Overheard a guy in a Bali co-working space say coworking is dead and it got me thinking

He said remote workers are all just hiding in hotel rooms now because coworking fees got crazy high after COVID. Made me realize I've been spending $300 a month on desk space when the local library here has free AC and fiber internet. Has anyone else ditched coworking memberships for free spots?

3 comments

3 Comments

blake_bell291mo ago

Pretty sure coworking being "dead" is just the usual overreaction people have when something changes... I mean coworking spaces were already stupid expensive before COVID, it's not like a $300 desk was ever a normal thing. Libraries have always been free with AC and WiFi, people just forgot about them during the lockdown phase. Feels like a lot of these Bali digital nomad types just like to complain about stuff to sound deep.

alicesingh1mo ago

Totally used to roll my eyes at people who said coworking was overhyped, honestly thought it was just part of the remote work package (you know, like mandatory kombucha and standing desks). But after reading this, I actually checked my budget and realized I've been paying $300 for a spot where I mostly just sit with headphones on anyway. Switched to the local library last week and it's quieter, faster internet, and I don't feel guilty if I only stay for an hour. The only thing I miss is the free coffee, but $300 buys a lot of oat milk lattes.

kelly_nelson951mo ago

Wait, you were paying $300 a month? That's wild. I know coworking has its perks but for that much you could get a whole separate wework membership for two months, or like buy a nice desk and chair for your home. I've never been to a library that had faster internet than a coworking space though, maybe I just live in a weird area where the library's wifi is kinda spotty? But honestly the no-guilt thing is huge, I hate feeling like I have to stay all day just to get my money's worth.