To think coworking isn't the same for freelancers anymore?

[Finlesswonder]

Just wondering if anyone else feels the same! I've been freelance for 15 years and initially coworking spaces were a godsend, a chance to meet other freelancers and break the loneliness. Now though, I'd say in the past 5 years, it feels like there's been a change and I'm wondering whether it's just me who's changed or whether other freelancers feel it.

First of all, the Covid WFH movement has meant loads of WFHers have landed, which is obviously totally their right and I get why they too want to get out of the house. But it's just a different mentality and because they do have their teams it's just a different dynamic.

Secondly I'm not sure what happened but even before Covid, workspaces started doing this thing where they began renting out big sections of their spaces for private offices, so the coworking became 50% freelancers and 50% private spaces occupied by businesses, again shifting the dynamic. Some of the spaces I've been to actually shut the whole place down some days for "private hire".

Lastly, prices shot up (understandable, same with everything), and the "community events" shifted slightly in tone. Whereas before there was an emphasis on this 'break the loneliness/meet other drifting freelancers' vibe with like the occasional lunch together session or weekly breakfast, now I'd say the activities have gone much more upmarket with stuff like yoga, massages, breathwork etc.

The result is now I think I'm just over the coworking thing and am starting to look at the stuff that was available before that whole concept boomed - big empty cafés, libraries etc.

Anyone get what I mean?!

I know exactly what you mean. There used to be a special dynamic about self employed/freelancers getting together and working together. Lots of networking, etc.

Now, we've got lots of work from home employees, which is obviously their right, but it's changed the dynamics and a lot of the "water cooler" chats are about bad bosses, workmates, etc which just isn't the same - it's now more like a workplace with the usual office politics and bitchiness rather than talking about new opportunities, innovation, etc.

Must admit, I'm spending a lot less time there these days, and, yes, starting to find other places to work. One place in particular that I find good is a university in a town where I have a couple of clients so I go there before/after/between meetings, either in their library (open to public) or they have numerous working/studying area in various buildings. I just love the ambience, uplifting environment etc - far better than work from home drones bringing their "office baggage" into coworking spaces.

@Kazzyhoward
So glad it's not just me!

Another thing that has been pissing me off lately (but can't remember if it was always like this?) is on the ground floor of these spaces a lot of them have a posh coffee shop style set up with coffee machines. When you join the coworking they tell you it's free tea and coffee but what they actually mean is you can use the bullshit filter coffee on the upper floors but will need to pay if you want like a latte or something. Also where are the snacks?! In the early days I remember lots of places used to have jars of biscuits, sweets, nuts you could help yourself to. It's like come on guys, stop being so tight.

Good idea the University, also have a look at chain cafés: I don't mean the big giants, but for example in my city there are three coffee places owned by the same guy and he has "Don't care" students working there. It's great because the one near me is quite beautiful and massive, and never full so you're never moved on. For £25 a day (coworking day rate) I can have a nice coffee, a sandwich and a drink for lunch, and another coffee in the afternoon. Seems like a no brainer?

I’m involved in a group that does quite a bit for freelancers such as events and co working days. I don’t recognise what you describe at all.
The venues are true co working spaces and there are no corporates there. It’s usually 2 or 3 from a company at most and the vast majority and individuals.
I am not saying your experience isn’t real but it’s different to mine so maybe there ARE still venues like the ones you want in your area too?

Our global company is shutting 18 out of 25 offices so that we can have ‘hubs’ where we’ll have space in freelancer places.
infeel for you, it will totally change the dynamic but it’s the future.

I worked freelance for them before being permanent and had the chance to go into an office or use co-working space and always chose co-worker space as it was more relaxed and nicerZ

Our company is in one of these spaces. We actually grew our office there starting from one WFH employee who was using it as a co-working space. But now we are basically just a serviced office. We don't really interact with the freelancers (will say hi but we have our own colleagues there for chat) and I can see how that would be annoying for them as it dilutes the atmosphere. Also the building rules have got more stingy, I guess so they can make money - some communal areas converted to offices, no free tea and coffee, etc.

I sympathise with your plight!

Oh yes! I've my own office in my home town, but rent desks in other towns when I'm working away, including a few where I rent a desk regularly on a one/two day a month basis. It's just not like it used to be.

I've just cancelled one place because last time I went, there was a "Chantelle" on the next desk who was literally on the phone all day. If I hear "Can I just take you through security" one more time, I'll scream. She was clearly a "work from home" customer service adviser. That's fine, obviously, she has every right, but never ending chatter from 6 feet away doesn't help me concentrate on my own work. I think such workers should be renting their own enclosed spaces/offices.

I used to love just chatting to other entreprenneurs at the coffee machine, there was usually a "vibe" and energy, but more recently, it's just a "drudgery" vibe from the majority who mostly seem to be WFH employees rather than freelancers, not remotely interested in their jobs, etc.

I agree, the rise of remote work during Covid brought in a different crowd, and their dynamics are distinct from freelancers. Plus, the emergence of private offices within coworking spaces has definitely shifted the vibe.
If you're looking for more freelancer-centric spaces or need to book a meeting room for a focused work session, you might want to explore a meeting room booking system. It could help you find spaces that align better with your freelance needs.
Change is inevitable, and it's about finding the right balance and environment that suits your work style. Keep adapting, and here's to another successful 15 years of freelancing!

As ever, it's greed; the owners of these spaces no longer have to tempt you in, they have hoards of potential customers now. Naturally they want to cash in
The irony is, all the 'new' to non-office based working, who screamed to wfh post-pandemic, are now seeking others to work alongside...