Coworking is an emerging trend for a new generation of workers looking to avoid the traditional 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. shift in a boring cubicle, or commuting. When you cowork, you rent an office space - sometimes a desk, other times an entire office area - and work independently from others in the space. All range of working tools such as high-speed Internet, phones, printers, conference rooms are provided. The majority of customers interested in hiring these services are entrepreneurs, consultants, and freelance professionals seeking an alternative  to working in coffee shops and cafes, or the isolation of independent or home offices.

Coworking environments have been popping up in cities all around the world and Business Center offering these services state that the benefit of coworking facilities is that the independent worker gets a creative place to work when they need it where to share ideas, resources and brainstorm with folks of a similar mind and lifestyle. At worst he/she meets people to chat with over lunch or coffee on a break and fells less alone. But is coworking the perfect solution for all independent workers?

There are a number of pros and cons to coworking, here are some:

PROs to Coworking:

• Professional Address:For freelancers in an urban area, one advantage to coworking might include a professional address. This allows you to send and receive correspondence from clients or set up meetings. Rather than giving your apartment number, freelance professionals can give their coworking address to clients.
• Less Distraction: Sometimes, working at home can be distracting. The kids might bother you on the weekends, your significant other might want you to run errands, or the space in general can provide a distraction. Using a coworking space is advantageous for those that need to get out of the house away from the distractions to work. Coworking can also offer you a way to schedule your work so you can make the most of your time.
•  Networking :One of the biggest benefits of coworking is the built-in community of professionals working across different industries. To make the most from your coworking experience, introduce yourself on the first day to everyone and don’t stop interacting with your coworkers. Also do not lose any occasion to network and to collaborate with them.. Also, most coworking spaces host happy hours, seminars or other events that are prime opportunities for learning more about your coworkers.

CONs to Coworking:

• Cost: Because you are renting space from a coworking company, your funds are diverted from other investments. Freelancers that have just started their business might want to wait to try coworking and work on marketing their business first. There are plenty of relatively cheap and free spaces new freelancers can work, such as libraries and coffee shops.
• Less Flexibility :Many freelance professionals enjoy the flexibility and freedom of being in business for themselves. One disadvantage to coworking might include feeling like your schedule is less flexible. Some coworking spaces have specific office hours, and for freelancers that like to work odd hours (early in the morning or late into the night), this could prove to be difficult. Renting a space you might only be able to use for certain hours might feel like an inconvenience. This is, of course, a personal choice.
• Lack of total privacy  Coworking is generally not optimal if privacy is a big concern for your company. If you’re a lawyer who deals with a lot of confidential documents or doesn’t want to be overheard on the phone, coworking doesn’t work.

How to choose the best coworking facilities?

Whether you’re aiming to be as productive as possible without a lot of socializing or trying to build a strong professional community that you can turn to for resources and support, always try a couple or three different coworking facilities to see that works best for you before you commit. The coworking experience varies drastically depending on which space you’re using. Different spaces have different levels of interaction with other workers, formality and general vibe. Also, it is important to see if the people in the space are people who you could go and see every day, if it’s not, then go to the next space.

Want to know more about Coworking? Here are some articles that you might find interesting:

• Evaluating the Benefits and Drawbacks of Coworking 
• Is Coworking Right for You?
• 5 Signs That Coworking Might Be for You
• Why Co-Working Makes Sense for Small Businesses

If you are looking for a coworking space in Barcelona here is a Webiste that lists main coworking facilities in Barcelona area: Coworking Spain.