You might love what you do for a living, but sometimes getting the energy to do work is hard. Whether it’s your main gig or a side hustle, it all needs to get done. One of my favorite ways to stay productive after office hours is to invite a friend for a “work hang.” I’ve got stuff to do, and she has stuff to do. Why not keep each other company while still getting the job done?
Here are some benefits to co-working with a friend:
You’re kept accountable. Just like exercising, it’s always more fun with a buddy — and you’re more likely to get it done if you have another person to keep you accountable. I like to set up these work hangs a couple days in advance to give myself some time to collect what I would like to accomplish during that time. On top of that, I have a friend who generally knows what I’m working on and vice versa, so sometimes we will set a couple goals for each other as well.
Brainstorming is more fun. If I have a problem I’m trying to work out, I make sure to bring it to the table to get some feedback from an outside perspective. It’s definitely helpful to have a second set of eyes on something and/or a person to answer the question, “Does this sound right?” As an extrovert, being able to think out loud with someone is one of the best parts of workshopping ideas. Make sure you stay on track though and don’t stray too much from your day’s mission. Trust me, I know how easy digressions can be.
It’s good for morale. Working side-by-side with someone, even if it’s for completely different projects, is incredibly motivating. You’re both working towards your respective goals and that kind of good energy is contagious! When morale is up, momentum is up. As Newton says, “an object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion.” So, get moving!
If you haven’t tried co-working before, I would highly recommend giving it a shot. It’s a great feeling to be able to help each other with ideas, support, and accountability. Some of my favorite working sessions have been to pull myself or a friend out of a creative (or career) rut. And as long as there’s wi-fi, you can have your choice of meeting at a coffee shop, library, or your neighborhood pub. If you ask me, it sounds like a pretty good way to spend your time.
Please Elaborate 
This is such a good idea! I might have to give you a call and schedule a co-work session 😉