Working from home is a great way to start a business while keeping costs down or to work for a distant employer. However, the danger of isolation has always been a big problem for workshifters, who can sometimes find themselves lonely and lacking motivation. Some home-based workshifters now have the opportunity to solve that problem by using co-working spaces.
But what if there are no co-working spaces near you and you're longing to get out and meet new people? Here in the UK, Jelly events are filling that gap for home workers, freelancers and small business owners, with more than 60 groups springing up in the last 18 months.
Two IT freelancers in New York dreamed up Jelly when they were complaining one day about the downsides of working from home, particularly the boredom of spending lots of time in the same place and the lack of opportunities to meet people. They decided to invite fellow freelancers to bring laptops and work in their apartment for a day, calling it Jelly because apparently they were eating jelly beans at the time!
Jelly is organized by volunteers sufficiently enthused by the idea to start their own group. There is no organization, structure or rules, just an understanding that the venue provides free Wi-Fi and that people come to work, chat, and share help and advice. Additionally, there is no selling at Jelly, which means people are more relaxed and open, and they build relationships quickly. It has a completely different atmosphere from any other business event I've ever attended.
Interested? Check out the Jelly Wiki for more background information and for the group closest to where you live. If there's nothing happening yet near you, consider starting your own using the comprehensive "How to Start Your Own Jelly" guide on my website. I've also provided information for prospective attendees so they know what to expect and for work hubs that want to start a group in their premises.
I highly recommend you think about Jelly if the home office is becoming claustrophobic - it's fun and straightforward, and it will bring you into contact with new people in a uniquely relaxed way.
P.S. In March I helped organize the first national Jelly event in the UK, The BIG Jelly, a not-for-profit event that was hugely successful and has inspired many of its delegates to update and implement plans for their small businesses. Read about The BIG Jelly 2011 here.
Photo Credit: mokolabs
