Working from home getting a little lonely?

I read an article the other day in the Chicago Tribune which added a new spin on the shared office space industry.  Some of you may be familiar with Regus, Amata Business Centers, or OfficeLinks.  If your not, then let me enlighten you for a moment. 

You can rent a "cubicle" (or office) from these firms, utilizing their furniture, equipment, and amenities (such as their refrigerator, etc.) to lower a businesses overhead.  You can do this by the day, month, or even year.  It's often a good option for a travelling business person who needs space in various cities throughout the country.  When you pay for an office with Regus, you aren't limited to just one specific location.

So back to that article...the article introduced me to the concept of "coworking."  The article says "Coworking, a phenomenon that began in San Francisco, brings together people with different jobs who want to work alongside each other. The arrangement offers an alternative to working alone at home or fighting with other laptop-toting freelancers for electrical outlets at a cafe. And unlike traditional shared office space, coworking is aimed at people looking to socialize and collaborate."

Whomever came up with this concept has got their head screwed on straight.  With the recession supposedly ending, maybe the need for these spaces won't be as significant, however it is my opinion that the general trend of people going into business for themselves is going to steadily increase.

OfficePort Chicago has just opened a new location in downtown Chicago that offers an urban, workable, fun, and creative environment.    Instead of setting up shop in your local Starbucks (which I know many of you do on a daily basis), you can now work in an environment surrounded by other soloprenuer's where you can chat with someone other than that other voice in your head.  Jokes aside, it is not a new concept that we humans are social creatures.   It also shouldn't be news to anyone that most companies are pinching their wallets more than ever in trying to cut costs; perhaps small businesses even more so.  To my relief, when I checked out the prices, they are considerably more affordable than other shared office space options.  And twice as cool!  However, still not as cheap as that free seat in the corner of Starbucks that comes with that $3 latte.

Now we Mac users can all breathe a collective sigh of relief!  No more drab neautral toned offices. Cheers to the alternative work space!