Don't Isolate Yourself

working from home can be lonely business if you are the kind of person who thrives on interacting with others.  Sure, working from home is a great way to be with the little ones, save money on gas and car maintenance and even work cloths, but for some, it can be a bit lonesome.  Here are some good tips to keeping the lines of communication with the rest of the world open and humming.

Make sure that you don't completely cut yourself off from the world.  Do things that will get you out of the house and interacting on a regular basis.  Join a gardening club; take an art class, or a computer class to brush up on skills.  Join a parents group that meets once a week for a couple hours if you can work it into your schedule.  Take time to go to your child's soccer game.  Yes, you need to get your work done, but maybe the laundry can wait.  Can you schedule lunch in once or twice a week?  Meet a friend or neighbor for a quick bite and time to exchange so news.  What?  You don't have any news since you're cooped up in the house all day?  Sure you do.  You still have a job to talk about, and if you're taking that art class or going to the PTA meetings, you'll have things to talk about. 

Meet people via phone and email.  Depending on the type of job you're doing from home, you may spend a fair amount of time on the phone with customers and "co-workers".  These are opportunities to meet some interesting people.  The same situation can occur via email.  And don't forget the work at home websites.  Many have forums that work at home professionals visit to chat a bit and compare notes.

Go out and network.  Networking isn't just for those who work away from home.  It’s for you too.  You never know who you will meet that may have a line on a great virtual freelance or even full time job.  It's fine to do some networking and giving out of business cards.  You'll meet new people, stay aware and involved with the outside world and maybe even land a new project!

If you are an outgoing "people person", don’t let working at home isolate you.  Working from home works best when you're happy and connected.  Get out there and be a part of it all!

Posted:Monday, September 03, 2007