Rather than working at home or at the local coffee shop many remote workers are seeking casual office-like environs with social interactions. Parksville’s Spark House Coworking, which opened 18 months ago, is offering a work-life balance for entrepreneurs and others looking for connection and collaboration.
Spark House targets remote workers, small business owners, and creatives looking to meet like-minded individuals. There are drop-in desks, various styles of meeting rooms, day-use offices, and private offices for long-term bookings through their Community Membership. They also offer gigabit internet speed, printing services, a podcasting studio, and a kitchen.
Dan King founded Spark House Coworking as a passion project related to his social media marketing and content creation business. He has a studio at home, but realized he and others in similar situations “need a third space for people… to be productive, network, and get things done.”
Spark House Coworking re-defines working from home by maintaining the structure of a typical workday and encouraging productivity. When transitioning from an office to remote work, or entering a career that has no ties to one location, it can be a challenge to create a routine. Balancing scheduling and priorities with flexibility doesn’t always come naturally.
At home, household tasks can be distracting, while the café can be too leisurely and cost you if pressured to keep ordering. King said, “A place like this is a destination …so I don’t associate home with work.”
Costs range from $20 for a desk for a half-day to $925 for a private office for a month. Check out their plans and events like Lunch & Learn workshops on marketing and branding, to turning your passion and side-hussle into a paycheque for National Youth Week. Networking events for young professionals and creatives, from photographers and videographers to graphic designers may also interest remote workers.
