Freelance workers are significantly reshaping today’s workforce. In fact, a study conducted by Upwork and Freelancers Union predicts that freelancers will make up the majority of the labor force in the United States within a decade.
The increasing number of independent workers has made shared office spaces a viable place to do freelance projects. These places are more cost-effective than renting an entire office, and they are usually equipped with various facilities and features that make them conducive for getting various tasks done, whether it’s a website or a manuscript.
From sophisticated espresso machines to fast and free Wi-Fi, many coworking spaces offer perks and amenities that will make your work life more convenient and comfortable. Still it is important to make sure you take with you the following essential gadgets to make your coworking-space experience as productive and as stress-free as possible.
Laptop and Mobile Accessories
As a freelancer, it’s your on-the-go lifestyle that sets you apart from other professionals. Whether you’re a Mac fanatic or a PC devotee, your laptop is one of the most essential gadgets you need for getting your work done anytime and anywhere.
Make sure your laptop is packed in a safe and sturdy bag so you don’t worry about it while you move from one place to another. Also, always double-check that you have all the necessary cords and accessories on hand, like a power cable, a portable charging station, batteries, and any external storage drive that contains your work files.
Headphones
One of the downsides of working in a shared office space is you can’t control your environment, so expect some distractions every now and then. Your seatmate may be playing the music from his laptop too loud, or the people behind you may be ecstatically discussing a group project.
Regardless, you need to focus on your work, and the quickest and simplest way for you to drown out noise is to put on headphones. You can play white noise to get in the zone and finish up the spreadsheet you’re working on. You can also play some happy music to get your creative juices flowing.
Power Strip
A power strip may sound crude and simple compared to the other sleek gizmos you have in your freelancing arsenal, but it will be a complete lifesaver during peak hours at a shared office. On busy days, expect a lot of people and a shortage of electrical outlets.
With a power strip, you’ll be able to keep multiple gadgets plugged in, so you don’t have to worry about your battery running out. Be the office hero, and offer to share your extra outlets to other freelancers in need.
Digital Portfolio in a Flash Disk or Tablet
Coworking spaces aren’t just great for doing projects but also for networking with fellow digital professionals and even meeting potential clients. Depending on the nature of your work, you should bring a copy of your portfolio.
Many people today prefer to go the paperless route, so go for a digital portfolio stored in either a flash disk or a tablet. With a portfolio readily on hand, you can easily show potential collaborators and clients the illustrations, marketing collaterals, and projects you have worked on in the past.
You may also want to bring calling cards that you can give away after meeting someone new. Your business card should contain pertinent information, such as your website, email, and contact number.