I got hit with major #Inspo while coworking in Medellin
Should you use a travel coworking space?
To all my freelancers, entrepreneurs, or anyone who simply needs a good WIFI connection to make $$$— the time of coworking abroad is now upon us. There is no longer a need to stick around the same office, same hours, or even the same people. Coworking abroad has become extremely popular (and possible) for those looking to make a change in scenery and lifestyle—without wanting to change their careers. The concept really just means that you can have a productive career that is not limited by a cubicle or leased office space. Individuals are now utilizing coworking spaces (basically awesomely designed shared offices) around the globe to work from wherever and cut costs.
But how effective is travel cowork and are coworking spaces worth the cost? In the wise words of Missy Elliot, is it worth it? Can you work it? Can you flip that thang down and reverse it?
Well, GoAbroad gots you covered! We went on a mission abroad to find out the pros and cons of travel cowork and coworking spaces. To complete our mission, we headed down south to embrace the vivacious vibes of Latin America and #getsh*tdone (while eating world class ceviche). With sunglasses and laptops packed, we tried out a travel coworking space in both Ecuador and Colombia. Here’s what we discovered:
The good
The concept of travel cowork is still fairly new and questioned since people usually want to escape work while on vacation. However, thanks to the ever-growing number of coworking spaces, many are now taking advantage of travel cowork thanks to these perks:
1. You build a stronger network
….AKA you’ll raise those Linkedin connections without even breaking a sweat! One of the best things about travel cowork from a coworking space is that you will meet A LOT of people working in a variety of fields. From entrepreneurs, programmers, influencers, and more, it’s basically like being in a college library again (except this time most people have established careers and don’t solely rely on ramen noodles for survival).
Meet locals and internationals to create a diverse network at a travel coworking space and you’ll end up gaining some even better friends. Coworking spaces allow you to constantly meet different individuals reppin’ their organizations by setting up weekly events. The best part? You can even collaborate! Offer your services to others and they may do the same. Need a coder to help tech support, just ask! Sharing an office space with different brilliant minds was a thrilling and motivating experience.
When you surround yourselves around like-minded individuals, success is inevitable.
2. Your inspiration and productive flow will grow
There’s just something about being in a room filled with leaders and creatives that really gets that inspiration flowing. When you see everyone else working hard, you’ll work hard. And why are they working so hard exactly? So that they can have time to enjoy the city they’re in (AKA the reason most people even cowork abroad). If your plan isn’t to finish work early so you can soak up some beach time (and local brews) then you maybe doing travel cowork all wrong...
But seriously, with so many diligent workers around you (in some seriously bada$$ designed offices), you’ll get inspired to finish a task or even start a whole new project. Collaborations in a new city and culture will have your gears grinding and churning up new ideas and solutions.
And if Facebook and Google started from dorm rooms and garage spaces, who says the next big thing won’t come from a coworking space? Career folks with a passion for travel and risks? It’s definitely happening.
3. You save $$$ (and can use it for even more travel)
Forget bland cubicles and 12 month leases—instead, enjoy the convenience of a travel coworking space! These opportunities are saviors for those looking to save some coin. While coworking abroad, you don’t have to worry about utilities, office supplies, or even WiFi connection. Everything is provided for you including conference rooms and kitchens. The best part is that most spaces are designed to be vibrant, exciting and comforting! Some even have meditation rooms or quiet spaces so you can disconnect for some down time.
For those who weren’t paying for office spaces before, we’re sure that these well designed coworking spaces beat any home office you had set up. And when in doubt, just compare the views from your old office to your new one. ? p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica}
4. You have the world at your disposal
Coworking abroad is a never ending learning experience. Collab w/ others, eat awesome food, & accomplish your career goals.
The biggest, best and most obvious perk that comes with travel cowork is just that, the travel!
When coworking abroad, you literally have the world at your fingertips. You can still be a “real adult” while living out your “crazy” travel dreams. We’re in the digital age where work and travel are intertwining. This means you can now define your life and take control of your future. For us, our views of the suburbs in Colorado turned into breathtaking views of the Colombian coast.
Traveling the world while not taking PTO? Hell yes.
The not-so-good
There’s always a price that has to be paid, like…
1. Your privacy is limited
While every office has limited privacy and distractions, these are amplified at a coworking space. In a coworking space, every person is delegated a certain space depending on the plans they buy. Those who want more privacy (like a room instead of a desk) will have to pay more. This can make things difficult when you have an important meeting and can even cause distractions like leaving mid-day to go check out a graffiti tour with fellow peeps (#guilty). It can be easy to drop what you have to do when you’re in a new city filled with amazing activities. And with limited privacy/peace— it’s going to be all the more tempting.
2. You may miss your office and OG coworkers
You may think you’ll never miss your office in that shabby building on the 4th floor next to the break room, butttttt you’d be surprised. Those who choose to travel cowork are usually time zones apart from their original coworkers. And depending on how much you liked them, it can be a downside (or a blessing).
