My first co-working experience

As a freelance working mum I often feel like I have the perfect balance. Working freelance has always given me flexibility, my business grew with my child and I took on more work as he became more independent, now I set my own working routine to work around his needs as a busy teenager who just happens to be a pretty amazing climber.

Most of the time freelance working allows me to juggle family, work and other interests but, just occasionally, it can feel like all the balls are up in the air at once.

Right now I have a deadline looming for the Coastlands project. At the same time, my son is training to represent GB Climbing at the Youth World Championships in Dallas in a couple of weeks (I know, incredible!). Living in rural Northumberland, we don’t have the type of facilities he needs on our doorstep so training means travelling, a lot.

Last week we needed to be near Sheffield and I couldn’t afford to take several days off with a funding deadline looming. So, for the first time, I dipped my toe into the world of Co-working and this turned out to be the perfect solution.

Co-working Corner in Matlock has everything you could possibly need: not only do you get a desk and wifi (which, by the way, didn’t drop out once, unlike at home!) but also unlimited cups of tea/coffee, home baked cookies/cupcakes and doggy cuddles whenever you need them. Jen is the perfect host and the workspace felt really professional but also friendly. I could crack on with what I needed to do and my son could travel into Sheffield for his training.

I enjoy working at home and I don’t find myself missing company or feeling isolated so I don’t think I would use a co-working office regularly but I would definitely book a work space again if I am away from home.

Thank you Jen (and Cookie the dog) for making me so welcome.