After posting that I often feel alone over here (in the working by myself sense), it got me thinking about what others do to break through that feeling. Obviously, many perks come with working for yourself, but there are some downsides to it too, such as loneliness.
There are really only two things I miss about working a regular job and that’s income security and a bustling office environment. I used to have so much fun at my old offices. You know, the office banter, coffee breaks, lunch dates and drinks after work with co-workers. While perhaps small in the grand scale of things, that break from work really does make a difference to your psyche.
Since working for myself, I’ve done a really poor job at maintaining those interactions. I’ve had plans to meet up with other self-employed friends for a work day together, intentions to work outside of my home in a coffee shop or just the simple task of getting out and about throughout the working day to people watch. I didn’t follow through with any it. It’s so easy to fall into a routine sometimes and no matter how much you lament about it, you’ll still don’t do anything to change it. Why is that? We are our own worst enemy sometimes don’t you think?
One of the questions I ask other self-employed folk in my interviews is:
“It can get lonely working for yourself. Do you find yourself missing the companionship of a bustling office? How do you make sure you get social interaction throughout the day/week?”
So, I thought I’d extend that question to all of you.
› trackback
I have this problem, too. I was never the most social person, but sitting here by myself all day still makes me miss those little pop-ins and ‘hellos’ of work friends.
So I formed new ‘work’ relationships. I talk to the workers at the post office when I make a visit. (I am now known as Canada girl because I’m usually always there to mail something to Canada.)
I also do some volunteer work at the university here, and I try to go there at least once a week and get my social fix for a couple of hours. I’ve made some great friends there and we usually go out every once in awhile for dinner or drinks.
And when I’m back home working I try to listen to podcasts, etc. Shows of people talking about interesting topics instead of just listening to music all day long.
It is tough not feeling too lonely sometimes, though. I know how you feel. :)
Brandy | January 24th, 2010Hey Brandy, I’ve gotten to know my post office workers too. They now know not to ask what’s in my packages for international orders and we usually have a mini chat while I’m paying. I think it’s a great idea to listen to podcasts vs. music. Heck, some days I forget to even turn anything on and I typically realize 4 or 5 hours later when I’m wondering why things seem so silent that day.
Thankfully, I still get out and about after work, but I really need to start breaking up the day a little more.
Adele | January 24th, 2010I, too, know my PO workers and will often chat with them. Just getting out of the house during the day really helps me…especially if I can get my butt to the gym! And between Twitter and FB, I don’t feel as isolated as I once did.
Noelle | January 24th, 2010I don’t live the self-employed life .. yet.. : ) BUT I’ve often thought about that begin a challenge I will need to overcome. I’ve come across these coworking networks that could be a cool once a week or once every other week type spot to work and be social.
Alison | January 24th, 2010Here’s some things I found about it in a quick search:
http://blog.coworking.info/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coworking
This is a huge challenge for me. I find myself bantering ‘with’ the dog about inane work related details. He acts like he is listening, but I know he thinks I’m crazy. I’ve started going to a local coffee shop once a week to get out of the studio. I’m shocked by how productive I am in a new environment. I’m beginning to see familiar faces when I go. It’s very comforting.
Angie | January 24th, 2010A friend of mine here in town has been running what he calls “Friday Office” for himself and other self-employed people in town for quite some time now. Basically, we all meet and hang out at a pub downtown during the day and/or into the evening to create that bustling office feel at least once a week. Some of us get a lot of work done at the time, some of us get a little, and some of us get next to none, but it provides that social interaction for all. To overcome the fact that it can be hard to motivate ourselves to always make such an event, it is purely a drop-in kind of feel. If you show up one week, fantastic, but no one expects everyone to be there on a weekly basis. But, again, of course, there is the getting over the lamentations about it and moving on the action portion…
jessrawk | January 24th, 2010I have been self employed essentially since I graduated from college. I have been lucky enough to do what I do from home. I never really had a “normal” full time work environment to miss. I have had p/t jobs but I don’ think it is the same thing.
I don’t feel isolated so much.. I like working on my own and I work better alone. I am very much A Type personality where I am very focused and motivated.
I like to do it how and when I want. ( oh yeh, I am an A type for sure…*sigh*)
I do often feel that I spend too much time “in my own head”.
I get all worked up about something and stew and frett over stupids things. I let stuff get to me…and I know that if didn’t spend so much time alone that kind of thing won’t be so bad. If I was in a normal work place I would have others to bounce stuff off and ask for support.
I have a BFF that is my rock and when I need to get myself straightened around I go to her.
I am extremely social but I think that I just come to accept that day time is for work and being very focused and that night time is for fun and friends a few times a week. I also find that since social networking has taken over our lives that I am filling a daytime social need that way…which if you had asked me 15 years ago I would say that was kind of creepy.
I also listen to a lot of TV during the day.
I guess this isn’t much comfort for you….sorry! I am not being helpful really, am I.
Weezi | January 24th, 2010Transition is tough there is no 2 ways about it.
And I always say..If it was easy, Everyone would do it.
Hang in there! I am just a mouse click away…Lisa :)
I love going to a coffee shop to work and people-watch. I try to do that once per week or so. I also make lunch dates with my old co-workers about once per month. I also use twitter to chat and say hi–ew that just sounded a little creepy, I really do like real interaction.
Katie Stephenson | January 24th, 2010