New trend keeps Austin workers buzzing

AUSTIN, TEXAS (KXAN) -- The coffee shop has always been the place to go for self-employed people to get some work done, but a new trend has come to Austin. It is called coworking. Those that have not heard the term are missing out on one of the hottest buzz words around.

"It's just a bunch of entrepreneurs, independents and telecommuters getting together at the same place working together," said Dusty Reagan, Co-founder of Conjunctured.

Coworking is happening at a small house just off Seventh Street in East Austin. It is called Conjunctured, started by four local guys earlier this month. "It just started off in coffee shops," said Cesar Torres, Cofounder of Conjunctured. "Working at a coffee shop for six hours a day really wasn't cutting it."

Apparently, something was missing. "The networking, the cooler talk, going out and having a drink after work," said Reagan.

That is how the idea of coworking was born. You create an office/social networking space for the worker needing more than a coffee shop.

"We want people to walk in and be like, 'This is my office. I no longer work in a coffee shop.  I don't have to work alone in some executive suite in downtown.  This is a big house and it's mine'," said David Walker, Cofounder of Conjunctured.

Workers can get their mail delivered to the home and meet with clients. "It's also nice if I want to go and get lunch," said freelance writer Michelle Greer. "I can leave my laptop and lock it up so it's more like an office."

One thing people first realize when walking in the door is that the working space is not quiet, but that is the idea. "So if you've got an idea, you can just shout it to the room and get instant feedback, where as if you're in your apartment you can't get that from your cat," said Reagan.

Your cat also cannot pass along job leads like coworking can. Plus, you can still get your caffeine fix. "We have a coffeemaker and fresh fruits everyday," said Torres. Conjunctured charges $25 a day or $425 for a full-time pass.  The fee gets you free wireless Internet and unlimited coffee.