Working remotely can be isolating. Here are 10 ways to reconnect.
I love being self-employed.
I like to be alone for long periods of time to feel in control of my day, to focus on my work without distractions, without meaningless meetings, small talk, or office politics.
After years of struggling to focus in an open-access newspaper and magazine office, I am happy. In most cases. But no matter how productive working from home can be, it can be lonely.
Even if you’re an introvert, there comes a point when you realize you don’t want to spend all day in splendid isolation. Now that many of us are working from home permanently or adapting to new hybrid ways of working, we’re realizing that sometimes we need someone else to help us.
We miss the office banter, the invitation to a quick lunch, and the after-work drinks. Or just watch other people do the same thing and learn from them. We suddenly want to share industry gossip, hear what’s happening in our field, celebrate wins and mourn losses with people who truly understand what it means.
Working from home doesn’t have to be lonely. But connecting takes a conscious effort. Here’s how:
1. Create a brilliant social life outside of work.
We can’t choose our coworkers. But we can choose our friends. Check regularly. If you feel like you don’t have enough good, supportive friends, it’s never too late to make new friends. Or find new ways to connect with old people.
- Exercise with friends. Go to an exercise class or play a team sport.
- Join a class and learn a new skill.
- Start a book club, life drawing group, open mic night, or any other way to connect with creative people who share your interests.
- If you have children, socialize with other parents. (Especially parents who understand what it means to have deadlines and can help with school pickup or suggest play dates when times get tough.)
- Develop an immersive hobby. If possible, develop a hobby…