If you are a freelancer or a sole trader, you probably know this scenario: you are sitting at the kitchen table, laptop in front of you, the washing machine humming in the background, a neighbour renovating their flat with a drill, while you are trying to focus on a key project for a client. Sound familiar?
You are not alone. Studies show that 83% of self-employed people who work from home report reduced social contact, which negatively affects motivation and well-being. That is precisely why more and more freelancers and sole traders are swapping their home “office” for a coworking space. In this article we present 5 concrete reasons why.
1. Greater productivity and focus
Working from home is full of temptations: the fridge, the TV, tidying up, family members. In a coworking space you are surrounded by people who are working – and that energy is contagious. Research confirms that 71% of individuals in coworking spaces feel more creative, and 68% say they can focus on work more easily.
Why does coworking boost productivity?
- A professional environment – An office space with an ergonomic chair, good lighting and a low noise level puts you into “work mode”.
- Routine and structure – The commute and a fixed workspace create a healthy routine that freelancers often lack.
- Fewer distractions – No washing machine, doorbells or neighbours with drills. In coworking there is an agreed culture of quiet and respect.
- Shared motivation – When you see people around you working, you are more motivated too. This is the psychological effect of “social facilitation”.
At makerSP_CE, a private call room is available for the most demanding calls and video conferences, and a meeting room for meetings – both without extra charges and without complicated booking systems.
2. Networking without pressure
One of the biggest advantages of a coworking space is organic networking. It is not about forced “networking events” with name tags, but about natural conversations over morning coffee, a shared lunch, or in the kitchen.
What does this mean in practice for a freelancer?
- New clients – The coworker next to you might be looking for exactly someone with your skills for their project.
- Joint projects – A designer + a developer + a copywriter in the same space = a team for the next project.
- Knowledge and advice – A legal question? Accounting advice? In coworking there is always someone who knows the answer or knows the right person.
- Referrals – In a community, referrals spread naturally. Satisfied coworkers recommend you further.
The makerSP_CE community includes developers, designers, marketing experts, lawyers, engineers and entrepreneurs from very diverse industries. This diversity is worth its weight in gold for freelancers looking for new collaborations.
3. A professional image without professional costs
As a freelancer or sole trader, you are your own brand. When you receive a client for a meeting in your living room, that sends a certain message. When you receive them in a professional meeting room with a view of Tivoli Park, the story is completely different.
Coworking offers you, without high costs:
- A professional business address – Your business card and website say Pivovarniška 6, Ljubljana – not your home address.
- A meeting room for meetings – Meet clients and partners in a tidy space with all the necessary equipment.
- A printer and office equipment – Print a presentation, contract or invoice without a trip to the copy shop.
- A professional work environment – For video calls with clients you have a professional space in the background, not a kitchen cupboard.
You get all this at makerSP_CE from just €135/month incl. VAT – which is significantly less than your own office in the centre of Ljubljana would cost you.
4. Cost efficiency – everything in one price
Many freelancers think that working from home is “free”. In reality it is not. Let us look at the specific monthly costs that are often overlooked:
| Cost | Working from home | Coworking makerSP_CE |
|---|---|---|
| Internet | €35–45/month | Included |
| Coffee | €20–30/month | Included |
| Heating/cooling | €30–60/month | Included |
| Printing | €10–20/month | Included |
| Equipment (depreciation) | €30–50/month | Included |
| Meeting room | / | Included |
| Parking | / | Included (free) |
| Networking, community | / | Included |
| TOTAL (estimate) | €125–205/month | €135/month |
When you add up all the “hidden” costs of working from home, you realise that coworking for €135/month is actually more cost-effective – and that is without taking into account lost productivity and social contact. In addition, the cost of coworking is a tax-recognised expense for sole traders, which means a lower tax base.
Read more about prices and what is included in our article How much does a coworking space cost?.
5. A community that supports you
Freelancing and entrepreneurship can be lonely paths. When you do not have colleagues to share successes and challenges with, loneliness slowly builds up. A coworking space changes that – it is not just a place to work, but a community that supports you.
What does this mean in practice?
- Sharing experiences – Who is a good accountant? How do you obtain EU funding? How do you negotiate with a client? In coworking you always find someone who has already done it.
- Motivation in tough times – When things are going badly, it is extremely important to have people around you who understand entrepreneurial challenges.
- Celebrating successes – Signed a big contract? In coworking you have someone to toast with – at home you only shared it with the cat.
- Real friends – Many coworkers report that they made real friendships in coworking, not just business connections.
At makerSP_CE we say: “Coworking is not just a space. It is a community.” This is not just a slogan – we do not have tenants, we have colleagues and friends. Together we organise events, share advice and help each other grow.
How to start with coworking as a freelancer?
The transition from a home office to coworking does not require much – just the first step:
- Step 1: Choose a space – Read our guide Coworking Ljubljana – Why is location key? and find a space that suits you in terms of location, price and atmosphere.
- Step 2: Try a day pass – At makerSP_CE you can start with a day pass from €20. One day is enough to feel whether the space suits you.
- Step 3: Get involved in the community – Do not just sit at your desk. Come for coffee, talk to fellow coworkers, take part in events. The value of coworking is in the people.
- Step 4: Use the cost as an expense – Consult your accountant about the tax treatment of the coworking cost. For sole traders it is a recognised business expense.
Frequently asked questions from freelancers about coworking
Do I need to be a registered sole trader for coworking?
No. Coworking spaces can be used by everyone – including students, remote employees, retirees or anyone who needs a professional work environment. A legal business form is not a requirement.
Can I deduct the cost of coworking from taxes?
Yes, for sole traders with either lump-sum or actual costs, coworking rental is a recognised business expense. For more precise information, consult your accountant.
Is coworking suitable for working with clients?
Absolutely. At makerSP_CE you have a meeting room and a call room available – both free and without complicated bookings. You receive clients in a professional environment.
Is it better to work from home or in coworking?
It depends on your needs. If you lack structure, networking or a professional space for clients, coworking is the better choice. If you work exclusively alone and do not need external contact, working from home is of course cheaper. For more, read our guide on coworking spaces.
How much does coworking for a freelancer in Ljubljana cost?
From €20 a day to €300+ a month, depending on the space. makerSP_CE offers a monthly rental from €135 incl. VAT with everything included. You can find a detailed comparison in the article How much does a coworking space cost?.
Conclusion: Coworking is not a cost – it is an investment in your business
As a freelancer or sole trader, you are your most important business resource. Your productivity, networking, professional image and well-being directly affect your success and earnings. A coworking space is not just a place where you work – it is a tool that helps you work better, more efficiently and with more joy.
If you are a freelancer or sole trader in Ljubljana and are considering a change, we invite you for a free tour of the makerSP_CE coworking space. Contact us at rezervacije@makerspace.si or call +386 30 393 405. Your first coffee is on us.
☕ Come for coffee and a tour!
Daily pass €20 | Weekly €70 | Monthly €135 incl. VAT | All included
makerspace.si | rezervacije@makerspace.si | +386 30 393 405
Related reading
- Flat-rate or standard sole trader (s.p.)
- Tax-deductible expenses for a sole trader
- How to Set Your Hourly Rate: A Formula in 4 Steps