Tired of always getting interrupted by the kids during a meeting? Pulling out your hair when the kitchen table breaks and you have nowhere to put your laptop? Wish you had some other people to talk and brainstorm with?

Working from home is on the rise, especially with small businesses. It’s a great way to cut costs and get things done without all the commuting. But many feel they’ve lost that professional connection when they never go into an office. What to do?

Luckily, entrepreneurs have stepped up and yet again filled the void. Coworking spaces – office spaces where various entrepreneurs and remote workers can meet up, interact, network and get some serious work done – are now one of the coolest trends in the small biz world. How can you cash in on the action?

How They Work

Coworking spaces are set up in various ways, but usually share some common traits. You sign up for however much time you need; one month, maybe to try it out, or a full year if you just like to jump into things. You may also sign up to work one day a week, or everyday, depending on your needs. This is usually done by a contract, so if you’re not sure about it these spaces usually have trial memberships.

After signing up, you hop down during your allotted time and work your little heart out. You have your designated space plus freedom to move around the building and talk with other business owners in the public area.

Usually coworking spaces have other incentives like office supplies, meeting rooms, mailboxes, coffee bars and fun diversions when you get stressed out from work. General Assembly in New York has cool stuff like a library and even a classroom area.

Why They Work

Running a business or being a freelancer can often be a lonely venture (even with Wepay by your side). You’re stuck by yourself figuring out all the hard questions which can overwhelm you sometimes, especially when you’re a newbie.

Coworking gives you the opportunity to not just meet new people but to seek advice and inspiration from others in the same boat as you. Maybe you even just need a pat on the back once in a while or others to commiserate with you. Coworking gives you that opportunity. Not to mention, co-working spaces allow for collaboration among entrepreneurs who might never have found one another had they stayed at home at the kitchen table.

Plus, let’s face it – working from home can be annoying. No matter how much your spouse or kids say they understand it’s “work time,” they still pop in with honey-do lists and toys to play with. Also there’s the constant allure of diversions like TV, games, or housework.

Coworking takes all these away and puts you square into the business world. Consider giving it a shot the next time you want to get away from your kitchen table!

Looking for a coworking space? They are popping up everywhere, so Google your city + coworking to give it a go. If you live in a smaller town, you might also want to Google “Jelly,” too. A Jelly is a meetup where entrepreneurs and remote workers meet up at a coffee shop or other public space to work together, and are popular in areas that aren’t quite built up enough to support a coworking space.

Meanwhile, check out:

Young Entrepreneur’s 64 Co-working Spaces for Every Entrepreneur

WorkFree’s Guide to Online Coworking Directories