Nowadays, many people have chosen to work on their own terms. The BBC reports that around 15% of the entire working population is made up of freelancers, some of whom have decided to uproot their lives and become a digital nomad. But what is a digital nomad? While there is no strict definition, The Guardian describes digital nomads as online workers that don't have a fixed home base.

Now, because they move around so much, looking for an ideal place to work is of the utmost importance. Luckily, the rise of coworking spaces around the world has given digital nomads access to plenty of environments that are conducive for work — but not all of them are made equal, as some are definitely better than others. Read on to know the qualities of an ideal coworking space for you.

Design


While this may seem like a superficial way of looking at things, there's more to this than meets the eye. The way that a coworking space is designed heavily affects whether or not you'll be productive. Everything from the lighting to the interior design is a factor that can affect your overall performance. You'll also have to consider the number of people that frequent the space and whether or not you'll be able to work in peace.

One important thing that you should take note of is the lighting. A study conducted by the University of Michigan has found a correlation between lighting and brain performance, stating that poorly lit places are detrimental to the way people work. That said, be sure to keep this in mind when making your choice for a suitable coworking space, as it could affect your productivity otherwise.

Amenities


Coworking spaces should, before anything else, be practical. This means they should function as an office. And while this means that they should feature spaces where you can work in optimal conditions, the devil is truly in the details. Industrious highlights how the small details of a coworking space can affect your work — whether it’s how hot the coffee is or how comfortable your seat is. These all add up to your overall working experience. Additionally, always check if the coworking space has equipment that you may need, such as working printers and scanners. This is important considering you may not always have access to such equipment if you are always moving around. In a nutshell, taking the amenities of a coworking space into serious consideration is crucial, as the bulk of what you're paying for will be going towards them.

Cost


Speaking of payment, the cost to avail of the space plays a crucial part in the decision-making process. As Dillon Dubois has already discussed in our article on the annual spending of a digital nomad, the average amount that people spend on coworking spaces sits at around $300 (£230) per month. This amount will be higher or lower depending on where you are in the world. Coworking spaces tend to cost less in Latin America, Asia, and Central Europe. To be safe, you'll have to set aside around $1,800 (£1,380) for the year to spend on coworking spaces alone.

Considering the significant amount of money you'll be spending on coworking spaces, you'll have to consider all the factors. You'll want to get the most of your rent money by choosing a place that strikes the right balance between practicality and function.

To read more about how to live a digital nomad lifestyle, check out Arcido.