Sleeping in, avoiding the rush-hour commute, working in your pajamas, cuddling with the family pet – there are lots of reasons that working from home as a freelancer can create envy amongst those who are tied to a 9-5 schedule and terrible traffic. And there are many positives related to the ability to work remotely or from home.
However, do not let that gloss over one of the biggest issues – loneliness. Working from home can be isolating and lonely. It can also make you feel a bit lost at times with no one to bounce ideas off of or talk through a problem. Which is why, among other reasons, being part of a coworking community is important.
Every month my husband and I host friends at our house for what we call a Supper Club – a chance to socialize and connect with people on a regular basis. I also belong to a coworking space and regularly do volunteer work. Because I work from home often, I feel it is vitally important to keep these connections to the outside world.
Over and over and over again, research has shown that loneliness is detrimental not only to our mental and emotional health, but to our physical well-being. As a freelancer or entrepreneur, it is incredibly important to maintain your health.
Belonging to a coworking space can also help facilitate meetings you may struggle to create in the first place – with a new potential client or mentor or investor. Having a professional, welcoming environment can ease your anxiety and give others the right impression.
As a freelancer, remember that you have more freedom to control your time – read a book on a subject you’ve been wanting to learn more about, take a moment to do something creative, or go on a walk.
Or if you’re thinking of joining a coworking space or already part of one, spend some time researching other members – you never know when a connection could be beneficial. It is completely reasonable to wish for solitude to focus and work, but it is also understandable to seek out connections to combat loneliness.
“Loneliness is the poverty of self; solitude is the richness of self.”
— May Sarton, found in this great Guide to Avoiding Freelancer Loneliness and Isolation
These days it’s easy to be virtually connected and into “social” media but it still is not the same as creating fulfilling relationships and being part of a community. We believe in the importance of community support and are personally invested in your success. We’d be delighted for you to join us!
