7 Steps to help manage loneliness if you’re self-employed or working from home

As a Business Coach, a recurring theme that comes up regularly with my Sole Operator or work-from-home (WFH) clients is how isolating it can be, there’s often nobody to workshop and brainstorm ideas with, discuss challenges with, or even debrief with after a tough day or phonecall. Being a sole trader or entrepreneur can be an exhilarating journey, filled with freedom, autonomy, and the potential for success, and WFH can be so convenient. However, it also comes with its fair share of challenges; for sole traders, cash flow, attracting and retaining clients, cost of doing business, and sometimes having to wear all the hats from marketing to IT to book-keeping, to sales, etc. can be draining, and for WFH workers endless meetings can erode motivation and disrupt workflow. However, often one of the most significant issues in terms of emotional well-being and stress management is overlooked or swept under the carpet, and this issue is loneliness. In this blog, I'll provide a step-by-step Plan that will help solo business people and WFH workers manage loneliness effectively while navigating the entrepreneurial path. Here are 7 steps to help manage loneliness at work:

Step 1: Acknowledging the Challenge Reflect on your feelings of loneliness. It's easy to brush these feelings aside in favor of focusing solely on work, but acknowledging them is the first step toward finding solutions. You will likely come to realise that loneliness can impact your productivity, creativity, and overall well-being if left unaddressed.

Step 2: Building a Support Network Look for opportunities to reach out to fellow entrepreneurs and sole traders, or colleagues in your industry today. Networking events, online communities, and social media platforms are great places to connect with like-minded people, who understand the challenges of entrepreneurship or WFH. Sharing experiences and advice with others not only alleviates feelings of loneliness but also provides valuable insights and support. It’s a great way to keep up to date with the latest developments.

Step 3: Prioritising Self-Care Self-care is crucial for maintaining mental and emotional well-being, especially when dealing with loneliness. Make it a priority to engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as exercising, practicing mindfulness, being in nature, and pursuing hobbies outside of work. Taking care of yourself allows you to recharge and reset so that you can approach work with renewed energy and focus. Don’t underestimate the power of this reset.

Step 4: Seeking Professional Help Loneliness can sometimes stem from deeper underlying issues such as anxiety, depression, procrastination, overwhelm, ruminating, and feeling unsure about the direction you need to go in. Decide to seek professional help by scheduling a session with a therapist or a Business Coach. Talking to a trained professional can provide valuable insights and coping strategies for managing loneliness and improving overall mental health. It can also allow you to sanity check some ideas or weigh the pros and cons of decisions you need to make with an objective person, trained to give you the kind of feedback that leads to breakthroughs.

Step 5: Embracing Flexibility As a solo worker, you have more flexibility to design your workspace and schedule in a way that suits your needs. Experiment with different work environments, such as co-working spaces coffee shops, and even the local library, to break up the monotony of working alone at home. Embracing flexibility in your work routine helps combat feelings of isolation and allows you to interact with others in a professional, inspiring, or stimulating setting.

Step 6: Finding Purpose Beyond Work While your work is important, it's essential to find purpose and fulfillment outside of your entrepreneurial or WFH endeavors. Perhaps consider volunteering for a local charity organisation and spending time giving back to your community. Engaging in meaningful activities outside of work not only enriches your life but also helps you connect with others and combat feelings of loneliness.

Step 7: Reflecting and Adapting Reflect on the strategies you’ve implemented to manage loneliness as a solo worker. While some days may have been more challenging than others, you may already be learning the importance of prioritising self-care, building a support network, and seeking professional help when needed. You may need to make some tweaks and adjustments to the strategies you’ve implemented. Moving forward, as you continue to adapt and refine these strategies to maintain your well-being, you’ll discover the flow-on benefits to your motivation and productivity that enable you to thrive as an entrepreneur or WFH.

Managing loneliness when self-employed as an entrepreneur or WFH, is an ongoing process that requires self-awareness, resilience, and a willingness to seek support. By prioritising self-care, building a strong support network, and embracing flexibility in both work and your personal life, it's possible to navigate the entrepreneurial journey while maintaining your mental and emotional well-being.

If you think you’d benefit from working with a Business Coach who has years of corporate management experience as well as being self-employed for more than a decade, give me a call on 0435 923 817 or use the contact form below, let’s work together! For more information visit this page