The other day I was checking out a Facebook business focused group that I belong to and seeing what people were seeking advice about. I became a freelancer because of my blogging experience. If you would like to start a blog check out the following link. Anyway, the following question came up and it’s not the first time that I’ve heard this question:
How do you combat freelancer loneliness?
Every since I’ve started working for myself
I’ve been really lonely.
I thought I would spend some time discussing why I have yet to experience freelancer loneliness and am enjoying a HUGE uptick in my social life. My social life is ten times better than it was before and I can’t really imagine how people are struggling with this. Then I realized that it’s easy to lose focus on socializing because self-employed people are usually working their A@@ off trying to make their dreams happen. I just refuse to allow my life to become imbalanced like it was before. Socializing is a huge, huge priority and I’m having a lot more fun as a freelancer. Freelancers should never be lonely!
If you’re an introvert, there are a number of choices here that I think you could do and still be comfortable.
My Approach to Socializing
- Remember that you are the boss!! Because of this you can set your schedule to accommodate your social life. I don’t know why people forget this. If you’re working virtually there really is no reason why you can’t create a schedule that helps you have a healthy and balanced life. I am working a lot-but, I schedule it around my social events. I do try to plan about a week ahead. Consider this your life and work editorial calendar.
- Set Weekly Socializing Goals–I have a number of social events that I have to attend each week. This is non-negotiable. I have to attend one event with people that I don’t know-usually a Meetup. Currently I go to an awesome Meetup at an epic co-working space in Denver. At that space I’ve met some great people (without paying) learned tons of marketing related skills, and networked like a boss. I also go to Happy Hours (one had a free drink making class-I was feeling REALLY, REALLY, good after that event). I also have to see my mom at least once a week and a friend at least once a week. I average at least 3 social events a week, some weeks have more. This is non-negotiable!
- Work at a Coffee Shop–I love coffee shops! Typically I will work at a coffee shop when I’ve already finished the harder parts of my daily tasks. Once you become a regular you make friends. There are a lot people who are working from coffee shops (in Denver) so I’ve started to see a lot of the same people over time. We are a rag tag crew of self-employed people. If you work at a coffee shop, you need to check out the internet speed because some places have slower internet speed than others. I love one shop in Denver, but only work there when I don’t have computer related tasks. But, there is another spot that I go to almost on a daily basis that has excellent internet speed-and great coffee!
- Work at your local library-Libraries usually have excellent internet speed and it’s a quiet space. At the branch that I usually work at also has rooms that you can work in as well. Again, after awhile you’ll begin seeing some of the same people working there as well.
- Meetups are your best friend-Meetups are awesome! They are filled with people actually LOOKING to meet other people!! Sometimes they are awkward, sometimes they’re hot, sometimes the people are completely normal. There are a ton of different Meetups that you can check out. There is a group for absolutely EVERYTHING that you can imagine. I even joined a hiking Meetup when I was in Australia and went to an amazing Brazilian festival in Australia with a Meetup too.
- Join a Business Association-I prefer frugal options, but there are a number of business associations that people can join, learn new things, socialize, and grow your business at the same time.
- Join a Mastermind Group-Mastermind groups are a fantastic way to get motivated and grow your business. They do tend to be a lot more of a commitment than the other options that I listed. My group meets bi-monthly and I continued to meet with them during my Epic trip to Australia. Yes, it was hard-but that group is a huge reason why my blog has been revitalized. My group is scattered across the U.S. but, the majority of us will be meeting next week at FinCon (financial bloggers conference). It’s up to you to decide if you would like to join a group in your city or virtually.
- Volunteer-Is there something that you feel passionately about? Help people/animals/ a cause out! Volunteer once a week with an organization that your beliefs are in alignment with.
- Join an organization-There are faith based organizations, social organizations, political organizations (elections are coming up) gender, color, and the list goes on. There is an organization for everyone.
- Start your own group-There are a number of people that have started their own: business related social group, running group, etc. Meetup is a great space to do that. It does take some organizational skills but it’s a fantastic way to meet new people.
- Join a league-There are a ton of social leagues specifically for adults. There are: kickball leagues, soccer, flag football, volleyball, bowling, and dodgeball (my favorite). These activities are often followed with beer and frivolity!
- Take lessons-You can take dance, golf, sewing, language classes, cooking classes, money management lessons, knitting, and more. There is a lesson for everything you would like to learn.
- Reach out-Connect with your friends and schedule something fun and easy to do. I know, that’s crazy talk. I had lunch with my friend and fellow freelancer Jason Steele the other day. We talked freelancing, social events that we’d like to put together for Denver/Boulder/Longmont personal finance bloggers, and FinCon. I enjoyed coffee with my mom on Monday and am going to coffee with my friend and her teeny tiny on Saturday afternoon.
- Lend a Hand-I’ve helped friends who were running large events here in Denver by volunteering and showing up for their event. They appreciate it, I meet new people, see my friends, and eat free food.
- Exercise groups-Train with a group of people for a race, go to yoga, or join a biking group.
- BONUS For COUPLES-Schedule a date night with your person! If you have kiddos get a sitter (well-vetted not a crazy) and go out for the night. Remember your person!
- Bonus for Singles-Schedule a guys’ or girls’ night out. Go to speed dating, rock online dating (which I still haven’t learned how to do).
As a self-employed person you have to be super intentional about a number of things to make business happen-including your social life. I hope this helpful to you and that moving forward you’re able to prioritize: health, wealth, socialization, soul, and people moving forward. Good luck!
How did I get into freelancing for myself? I started a blog, I changed my life, and imagined more for myself. It hasn’t been easy but I’m making it happen. If you’re interested in starting a blog check out my post on How To Start A Blog, Change Your Life, and Find Your Tribes. I use Bluehost and if you click on my affiliate link you can host your blog for $3.49 a month. See How You Can Set Up a WordPress Blog in 15 Minutes Please note: I may receive some compensation if you use purchase a package through this link.
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I have never been lonely being a freelancer. There are lots of activities to do after or before I take the role of a freelancer. I play badminton, in which I have met so many great people, and also I jog every morning. Nice tips Michelle. I am considering taking dance lessons and joining a league.
I would love to take up running, I’ve just been a little lazy LOL! I am responding to your comment after going to a happy hour Meetup-it was fantastic. Now, back to work. I think it’s easier to meet people than people think.
Great post,I’m absolutely agree but also for work office, I’m doing my trial period into real estate agency as realtor and I am studying a way to have good work/social life balance…and I need to have at least once real “date” with friends it is no negotiable…great tips!!!
You’re right that these ideas are transferable. I did try to to add these socialization goals into my week, but it was difficult because I was so exhausted all the time. I think I’m doing better now because I have a lot more energy.
I have found that I have been much more social ever since switching to freelancing full-time. My last job was HORRIBLE due to that.
I am ten times more social and I absolute love it.