For many people, having the ability to work flexibly and on their own terms is a dream come true. It’s certainly a huge advantage to be able to choose your working hours and not to have a boss to answer to. Since the pandemic, there has been a huge rise in the number of people leaving the corporate world behind and deciding to ditch the nine to five life in favour of becoming self-employed. While there are certainly many, many advantages to be gained from freelancing, there is a downside not many people discuss. The absence of set working hours and office politics may bring many advantages. However, working by yourself, day after day may leave you feeling a little lonely.
Attempting to ignore feelings of loneliness can only make you feel more isolated. So, it’s essential that you take action to acknowledge these feelings and then combat them. Here are some of the ways that you can take positive action to overcome loneliness as a freelancer:
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Change Your Working Environment
Working at home on your own can be challenging if you’re feeling a little lonely. So, finding an alternative place to work can be extremely helpful. Heading to a coffee shop may be an okay temporary solution, but the noise from other customers and public nature of the setting mean it’s not ideal as a permanent solution. Looking for an office to rent in a co-working space is a really helpful solution to loneliness issues.
Working in an environment where you are surrounded by other like-minded professionals is an excellent way to boost your wellbeing and to regain that sense of belonging that was previously only possible when you worked in a corporate setting.
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Create a Routine
While being free from the nine to five way of working can be a significant advantage of being self-employed, it does mean that you are now completely out of a routine. For some people, this lack of routine can be damaging to their wellbeing and create feelings of loneliness.
Creating a new routine for yourself can help to bridge the gap between employment and self-employment and keep loneliness at bay. Going out for a walk each morning before work so that you can interact with others or visiting a coffee shop for your lunch to break up the day can help you to feel less alone while also giving your day some structure.
Try a Hobby
When your work life means that you have minimal contact with others, it’s helpful to look for other opportunities to engage with people outside of your working life. Starting a new hobby or activity is an excellent way to make this possible. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a sport, a craft hobby, or joining a choir, so long as it involves regular contact with others, it should be beneficial to you.
Overcoming Loneliness as a Freelancer
Taking action to avoid loneliness can help you to enjoy all the advantages of being self-employed without it impacting your wellbeing or your mental health.
