There are many reasons why people turn to freelance work rather than a traditional workplace. Freelancing is an excellent way to escape office politics, unreasonable co-workers, and mean bosses while saving money from commuting and expensive clothes.
However, freelancing comes with a price, and learning to cope with the isolation that comes with it becomes everyone’s job. Learn more about this isolation and discover some ways you can manage it.
Why Isolation Happens for Freelancers
With the help of websites like modernworker.net, people are learning ways to make the “work from anywhere” dream a reality. And while it comes with many benefits, you’re mostly going to be alone during the workday unless you have a partner or roommate who’s also working from home.
It may not happen right away, but the effects of isolation can be severe. Even though some enjoy being alone, humans are generally naturally social and depend on a sense of community for our overall well-being. Freelancers often learn this the hard way, but only after they become isolated.
If you find yourself isolated as a freelancer and you just need some human contact, there are a few simple ways you can combat isolation and still get your work done successfully.
Make a Social Schedule Part of Your Work Life
Just like we need to sleep to have enough energy to work, having a social schedule will keep you emotionally and mentally regulated to accomplish your work schedule. You may not think of them as directly related, but poor mental health correlates directly to decreased productivity and increased errors.
Perhaps you’re introverted and don’t like to be around large groups of people. Inviting a friend over for lunch twice a week or meeting a friend for coffee at a small cafe are simple but effective ways to see people during your work schedule without disrupting it.
Get a Freelance Work Buddy
Finding other freelancers to be freelance work buddies with is ideal. Other freelancers know how bad isolation can become and are in the same boat as you. And when you have someone who understands what you’re going through, you can both be there for each other and even be a venting buddy for the other person, which will help alleviate stress and tension.
One of the best and easiest ways to get a freelance work buddy to help you make it through the day is online. You can place ads on Craigslist or other websites or make friends on Facebook groups to find people to buddy up with.
If you place an ad or approach someone to be a freelance work buddy, share that you’re trying to find someone you can talk to periodically during your workday to help ease the isolation while staying on track.
If you don’t get along with the first work buddy you find, keep looking until you find one with whom you do get along. Don’t give up right away because the right freelance work buddy can be invaluable. You can also have more than one freelance work buddy too.
Working Freelance Without Isolation
When you sign up for freelancing, you don’t necessarily know what you’re in for, but don’t let your isolation get so bad before you take action. Just because you work alone doesn’t mean you need to be alone.
Taking the time to reach out to friends or make new ones may seem daunting, but it’s what is ultimately best for your personal life and work. When setting your schedule for the week ahead, prioritize your social schedule just as you would business calls to combat the isolation that comes with freelancing.
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