Jan 23, 2018
Tutors of all stripes can benefit from “co-working” – the workspace revolution that empowers independent professionals to enjoy the perks of having your own office, while giving your business and your clients a convenient space to thrive.
An estimated 40 percent of American workers will be self-employed by 2020, and it’s a safe bet that a fair few tutors will rank among them.
For all the independence and flexibility that the self-employed life offers tutors, one major drawback is the constant travel tutoring often entails, from client to client, home to home, library to coffeeshop, to who-knows-where.
What if we told you there was a low-cost, high-return alternative to the tiring bustle of the perpetual commute?
There is, and we’d like to introduce you to it. It’s called co-working – where independent professionals like yourself share a common workspace with unique perks that offices of old rarely delivered (maybe one reason why even the Big End of Town is flocking to co-working spaces).
Co-working spaces like WeWork and Co-Merge can offer the smart tutor an advantage over the competition, as well as opportunities that the solitary work life can’t offer. Here’s why every tutor should consider co-working:
You already have your own business. Why not your own budget-friendly, client-wooing business space, too?
A co-working space can be as simple as a shared desk, with access to private conference rooms at an additional hourly cost. For example, WeWork offers hot desks at any of more than 200 locations nationwide starting at $220 a month, giving you the space to work between seeing clients privately, in the comfort of your own centrally located office.
And how's this for a bonus: because tutors are independent contractors, your co-working office space is 100 percent tax deductible.
Leasing an office usually buys you a floor and ceiling and not much else—and most leases lock in tenants for a serious financial and time commitment, from six months to a year minimum.
Co-working spaces, on the other hand, give users month-to-month flexibility with their membership, and a whole range of amenities to boot for you and your business. From printers and high-speed Wi-Fi, to a bounty of office supplies, common areas where you can unwind, and fully-stocked kitchens with snacks, fancy soda waters, and more.
Did we mention the limitless micro-roasted coffee? We’re out of breath listing just a few of the many amenities most major co-working spaces like WeWork offer.
Co-working is more than just a workspace; it’s a community-driven movement.
Most spaces offering regular networking events, training programs, and social events. So avail yourself to the opportunity to build a collaborative environment, and meet other independent professionals who can guide you through the process of running your own business and connect you to potential clients.
Tutors usually work alone, but that doesn’t mean you should sacrifice the benefits that come with collaborating and networking with other independent professionals like yourself.
In fact, studies show that people who work in common spaces report better, more productive working lives. While the numbers are still raw, University of Michigan professor Gretchen Spreitzer says the research “does show that people feel like they’re more productive in the company of others that they trust.”
Lastly, co-working is the perfect way to advertise yourself as a serious professional (and for all your other promotional needs, we have you covered).
Co-working spaces are a world apart from the library or coffee shop table, and offer a full-time concierge to greet your clients as they arrive and security to ensure safety. Adult clients can easily navigate to you and parents can enjoy the peace of mind knowing their child is at a safe and convenient location.
Co-working spaces demonstrate you’re not just any tutor. You’re a smart tutor and co-working is a no-brainer for the tutoring professional looking to scale their business.
The co-working market is exploding, with co-working spaces growing by 22 percent a year. In fact, by 2020, an estimated 3.8 million Americans will work in over 26,000 co-working spaces. To find what suits your needs, start searching for your co-working office today.
Already a co-working tutor? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
banner image from https://www.thebalance.com/coworking-space-for-entrepreneurs-4150279