Hello, I'm Deb and live in Chicago. I started a biz 20 yrs ago (small distributorship) and worked out of my house for 10 yrs; then rented space in a small office in a suburban downtown area. I worked alone for many yrs but now have 1 full time and 1 part time staff.
I have enjoyed being an entrepreneur. However, I have always thought that the downside to choosing this career path, was the isolation, lack of a team, and minimal social aspects that one would get from a "normal" job. I have found ways to improve the situation over the yrs, but can't help but wonder what It would be like to be part of a community while at work. So I am tossing around the idea of a co work space for my present biz (which I now devote approximate 60% of my time to). But I'd also like to pursue a second career in a field that I enjoy more (tbd). My thinking is of a space targeting both people in the 50+ age group to work along side young tech savvy people, where we could both learn from each other. A lot of people my age want to "reinvent" themselves and I think that a creative place in a thriving community could be of interest. Almost like a learning center. Although as I put my thoughts in writing, I guess there already is a "senior learning center" in town. But I'm thinking more professional, stimulating, and progressive than that. I have searched several existing coworking websites and like some of their ideas, i.e., incorporating local art into the space, maybe providing studio workspace as well as office space and simultaneously displaying art. There is a fair amount of vacant commercial space in town, however, most spaces are old, small, "hodge podge", chopped up, tucked away above retail establishments... My idea is to get a first floor, several storefront spaces, gut it, remodel it, keep it green. An energetic hub for career renewal, etc. and an asset to the community. So as I said, this is the first that I'm actually putting this in writing. I need to research more, gather data, refine the concept and get feedback, to see if this is a feasible opportunity. I am happy to find this group and look forward to discussions. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Coworking" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en.
