybe 1 or 2 tiny phone closets for 50 - 100 people. They were always in constant use. I don't know why open offices don't set aside more space for private conversations when they need to happen.

kristianc 6y ago

> Which is a stark contrast with how open layout offices I worked in worked (you were expected to keep noise down to tolerable levels but if you didn't want to be disturbed by noise you had headphones). People who thought they could talk as loud as they want / hold an impromptu meeting by your desk and thought it was your problem to sort out if you didn’t like it are a lot of the reason why I hated open plan offices so much.