Real people. Real opinions.
Browse WAURE
← Advice & Questions
Housing · Advice & Questions ·

Would co-housing suit me if the communal workdays clash with my only rest day?

Housing category photographHousing

The shared garden was lovely. Then the coordinator said, "First Saturday of every month, three hours together. Everyone finds a way." I work nights on Fridays, and Saturday morning is when I usually sleep.

The proposed co-housing rental costs $130 a month less than my current place and includes access to a common dining room. The membership information describes regular workdays as part of participation. I like the idea of contributing; I don't want to arrive hoping nobody notices that I miss the main event.

I asked about other tasks during the week. The coordinator said gardening needs people together but promised to ask about alternatives. My friend says I should sign before the cheaper unit goes and work it out later. I would rather know whether an alternative is genuinely acceptable or simply something people might tolerate until they resent it.

What should we agree before I decide? The social part attracts me, yet a home that is financially easier could become difficult in another way if participation means repeatedly choosing between rest and being seen as helpful.

Discussion

2 community replies

Your question is about when you can contribute, not whether you want to. State that clearly and offer a specific availability pattern. A vague promise to help whenever possible could disappoint everyone even if you work plenty of hours elsewhere.

The $130 saving matters, but the membership arrangement is part of what you're choosing. If Saturdays are essential to the community's model, discovering that after signing could make the cheaper rent feel much less useful.

Join the discussion

More in Housing