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How to Handle Work-at-Home Isolation
By Wendy Priesnitz
Many people are working at home for the first time
during the current pandemic, and finding it to be quite different than their
former way of working. If you're one of those people, here are some ideas to
help you adjust.
Some people have lost jobs and are starting up their
own micro-businesses; others have been sent home by their employers because
they're able to do their jobs remotely; still others are juggling home and
office to facilitate child care. What most of these people have in common is
a feeling of isolation. The reaction I recently had from a friend is
typical. She explained to me that while she is used to working from home, dealing with clients
soley online is a new experience. So, she said, as well as learning how to
operate Zoom, she's climbing the walls
with cabin fever.
I told her that the year I invited my home business accountant
to my New Year's Eve party was the year I realized I had a problem with
isolation! Eventually, I came to lead such public life that I longed for those good old
days, but I can empathize with anyone who is feeling home office isolation. And believe me, the problem is bigger than just personal
loneliness. You need opportunities to "talk shop" so that your business
and your business life don't stagnate.
First of all, try to re-create for yourself that
emotionally supportive network of coworkers and colleagues that you left
behind in the corporate world.
Schedule a few social encounters each week. Arrange
to meet a friend for coffee or lunch. Attend a professional association
meeting or a Chamber of Commerce networking event. Join a fitness center or sign up for
an in-person night school class where such things are still available. Volunteer with one of the many community organizations
that could use your help.
Some home business owners fight isolation by pursuing
projects that require collaboration. Virtual corporations are becoming
common, whereby independent entrepreneurs come together on a
project-by-project basis. This is a great way to expand your business, while
creating opportunities for stimulating contact with other people.
One group of work-at-homers I once knew
arranged to meet in a neighborhood park each morning at 7 AM. They went for
a power walk together, discussing business issues while getting some much
needed exercise.
Here's another strategy: At one point in the early
days of my self-employment, I created a personal board of advisors. This
group of people included a woman business owner who acted as a mentor, as
well as my
accountant and a retired local business owner. In return for feeding this
group dinner once a month, I received a great deal of advice and motivation.
These dinners also made me feel connected to the business community, in
spite of the fact that most days I was cloistered at home with two little
kids and my computer.
Wendy
Priesnitz is the editor of Natural Life Magazine and the author of 13
books,including
Bringing it Home (now out of print).
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