“From the Wi-Fi plenty and from the sea health” - Why you should escape the rat race and move to Worthing

If I asked you to think ‘business’, and then ‘Worthing’, I bet your imagination would take you to a grey office in a grey town, like Slough perhaps?  No, I said Worthing!

I’ll tell you my story; Spanish guy works for a global media company in London, cycles 80 minutes a day (to save £170 in travel costs), risking his life but still doing his daily breathing exercises, albeit straight from an infinite supply of exhaust pipes.

One day this guy gets the crazy idea of extending his life expectancy by moving to a healthier place, ideally keeping his career prospects. He looks for Shangri-La or Rivendell in the A-Z Map, and Brighton comes closest.  Then, prohibitive rents and patronising estate agents show him he isn’t the first to entertain this idea. So, he bounces west into Worthing; less glamorous, still maritime, and cheaper. But ‘Worthing is changing’, he keeps hearing, as days become months and his visits to Brighton less frequent.

The next frontier in this insatiable lifestyle improvement business is quitting his job and becoming a freelancer, and with lower overheads Worthing is the perfect place to do it. In fact, the town’s motto should be changed to ‘from the Wi-Fi plenty and from the sea health.’

But cost is not the only advantage Worthing offers to freelancers. If you cannot work too close to your fridge, there are five top places to grow your business from:

Freedom Works

Does freedom work? This is something millions of freelancers ask ourselves every day. Co-working spaces like this convince us that it does. Although recently opened, a friendly tribe of old-time Worthing freelancers has already warmed the desks of this highly-equipped space that smells like new. It did remind me of London offices, except I wasn’t being watched. Expect a heroic broadband speed.                                                                                                                                   

St. Paul’s

It’s really inspiring that in a small town of an ever-individualising nation obsessed with real estate investments, there is a thriving agora. Greek Revivalist in design and spirit, St Paul’s empowers you to become a better citizen by allowing you to eat, drink, chat, dance, learn, do your yoga, paint, listen to live music, and by all means, work on your freelancing business. If you haven’t been here yet you are missing out on the best of Worthing.                                   

The Loft co-working space

Located in Warwick street, Worthing’s ‘Latinest’ street, The Loft is a co-working space that further puts you in the direction of the freelancing dream by making it almost impossible for you not to take your lunch break in one of the nearby cafes. Great atmosphere and a welcoming feeling.

Southern Pavilion

Come here if you want to imagine what it would have felt like if the Titanic had installed Wi-Fi in its First Class dining room. Sit next to the window and have a productive and maritime-influenced work session without the wind ruining it.                                                                                                                                   

The Sphere

Secluded in the guts of Northbrook College, Worthing’s Chamber of Commerce co-working space is surrounded by young energy and a stylised environment that reminded me of a Scandinavian University. A great place to cultivate a growth mentality and collaborate, with a friendly atmosphere from the off.                                       

The Beach

Yes, the beach. In particular, immediately east of the Pier there is council Wi-Fi. You won’t find any sockets though, so plan your work session and make sure you have time to photograph yourself and share it among your cubicled friends; but make sure not to show off!

Peru is a Worthing-based digital marketing consultant, helping small business make more business through their websites. www.perubuesa.com 

Article published in Here & Now Magazine