Have you ever gone into a situation expecting one thing and ended up with something entirely different? I know I have.
A first date with a guy who I matched with on Bumble comes to mind. He asked me if I had any dietary restrictions and I told him I was a vegetarian. He seemed happy to accommodate this, but when we got to the place, turns out he had selected a small barbecue joint with a very limited menu. When I told him I couldn’t eat anything on the menu, he said that was why he picked the place. He didn’t want to feel obligated to pay for my meal. All I can hope is that you never have a date like mine that subverts your expectations so badly.
Unexpected Surprises
This was a negative experience, but I love the feeling of finding unexpected positive things. It can be refreshing and reassuring to have things go well, even when they don’t go the way you thought they would.
These welcome surprises can be found in just about any situation. And, since I’m interning at a coworking space, let’s take coworking for example. I learned that people often reach out to Cowork Frederick looking for:
- An escape from distractions
- A place to take Zoom calls
- A private office
- Reliable high-speed internet (because it’s not at home)
- A place to hold meetings
- Networking opportunities (to sell people something)
- A “virtual office” (AKA business address)
You can find these things at just about any coworking space, including here at Cowork Frederick. While they bring many people in the door, it’s rarely why they stay. People stay because they discover there’s much more to coworking than a desk, internet, or spot to take calls or meetings. They discover something even better – something not expected – they find real friendships and people who care about them (not just their business).
I joined Cowork Frederick in 2021 because of the pandemic! I needed somewhere to work outside of my home. I stay because I work better around other people, and I really like my coworkers. (Emily M)
Even those who come looking to interact with others often find what they get is better than expected. Sure, they find people they can be around, but they also find an authentic community.
A Found Family
A community ties members together and creates social circles, which extend beyond a place where work is done. It’s in many ways a “found family”. It creates a sense of belonging. Indeed, it’s not uncommon to hear members of Cowork Frederick talking about the hike they did over the weekend, the latest book the book club is reading, or the upcoming Bridgerton watch party – in addition to seeing them consult each other on a design, share tips on bookkeeping, or give advice on a tricky business situation.
… People from all different backgrounds, cultures, and professions exchange life experiences, knowledge and skills. We share laughter and good moments. Cowork Frederick, in particular, is a positive and healthy place. I greatly enjoy it. (Assim S)
The way Cowork Frederick members talk makes it clear that they are no exception to this “found family” effect.
I love my husband and children, but I needed to be around other adults. I’m so glad that I made that choice. I’ve been fortunate to build great friendships with my wonderful coworkers. (Bethany G)
I chose Cowork Frederick because of the community you feel. I’m really an introvert, and sometimes it’s hard to step out of that, but Cowork Frederick gives you space to interact with others. (Kisha W)
People Need People
I am not surprised that human connection is a big reason people decide to stay at Cowork Frederick. UCLA Newsroom says that people are more likely to be successful when they are in environments that allow them to feed the human need for social interaction. When people are isolated, they can begin to feel insignificant and invisible. In a work context, loneliness could make it more difficult to feel motivated or affect work-life balance. A sense of belonging has been identified as a basic human need.
Quite honestly, I was getting depressed working alone at home all the time in a new place where I didn’t have any connections. Being part of the community here has helped me establish those connections and kept me from being a sad, unproductive lump on the floor. (Ryan S)
Members get the chance to make social bonds with others, be there to support their projects and endeavors, and get to know a variety of people from different backgrounds. There are weekly events that foster community interaction, meant to connect members and allow people to get to know each other better. Paying for a membership or a day pass is going to get you the use of facilities and meeting rooms, but the most valuable resource that can be found here is the people you will meet and who will impact your life for the better.
Something Bigger
It is interesting how reasons for coming in the door tend to be self-focused. People had a personal need for something and ended up coming to Cowork Frederick to solve their dilemma. However, members chose to stay at Cowork Frederick for reasons bigger than themselves. They decided to stick around because they felt like they were a part of something.
And for all those who are wondering, I got up and left the date when he told me we could go to another place after he was finished eating so I could buy myself dinner. While I might have left that experience, you won’t want to leave Cowork Frederick when you meet all the wonderful people and get to experience the beautiful space!
So, if you feel like you need to get out of the house, need fast and reliable internet, want a place to have business meetings, or even just want to escape the monotony of your daily routine, come give coworking with us a try. You will get all of this and so much more, including the pleasure of working in a gorgeous historic Downtown setting. Odds are you will also make some good friends along the way.