YouTube livestreams or Zooms to replicate some co-working space benefits

January 6, 2024 2:29 AM

I don't work through disability and am at home most daytimes. My focus isn't the best even for easy things like journaling, never mind what I'd like to more of this year (reading more books and having a diary with my notes and reactions). Since the pandemic I have very much enjoyed lunchtime (UK time) Zooms with The Chatty Cafe Scheme, just general light chit-chat for half an hour twice a week. I am not a journalist or writer doing anything important or a co-working space would be ideal to be a bit more productive just at following my interests and being around others. Can anyone recommend a zoom chitcat group or YouTube channel that offers a good "Study with me" or "Journal With Me" vibe? In the past I have enjoyed watching replays of journaling with the Kathy Hampton videos but she is specialised in helping black women over 50 become their best selves (I'm over 50 but a white male) and I have enjoyed replays of study with me with Cinzia Dubois (more aimed at people studying Ph.D.'s).

Really I am just looking for something I can do online while either journaling or studying a book then taking notes, and that has a feeling of an online community. I used to know someone that got a great sense of community tuning in to a Buddhist-type group meditation early each morning, that might meet a similar need (I think the broadcast was from London). Seems like people were reallly innovative and starting all sorts of Zoom community things in lockdowns but now there is less demand as people want to go back to their in-person lives.

As a slightly related question, has anyone else used a co-working space, even just for a few weeks, to work on some pet project or research that didn't apply to a job but was just for fun? How did it go - was it worth it? There is a community newsroom near me that brings in a little extra income by offering co-working spaces but I think they really want to attract journalists and people involved in community development, not just easily distracted people who are bored of sitting in their apartment :) I might be inclined to give it a trial but it conflicts with my wish to have a low-buy year and build up a tiny emergency fund./

posted by AuroraSky to Human Relations (3 answers total)

Have you tried Focusmate? It has five free sessions a month to see if the model works for you. I know some people chat during/after, and others work in silence. I find it quite helpful and use it for productive work at home.
posted by dorothyisunderwood at 3:03 AM on January 6 [2 favorites]

I'm part of a coworking community where many people have used the space and resources for non-job activities. Over the past few years, the online presence has become even more robust, and people across the world take part, including Discord-based video sessions to get things done wherever they are.
posted by knile at 3:34 AM on January 6 [1 favorite]

Check out London Writers Salon, they have 4 sessions or so daily of low-key together time. There's a free trial and then pay what you can afford. (By the way, I love this idea of working to recordings!)
posted by socky_puppy at 6:36 AM on January 6 [1 favorite]