Zoom Rooms vs Real Rooms: Which Community Works for You?
Written by Yvie from Yoco Studio, our very joyful, very colourful, creative sidekick.
I’ve been working somewhat as a freelancer ever since I was in college — a few more years ago than I like to count, and way before I knew that ‘freelancing’ was even a thing. Since then I’ve had a beautifully wonky career covering contracting, agency, in-house, (actual) freelancing, and now running my own business as a Brand Designer, Strategist and all-round Creative Pal.
Working for yourself is amazing. The freedom, the flexibility, the no hovering boss breathing down your neck? Bliss. But after a while the solo part can get pretty lonely. I class myself as an introvert, but I really missed the casual chats, collaboration, encouragement, and even just being around others at their desks.
That’s when you start wondering whether it’s time to join a coworking space. Or maybe find an online group for solo biz-owners. There are so many different options available now for business owners, and it can be hard to know which type of community actually helps when you’re self-employed.
I’ve tried both types over the years…and a fair few of them at that. So, here’s some things to think about to help you decide which works best for you: virtual or in-person communities.
Let’s talk virtual communities
You’ve probably seen lots of posts about these on social, and online/virtual communities are perfect for freedom and flexibility. I mean you can join in from any room/table/bed in the world as long as you have a wifi connection! You can hop on a weekly coworking Zoom call, share your projects, or ask for some accountability chat without ever putting on shoes. Even just seeing a familiar face on screen or reading a friendly “good morning!” in a group WhatsApp can make your day feel lighter and more structured.
The downside? Online interactions can sometimes feel a little distant. We all know that reading messages can seem to have a different tone to when you hear someone speak (I recently heard that you can’t text “…” innocently anymore), and in-thread conversations often happen staggery over hours or days as people log-in. Building real friendships takes time and effort, and even in Zooms or workshops, once the call ends you’re still sitting alone at your laptop.
My most fav thing: Being able to work and chat with people from all over the world, who all have the same values or vibe.
My least fav thing: When there aren’t replays of workshops. Not everyone can attend live, especially across different time zones.
What about in-person spaces?
There’s a certain magic that comes with real-life community. That hum of energy when you sit in a coworking space or coffee shop full of people typing, talking, and creating things. Being around others who ‘get it’ (on this biz-level) hits different. It subconsciously encourages you to get in the zone too, and gives a gentle push to be productive and get stuff done. Even though you’re not working together, you’re working together, you know?
Did you know that Wild started as an in-person coworking group, with a physical space? Read about the story here.
The main trade-off here is logistics: travel, cost, time. Because they are a physical space, the cost can vary but it generally will be more per month. You also can’t just roll out of bed and join like you can online — you have a different kind of commute (that’s 100% on your terms!) If you have an ad-hoc or hot-desking membership, you might need to plan your workload just in case there isn’t an ideal spot for you when you arrive. And make sure you remember to bring everything with you, because you can’t pop into the other room to grab your SSD with those files you forgot you needed…
My most fav thing: Leaving the house. The extra productivity boost I get from being somewhere buzzy. Free coffee!
My least fav thing: Leaving the house 😅. Having no control over who you share the space with, or how the environment feels (bad lighting, bad seats, bad times).
The best of both worlds
Do you have to choose one or the other? You’ll be pleased to know you do not! Many of the people I know (myself included) and up blending the two like a delightful affogato.
Maybe you join a virtual group for daily structure and workshop availability, and visit a local coworking space once a week to change your environment and get some face-to-face connection. You might find yourself starting one way and naturally grow into the other as your needs and business change. Some groups boast hybrid coworking as an integral part of their offer — just like Wild Coworking.
Virtual community gives you consistency. You can check in even when you’re travelling, busy, or not feeling especially social. In-person community gives you depth. Real laughs, shared lunches, and the grounding presence of people beside you. Put them together and they make self-employed life feel much more balanced by being both flexible and connected.
My most fav thing: Being able to pick and choose the events/activities based on my energy or mood (coworking could be in-person when I’m feeling outsidey or on Zoom when I need to work but comforted by a giant blanket).
My least fav thing: When the community isn’t based in my city, and I can’t go to every single event like I wish I could.
Figuring out what works for you
The most important thing here is to figure out what exactly works for you. It depends on your personality, energy levels, business type, and season of life.
Here’s a few simple questions to ask yourself:
Do I crave energy and conversation, or do I prefer quiet connection?
Am I more motivated by routine check-ins, or by physical spaces that help me focus?
What sorts of jobs do I need a fixed space for, versus what tasks can be done anywhere?
What’s realistic with my schedule, location, and budget?
If you’re not sure, start small. Why not try a virtual coworking session to get a feel for things. There are plenty of friendly communities that welcome drop-ins. Maybe visit a local coworking space or meetup once a month. Notice how you feel after each, and see where you’d like to spend more time.
And remember, it’s okay to try a few and change your mind! I compare finding a biz community to finding a therapist — it can take a few tries to find one you really gel with. After all, the right one is the one you actually enjoy showing up for.
P.S. If you see me in any online communities (I’m in a few), please come and say hi 👋🏽