Company culture is highly important when it comes to an organization and it’s something that can die down or be boosted when employees are given the freedom to work from wherever. But you may find yourself missing office banter, the homemade banana bread your coworker used to bring in, and wearing bunny slippers around the office (@ GoAbroad...miss you).
From daily views of (yet another) cubicle to those of luscious Asian jungles...
3. You’re in a cycle of constant change
Travel is all about change. While the work may stay the same, your surroundings are definitely different. Getting used to new people every week, new time zones, new cultures and more can be overwhelming for many. What can be even more stressful? Having to plan accommodation, coworking spaces, and transportation!
This constant change and adaptation is a challenge and can be both mentally and physically exhausting. While coworking abroad can feel exciting at first, after a while you may just crave stability.
Tips to succeed at coworking abroad
Don’t let the cons of coworking abroad scare you into not taking a chance! Follow these tips so your time abroad can be the best time yet.
Manage your time effectively
Traveling abroad seems like it’s all fun and games (especially when your IG followers or Facebook friends only see the pretty pictures you post). However, work travel is a whole different ball game since it’s a lot easier to get lost in the magic of a city and postpone projects or important work tasks. Use these tools to help you manage your time better (leaving more time to enjoy each new country):
- Asana—To track all of your projects
- Google Calendar—To organize all your meetings, due dates, and important events
- Focus Booster—To avoid distractions using the Pomodoro technique
- Toggle—To keep tabs on how much time you work on any given project
In the famous words of every Latin household, pontes la pilas—get your act together and make things happen!
Consider a structured remote work program
There is a beauty to having most things figured out for you. And that’s exactly what remote work programs are! Avoid the hassle of having to plan flights, accommodation, coworking spaces, and more. By joining a structured remote work program, you’ll only have to pack your bags and go! Even better, you’ll be part of an awesome community that will be with you in each location. There are different remote work programs for everyone, check out our article on 7 productive, profitable, adventurous remote work programs to find the perfect one for you.
#Selflove always! Remember to take moments to appreciate your surroundings & remember how bada$$ you are
Find a work/life balance with #selflove
It can be easy to get caught up in work even while abroad. A common feeling that some may have while coworking abroad is a sense of duty. Many want to provide A1 results for their company or bosses to prove that their remote work lifestyle is productive and profitable. However, this may mean overworking and forgetting to enjoy the culture and city. It’s incredibly important to find time for both life abroad and work.
Lucky for you, many coworking spaces know the importance of well-being and self-care. This is why they are constantly creating activities and spaces where coworkers can feel relaxed and at peace. Or take matters into your own hands by joining a gym, language exchange, volunteer programs, or anything that makes you feel incredible about yourself! When you feel your best, life and work will just seem easier.
Our fave coworking spaces around the globe
Selina in Latin America
Selina cowork is perfect for those who are truly looking to FEEL the true ambiance of a city while still being #productiveAF. Their coworking spaces across Latin America provide more than just an office, they provide a sense of community, well being and collaboration. Their incredibly designed hostels and coworking spaces are tucked away in coastal regions, tropical forests, and metropolitan city centers. Enjoy arepas, empanadas, arroz, and more as you become adopted into Latino culture.
We were lucky enough to experience travel cowork from a couple of Selina locations during our time in Latin America and were highly impressed by the activities, office, staff, and overall #vibes. Grow professionally and personally during your time at Selina cowork and watch all the magic happen! More importantly, their work philosophy revolves around wellness so you will definitely be in good hands. And with over 25 locations in Latin America, they are now expanding over into Europe and the U.S so you can stay #blessed with productivity while abroad.
Spaces in Europe & Africa
Spaces was built on the idea that success creates more success. They offer creative working environments specifically for a community of thinkers, achievers, and imagineers. With many locations across Europe and Africa, Spaces looks to act as the birthplace for our ideas, especially for unique entrepreneurial spirits yearning to create something great.
Spaces offers a network of speakers, full calendar of business events, and enticing work spaces to make sure that your productivity is through the roof. Plug into their energy and watch your world accelerate!
Impact Hub in Asia
With locations in Cambodia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and more—Impact Hub should be your go to when coworking abroad in Asia.
Their spaces encourage social innovation with more than 16000+ members looking to create positive impacts all over the world Impact Hub is perfect for dreamers and entrepreneurs with a love for breathtaking temples, untouched nature, and rice variations of all kind.
Life and work are now flexible—Take a leap and cowork abroad!
*Make new coworkers, but keep the old—one is silver & the other gold
There are pros and cons to anything and everything you do in life—working abroad is no exception. But the amount of experience, growth, and memories you’ll gain from coworking abroad is inexplicable. Let’s not forget the strong sense of pride you’ll have for your job and company. Their trust, freedom, and flexibility will want to make you work 10x as hard.
But be sure to balance your time and enjoy the cultural festivities, food, and views all around. Don't be afraid to take a leap of faith and see where it takes you. Coworking abroad may just be the opportunity you were looking for to regain control of your life while still accomplishing both your work and travel dreams. Look into remote work programs if you need a push and more importantly, remember: life and work are flexible. You don’t have to choose!