TL;DR
SoGather tribe leader Michelle offers her personal insights and recommendations of budget-friendly workspaces in Singapore that range from $0-30 per day.
Singapore is my home, and the home to SoGather’s growing community of self-employed freelancers and solopreneurs (“Solos”).
Building independent and sustainable careers, we optimise the efficiency of technology and our knowledge and skills to plug operational gaps in the global economy.
To stretch the budget, some of us work from home. But sometimes, there is a need to break the routine to avoid mental stagnation and seek inspiration through interactions at public communal workspaces.
After years of working solo from the comfort of home, I enjoy the experience of working from new spaces that inspire creativity and motivation. It is hard not to be motivated when surrounded by a group of focused strangers typing furiously on their laptops, or engaged in spirited discussions.
Some budget-friendly work spaces I go to
These are some of the budget-friendly locations that I enjoy working from in Singapore and the pro-tips to optimise each visit. For those who prefer a more formal work atmosphere, I have included co-working spaces that I’ve researched for when the need arises.
Cost | Recommendation | Pro-Tip |
Free | Public libraries.
Check out NLB’s dedicated space for Solos -Launch – which is a Business Resource Centre located at L7 Central | Plan ahead: Book a designated seat in the dedicated quiet and work zones. Bring ANC headphones to create a focused work environment. Bring a water bottle and top up your water at the water coolers. And a warm jacket. |
<$15 (two drinks, or a drink and food) | Cafes with work friendly environment and offer free WIFI such as: Enchanted Café 24hours 88 Rangoon Rd, Unit 01-04, Singapore 218374 Foreward Coffee at Temasek Shophouse 28 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238832 Settlers Café by Monsanco 24 hours 562 Serangoon Rd, Singapore 218178 Starbucks, Various locations TA Community 594 Serangoon Rd, Singapore 218208 | Plan Ahead: Ask about the cafe's off-peak hours and if the café has been pre-booked for events. Bring ANC headphones as mainstream cafes like Starbucks can be noisy Don’t go alone. Meet up with a fellow Solo who can help hold the table and watch your expensive gear while you take a break. |
<$30 per day pass | Co-working spaces that offer Daily/Monthly rates include: JustCo $24/398 Various locations Lionsworld $10/$95 Central Singapore Open Fields $15/$150 Outside CBD Spatial $28.50/$300 Outside CBD The Hive Lavender $30/$375 Outside CBD | Plan Ahead: Match the co-working space's amenities and services to your needs. Is this for networking or solitary work? Arrive early to secure a good spot before it gets too crowded. Optimise the cost of your pass by interacting with other professionals to expand your network. |
Other considerations
Don’t be penny-wise, pound-foolish.
Being frugal is key to being financially sustainable.
But there will come a point in your solopreneuring and freelancing journey where an alternative workspace can support your business productivity, grow your network and boost your exposure to potential partners.
Test before committing.
Request for trial passes, or pay for daily passes, to work out the optimum number of days that you will need.
Commit to monthly passes only when you are certain the location, amenities and terms of use of the workspace plan meets your needs.
Avoid justifying the spend.
If you aren’t optimising the service, stop paying for it.
Be considerate.
Most cafes welcome us to work there for extended periods with minimal orders during off-peak hours, so let’s reciprocate the hospitality and avoid peak hour "table squatting".
Also, for all our sakes, when on a call in a public space, please:
Use noise-reducing tools like headsets.
Keep the voice down.
Keep the call short when on a call in a public space.
Well, that’s all I’ve got right now on alternative work spaces and how I would make my alternative workspace decisions. Follow @TribeSoGather on Instagram where I post which work space I will be that day. You are most welcome to join me there if you'd like to connect.
Go Solo, Together!
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