5 Ways to Combat Loneliness as a Freelancer
Although freelancing and remote work have many benefits, they also come with challenges. One of the most common is loneliness, particularly for freelancers who have moved from an office-based role or a team environment where daily interaction was the norm.
You can’t do your best work if you don’t look after your mental health. Addressing feelings of isolation early on can help you stay productive and motivated. In this post, we’ll share five practical ways to combat loneliness as a freelancer:
- Switch up your workspace for variety and social connection.
- Find an online community of like-minded freelancers.
- Take time to rest and socialize to maintain balance.
- Organize virtual meetings to bring a personal touch to your workday.
- Express yourself to help you manage feelings and protect your mental health.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these strategies.
1. Switch Up Your Workspace
The ability to work from anywhere is one of freelancing’s biggest perks. While you might have a home office set up with all your essentials, you don’t need to limit yourself to working in the same space every day.
Changing your environment, even just for a few hours a week, can reduce feelings of isolation and boost your mood. Here are a few ways to branch out:
- Work in public spaces: Cafes and other public spaces can provide background noise and a sense of connection. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, choose spots where you can hear the buzz of activity without being in the middle of it, such as coffee shops with tucked-away tables or libraries with open, shared areas.
- Try coworking spaces: Many coworking spaces offer flexible day passes, so you can interact with other professionals without committing to a monthly membership. Some spaces also host lunches, workshops, and networking events – which can be a great way to meet people in different industries while still getting your work done.
- Explore community hubs: Local community centers, makerspaces, and shared studios are perfect for freelancers who thrive on collaboration. These hubs often run community events, where you can enjoy the company of other freelancers and perhaps even meet potential collaborators.
- Mix it up at home: If you prefer staying in, even small changes to your routine can make a difference. Switch from your desk to a sunny window seat, or set up a standing workspace. You could also try working in a different room occasionally for a change of scenery. Using virtual coworking (e.g., Workfrom) or body doubling (e.g., Focusmate) tools can add social interaction and structure to your day without having to leave home.
- Experiment with the digital nomad lifestyle: Traveling while freelancing isn’t for everyone, but working from a different location for a week or two – known as a “workation” – can be a refreshing short-term change. You might even discover that the digital nomad lifestyle is perfect for you!
By intentionally varying your workspace, you can recreate some of the social energy you’d find in a traditional office, without losing any of the flexibility that makes freelancing appealing.
2. Find an Online Community
Since loneliness is a common challenge for freelancers, it’s no surprise that many online freelance communities exist to help combat isolation. These are a few of the things that joining one of these communities can help you with:
- Connect with peers: Build relationships with other freelancers who understand your daily challenges.
- Learn and share knowledge: Ask questions, trade tips, and stay up to date with trends in your industry.
- Collaborate or refer work: Find project partners or share job leads.
- Feel less isolated: Enjoy conversation with other freelancers to help you feel more supported and motivated.
There are plenty of communities to suit different needs, so browse the variety to find what works for you.
Some, like the Being Freelance Community, welcome freelancers from every industry and are great for building connections and finding support. They can also be good for simply sharing the day-to-day experiences of freelance life.
Others are industry specific, making them ideal for freelancers who want to connect with peers within their field, who may be facing similar challenges. Examples include Superpath for content marketers, Freelance Writers Den for freelance writers, and Editprenuers for proofreaders and editors.
Some communities are even tailored to specific demographics. Examples include Freelance Editors Club (for trans women, cis women, and nonbinary editors) and BlackFreelance (for Black freelancers). These groups typically offer more tailored support and create welcoming environments where freelancers with shared experiences can connect.
3. Take Time to Rest and Socialize
When you work for yourself, it’s easy to slip into the habit of being “on” all the time. But overworking can lead to burnout and exacerbate feelings of loneliness. Taking effective breaks is as good for your well-being as it is for productivity.
Build time into your week for activities that help you recharge and connect with others. It could be as simple as scheduling regular coffee and cake catch-ups with friends or joining a weekly fitness class. Even small, consistent social interactions can provide the sense of connection you might miss from an office environment.
Rest matters, too. Give yourself permission to step away from your desk and do something completely unrelated to work. Read a book, cook a proper lunch, or simply take a walk. These moments can improve your mental health and help you return to your work feeling more energized and focused.
4. Organize Virtual Meetings
When most of your communication happens through emails or chat messages, it’s easy to feel disconnected. Video calls can help reintroduce a personal element to your workday and make freelancing feel less isolating.
You don’t have to reserve video calls for formal client meetings. Consider scheduling virtual coffee chats with other freelancers or arranging informal catch-ups with past colleagues. And, as we mentioned earlier, virtual coworking sessions can be another great way to combine focused work with friendly interaction, helping you feel part of a community even when you’re working from home.
Regular face-to-face conversations can also help you build stronger professional relationships. Speaking directly, rather than through type, makes it easier to establish rapport with clients and collaborators. This can lead to smoother projects and longer-term partnerships.
5. Express Yourself
When loneliness strikes, it’s tempting to bottle it up and keep pushing through. But acknowledging these feelings is one of the most effective ways to prevent them from becoming overwhelming.
Here are a few tips to help you express yourself in a healthy, constructive way:
- Reject toxic positivity: It’s okay not to feel okay all the time. Give yourself permission to acknowledge difficult days rather than forcing yourself to “stay positive.”
- Journal regularly: Writing down your thoughts can help you process emotions and spot patterns that might be affecting your mood.
- Practice mindfulness: Short, guided meditations or breathing exercises can give you space to pause and reset during busy days.
- Reach out to your support network: Friends, family, or other freelancers you’ve connected with online can offer perspective and encouragement.
- Seek professional help if needed: Many therapists offer flexible virtual sessions that fit around freelance schedules. Your primary care provider can also help by recommending mental health resources or referring you to the right specialist.
As an added bonus, protecting your mental health by expressing yourself in these ways will also make it easier to stay focused and motivated in your freelance work.
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