In the larger conversation about coworking, the one word that captures the spirit of the scene is ‘community.’ While this is more so the case in some cases than others, the need for community is central to most coworking spaces and Jelly communities. We all need to get out of our PJs and mingle with other people from time to time.
Community provides us a measure of psychological security- knowledge that we have friends we can turn to for material, social and psychological support. On the networking side, being a part of a large and thriving community also presents us with potential links and contacts with future projects, which help keep an independent working life viable.
The Psychological Contract
One of the things that we haven’t talked about here imuch is the ‘opportunity costs’ that independents forgoe in terms of the psychological security that employment at BigCo offers. On the one hand, we know that in many (if not most) big firms, there is a lot of mindless process, face time, ass-kissing, and thus a monumental waste of human and organizational energy. But, at the same time, there is a security that exists in the psychological contract which underpins generic employment contracts.
The psychological contract runs like this: If you turn up at regular intervals, don’t grope your coworkers, don’t commit a felony, shower somewhat regularly, and complete at least a third of the work you are assigned, then we will deposit a check in your account each month. And cover half of your health insurance needs. And match your contributions into your retirement plan.
Wow! That’s a prettly low bar! No wonder so many people opt for this path. It is, indeed, the path of least resistance. “You don’t ask much of me, I won’t ask much of you. I keep my head down. You keep your head up your ass. All’s fair…”
But there is a type of security at BigCo that free ranging cyberforagers don’t have. While the insecurity that accompanies nomadic life is not for everybody, it does keep the adrenaline going and the eyes open. Maybe this is the appeal. Maybe it’s the excitement of the hunt, the chase.
Intention, attention, and focus. These might be enough.
The Butcher
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