WORKSHIFTER - Dispatches from the New Executive Frontier

I've been talking not only with potential independent executives/new consultants for Epoch but also many people who just want some input about how to keep themselves motivated during a long period of unemployment or during long periods in between projects, usually their first, during this recession.  One theme that kept coming through was that these folks miss the camaraderie of being fully engaged on a consulting engagement or in full time employment, often not realizing that the social aspect of working was almost as important to them as their workplace accomplishments. We talk about outplacement hoteling spaces, networking meetings, checking in with colleagues on a regular schedule, working side-by-side at a location with WiFi access, getting feedback from trusted advisers on your work/resume/bio/proposal, working at a friend's house so you both can stay structured and just generally keeping connected to people even if it is via phone or skype when not physically with them. So today, while keeping up with some on line reading, I came across one of Marci Alboher's blogs titled "Tired of working alone? Try coworking" and realized that she had developed a word for one of the ideas I've been talking with executives, consultants and freelancers about for the past year - working separately but physically together. Her blog lists some ideas for coworking, and I recommend you read it if you have the chance. Coworking...I think I'll be using that term and crediting Marci often in the weeks and months ahead!