Is coworking actually worth it or just overpriced coffee shops?

I keep seeing digital nomads rave about coworking spaces like they're mandatory, but I've been working from cafes in Barcelona for three months and my productivity is fine. Meanwhile my friend paid $200 for a desk in a shared room in Lisbon and says it's the only way to focus. Do you guys actually produce more work in coworking, or is it just paying for the vibe?

3 comments

3 Comments

gracethomas5d ago

Oh man, I can't with these debates. So your friend paid $200 for the privilege of sitting in a room with other people staring at screens? That's basically paying for a library with better lighting and worse snacks. Meanwhile you're over in Barcelona sipping cortados and getting your work done for the price of a coffee. I guess if you need someone to hold your hand through using a printer or you're terrified of asking a barista for the wifi password, coworking is the move. But personally I'll take my chances with a wobbly cafe table and hope the outlet situation works out.

charles_coleman5d ago

Nah, I gotta disagree with you here. Coworking spaces aren't just overpriced coffee shops - they actually help me get way more done. The problem with cafes is you never know when you'll get kicked out or if the wifi will crap out mid-meeting. Plus having actual desks, printers, and quiet areas makes a huge difference when you need to focus on something real. I've tried both and my productivity doubled at a coworking spot just because I stopped worrying about my laptop battery or buying another $4 espresso to stay.

danielm805d ago

Oh man, @charles_coleman you totally nailed it. I'm with you 100 percent on that. The whole "overpriced coffee shop" thing drives me nuts because people forget that consistency matters way more than saving a few bucks. When your internet keeps dropping or you're hunched over a tiny table, you can't get into a real flow state. I'll take a proper desk and guaranteed power outlets any day.