How to Deal With Loneliness as a Freelancer

"Alone" does not equal "lonely" for everyone.

For many, working as a freelancer -- whether on design projects, as a writer, or as a consultant -- is a dream come true. Friends and coworkers envy their flexible schedules, relaxed day-to-day life and self-directed work. What can be less desirable is the loneliness that can set in after days of work without a supportive workplace environment. Loneliness looks different for every freelancer -- social types might crave human interaction after being alone one day, while others may take months to realize they miss elements of workplace camaraderie. Fortunately, the life of a freelancer doesn't need to be one of isolation.

Instructions

1. Get out more. While the option for seclusion that enables the famed-and-coveted workplace attire of pajamas and robes can seem beautiful at first, ultimately seclusion will result in frustration and loneliness for just about every freelancer. Activities as simple as taking a walk, running to the Post Office, or making a stop at the grocery store can provide minimal human interaction that can actually be a powerful loneliness inhibitor -- reminding the freelancer that there really is a world still out there. Try working on-the-go: take your laptop, portfolio, or latest project to a coffee shop, library, or even an airport to get a glimpse of life outside the four walls of your office.

2. Make a date. Breakfast dates, lunch dates, coffee dates -- these are all great ways to brainstorm with a project collaborator, connect with a client and catch up with a fellow freelancer. If you can't fit one of these into your day, be aggressive about evening and weekend socializing; go to happy hour with old coworkers, plan fun activities for Friday night and say yes when you get asked to join a book club.

3. Create a routine. In many instances, what freelancers ultimately crave -- more than social connection -- is the structure previous jobs may have provided. Now, on their own, they float through the day feeling purposeless and lacking direction. This aimlessness, more than an actual need to be surrounded by people -- who often acted as an impetus for action -- can create feelings of loneliness.

4. Stay connected. Even on days when you're too busy to actually emerge from your office, you can still use modern technology to get encouragement and catch up on the outside world. Call a friend, email a client, use social networking tools to connect with your audience or catch up with a family member over instant messaging. You don't always have to be face-to-face with someone to diffuse loneliness. Remember, though, to keep time to finish your work and don't get caught up in socializing with people too much.

5. Develop professional contacts. Depending on your field, this can take many forms. For some, local small business groups are ideal. Others meet professionals by networking, taking a class, joining a club, volunteering or teaching in their field or by staying in contact with former coworkers.

References

• WAHM; Susan Baker; How to Deal with the Isolation of Working from Home
• Career Bright; 4 Tips for Transitioning from an Office Job to a Freelance Career; Alisa Gilbert
• Creative Keys; Ways to Cope with Aloneness; Chris King
• Chris Blogging: Freelance Writing and Working Alone
• Freelance Folder; The (Myth of?) the Lonely Freelancer; May 2010
• Freelance Folder; Overcoming Loneliness; April 2009